Food Allergies

Barrie Lynne SuttonKeene State College Dietetic Intern 2014/15

The Statistics

-Up to 15 million Americans have a food allergy

*1 in every 20 children*

-Between 1997 and 2011, the amount of people with food allergies has increased by 50%

-Every 3 minutes a person is sent to the ER due to an allergic reaction to food

What is a food allergy?When our body reacts to a harmless food as if it

were a threat.

The first time a person is exposed to a food, there are no symptoms of an allergy existing.

Any subsequent exposures to that food, and a reaction will occur.

Examples of First Exposures

-Touching the food

-Using a skin or beauty product that contains that food

-Breathing in dust or steam of the food

Symptoms of a Reaction-itchy mouth

-swelling lips and tongue

-hives

-faintness

-worsening eczema

-tightening of throat/trouble breathing

-GI symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, pain)

How Much Can Cause a Reaction?

Even just trace amounts of a triggering food can cause an allergic reaction.

Avoiding Cross Contact~Thoroughly wash all utensils, pans, knives, cutting boards, surfaces, hands

~Cooking does not reduce or remove an allergen(grills, griddles, pans, tilt skillets)

~Change you gloves

~Wash with warm soapy water

Avoiding Cross Contact

-Use separate toasters

-Keep separate meat slicers

-Store allergen-free foods separately in a box on designated shelf away from allergen containing foods (recommended to use a top shelf)

-Designate a separate preparation area in kitchen

What is Celiac Disease?It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own intestines when gluten is eaten.

-Estimated to affect 1 in every 100 people

-Currently, an estimated 2.5 million Americans are undiagnosed

CeliacGluten is a natural protein found in wheat, barley

and rye.

When gluten is eaten, even in trace amounts, there is damage done to the intestines that prevents nutrients from food from being absorbed.

Celiac Symptoms-abdominal bloating/cramping

-unexplained weight loss

-chronic diarrhea

-vomiting

-constipation

-pale, foul smelling, or fatty stool

-having a direct relative diagnosed with celiac disease gives you a 1 in 10 chance of developing it

Complications from Undiagnosed and Unmanaged Celiac Disease

- Osteoporosis

- Anemia

- Cancer

- Malnutrition

Celiac TreatmentOnly treatment is a life-long gluten-free diet.

Within a few days of beginning diet, symptoms will reside.

Intestinal damage takes between 3-6 months to heal in children and up to several years in adults

Gluten Free Diet-No wheat, barley or rye OR any foods that contain these

ingredients.~oats/oatmeal

-Look for GF label

-Keep diet nutritionally balanced with meat, fish, fruits and vegetables

-Read ingredients of medications, chap sticks, play dough, and other hidden sources

Safe Grain Alternatives

AmaranthRiceSoyQuinoaBuckwheatBean flourMilletCorn

More Food Examples

More Food Examples

Questions?

References

-NIH (for food allergies and Celiac disease)http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/Documents/foodallergy.pdfhttp://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/Pages/facts.aspx

-FoodAllergy.orghttp://www.foodallergy.org/resources/schools