Living with Food Allergies? Tips from a Dietitian on Supporting Nutrition

Food allergy has reached epidemic proportions. If you’re an allergy sufferer - you’re not alone! According to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education, 2023) more than 33 million Americans are estimated to have food allergy. That’s nearly 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children in the United States at risk for a mild to life threatening reaction to food!  While the root cause of this rapid rise in allergy remains unclear, safe and effective management is possible. This article will explore food allergy in adults, review the impact on nutritional status, and offer effective dietary strategies for navigating food allergy in everyday life.

 

Understanding Food Allergies: What is it?

A food allergy is a medical condition in which the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful, triggering an immune response or allergic reaction. The proteins in food that trigger this reaction are called allergens (FARE, 2023) and are most commonly found in peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, soy, sesame, and wheat.  These are considered the 9 major allergens, although any food has the potential to trigger a reaction.  

 

When an allergic individual consumes these foods their immune system releases antibodies and histamines that produce telltale symptoms like hives, swelling, GI distress (cramping, nausea, vomiting), or respiratory problems (wheezing, difficulty breathing).  The severity of a response varies by person and can range from just mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening - a condition called anaphylaxis.  

 

Traditional management of food allergy in adults involves complete avoidance of the allergenic foods while ensuring optimal nutrition through strategic dietary planning.

 

Impact on Nutrition:

Food allergies can have a significant impact on an individual's nutritional status, as they may require full elimination of certain food groups from the diet. A restricted diet can lead to potential nutrient deficiencies if not thoughtfully managed. 

 

For instance, avoiding dairy due to a milk allergy may result in inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, both of which are crucial for bone health (among other benefits!). Similarly, eliminating wheat from the diet can affect the intake of fiber and essential B-vitamins.  Consulting with an allergist and Registered Dietitian on your specific needs can prevent long term health implications from food avoidance.  

 

Nutritional Strategies for Managing Food Allergies:

 

1. Receive Accurate Diagnosis: If you suspect food allergy, seek proper medical diagnosis and allergen testing with a board certified Allergist/Immunologist to accurately identify your triggers.

 

1. Follow Elimination Diet: Remove relevant food allergens from your diet. Work with a Registered Dietitian to create an elimination diet plan that avoids allergenic foods while still ensuring balanced nutrition.  

 

1. Seek Professional Guidance:  You don’t have to go it alone!  Ask your primary doctor or allergist for a referral to a dietitian who specializes in food allergies to develop an individualized nutrition plan.

 

1. Replace Nutrients: Work with your healthcare team to identify alternative food sources to replace nutrients eliminated from the diet. For example, calcium-fortified plant-based milk can replace dairy for those with a milk allergy while whole grains like oats, wild rice, or quinoa can provide essential fiber and B-vitamins in those with wheat allergy.  Explore other food sources of major nutrients here!

 

1. Experiment with Alternative Ingredients: Explore allergen-free substitutes like wheat and gluten-free grains and flours, nut-free seed butters, egg replacements, plant-based milks and non-dairy protein sources to diversify the diet while avoiding your triggers.

 

1. Read Labels: Always check the Ingredient list!  Learn to read food labels carefully to identify hidden allergens in packaged foods. Manufacturers are required to disclose major allergens on their labels.  Not sure what to look for?  Read on here!

 

1. Plan Ahead and Meal Prep: Plan meals in advance to have ingredients on hand for a balanced and allergen-free diet. Prepared foods may be tempting, but carry a higher risk of containing major allergens. Home-cooked meals offer exclusive control over ingredients and lower the risk for cross contact in food preparation!

 

1. Supplement if Necessary: In some cases, dietary supplements may be recommended to meet specific nutrient needs. Consult with a healthcare professional or Registered Dietitian before starting any supplements.

 

1. Manage Cross-Contact: Avoid cross-contact by thoroughly cleaning utensils, cookware, and food preparation surfaces to prevent inadvertent exposure to allergens.

 

1. Build a Support System: Join support groups or online communities where individuals with food allergies can share experiences, recipes, and valuable information. Find a support group here!

 

Conclusion:

Mover over allergy, I’ve got this!  Food allergies can certainly impact quality of life, but with careful planning, education, and the right support, it’s possible to eat a varied and balanced diet while avoiding problem foods. To boot, oral immunotherapy protocols are also gaining popularity for desensitizing the body to major allergens.  While dietary restriction is the current standard, it’s possible that food avoidance could be a thing of the past for some… Interested in learning more about this therapy?  Read on here!  Still, proper medical diagnosis, allergen avoidance, and professional guidance are all vital components of successfully managing food allergy and ensuring nutritional adequacy.  If you’re dealing with food allergy and in need of personalized support, ask your doctor for a referral to a Registered Dietitian and get started with your healing journey today! Or go ahead and schedule an appointment with Foodsmart! Schedule Today.