Food allergies can be deadly, which means they can have a big impact on your relationship with food. Also, the outward appearance of your body might react in response to allergen exposure. One common body change with food sensitivity and intolerance is tummy bloat. This symptom can lower your body confidence and make it challenging to wear certain clothes — especially if your stomach hurts or is tender to the touch. Another worry might be staying in close proximity to a bathroom throughout the day due to the intensity, irregularity and/or frequency of bowel movements or flatulence.
Even if you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, take comfort in knowing that food allergies and sensitivities are more common than many people realize. In fact, a study conducted last year estimated that up to 17% of Americans have a food intolerance diagnosed by a medical professional. Being able to distinguish between the two is important too. Food intolerances and food allergies are not the same. Intolerances usually affect the digestive system, whereas allergies trigger the immune system and can be fatal.
Both intolerances and allergies may require changes to how you or your family eat, as well as the kinds of dishes you can enjoy when dining out or at social gatherings. Registered dietitian and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) expert Jessie Wong shared a few encouraging tips for maintaining a positive relationship with food for those who have recently been diagnosed with a food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity.
If you have food allergies or intolerances, Wong suggests thinking about the following questions before trying a dish at a party or event that was made by someone else:
- Where is the food coming from?
- Who is preparing it?
- What is their level of knowledge about the food allergy or sensitivity you have?
- What risk does the meal pose to you overall? (Example: Is there a separate serving spoon for each container?)
- Do you feel comfortable sharing food and eating with a large group of people?
Several common food intolerances to be aware of are wheat/gluten, nuts, fish, eggs, dairy and soy. Maybe you don’t have any food allergies or sensitivities yourself, but have a co-worker, friend or family member who does. This is another important reason to be mindful of common intolerances when preparing nibbles for barbeques or potlucks. Ensuring there is at least one offering that everyone can try helps folks with food allergies and sensitivities feel more relaxed, safe and included.
If you have advice or questions about managing dietary needs such as these, please comment below.
Now let’s all “seize the day” the rest of September by trying one new recipe or exercise from the latest issue of TOPS News before October begins!
Happy Fall, y’all!
~Rachel
