If you have food allergies, it’s important to be careful of your triggers. Even if you’re a foodie and love trying new foods, you must be cautious about what you eat. Some ingredients or dishes may contain hidden allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. Common allergic reactions are often triggered by peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. That’s why it’s important to do your research before trying any new food. If you’re not sure whether a food contains any allergens, here are some best practices to follow:
Always Read the Ingredient List
By reading the ingredients list, you can get an idea of what is in the product and whether it contains any allergens. This will help you make an informed decision about whether to buy the product. If you see any allergens listed on the ingredients, it’s best to avoid that product.
Another thing to remember is that food manufacturers also list in the label if their product contains ingredients that may be related to your allergens. If you aren’t familiar with these technical terms, you might miss it. So, it’s important to be familiar with common terms about allergens and other ingredients that can trigger the same allergic reactions. This way, you can be sure to identify them when reading ingredient lists.
Ask the Wait Staff About Ingredients in a Dish
You can always ask the wait staff for help when ordering at a restaurant. They should be able to tell you what ingredients are in a dish and whether any allergens are present. When asking about a dish’s ingredients, it’s essential to be polite and respectful. Remember, the wait staff is just trying to help. So, be sure to thank them for their time and information.
However, you also have to gauge if they’re sure of their information. This is most important if your table’s server shows signs they’re new to the job. If you think they aren’t sure about their answer, politely explain your allergies and why you need to be sure before ordering any food.
Avoid Buffets
If you have food allergies, you must be careful about what you eat. Even if you’re a foodie and love trying new foods, you must be cautious about what’s on the buffet line. That’s because you won’t have any wait staff to ask about every food available. So, it’s best to avoid buffets altogether if you have food allergies. This way, you can be sure that all the foods you’re eating are safe for you.
Watch Out for Cross Contamination
If you have food allergies, it’s important to be careful about the possibility of cross contamination. That’s because even a small amount of an allergen can cause a reaction. For example, if you’re allergic to peanuts, you need to be careful about foods that may have been cooked in peanut oil. Likewise, if you’re allergic to eggs, you need to be careful about the possibility of cooking utensils that may have come in contact with eggs.
Your Allergy Medication and Dental Health
If you take antihistamines regularly, it is important to maintain good oral and dental hygiene practices. Allergy drugs such as antihistamines work by blocking histamines, which are chemicals that your body releases in response to an allergen. A common side effect is a dry mouth, which is linked to an increased risk for dental cavities or decay. This, alongside your eating habits, can impact your oral health if you don’t take preventative measures.
Suppose you are experiencing dry mouth as a side effect of your allergy medication. In that case, you can help offset the effects by drinking plenty of water, avoiding sugary drinks, or using saliva substitutes. This will help alleviate its effects. But if your dry mouth has already led to cavities or other issues, you would need dental care. You should set an appointment with a reputable dentist who can help you avoid any long-term damage to your teeth and gums. They will be able to give you the best guidance on how to protect your smile while still managing your allergies.
Have Gels or Creams for Rashes
If you’ve had a bad reaction to a food and developed a rash, it’s important to have topical treatments on hand. Creams or ointments can help soothe your skin and speed up healing. If the rash becomes itchy or swollen, refrain from scratching the area and take antihistamines to help with the itchiness. In severe cases, you may need other medicines to help reduce the inflammation.
When trying new food, people with allergies have a unique perspective. They often have to be careful about what they eat and where they eat, as even trace amounts of an allergen can cause a severe reaction. By being careful and taking precautions, you can enjoy your foodie lifestyle while still managing your food allergies.
