By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition Specialist Anyone with a food allergy or a child with food allergies can attest to the fact that managing food allergies is no easy task. Food manufacturing has become so sophisticated that foods can now contain dozens of ingredients putting food allergy sufferers at even greater risk of an allergic response. There is hope, however, and getting a handle on those allergies makes life a lot easier. Before you know it, you will be a food allergy pro. Here are 5 simple ways to manage food allergies:
1. Zero in on allergens: Determining what your child is allergic to is key. If you suspect food allergies or intolerances, you can talk to your pediatrician about getting blood tests to determine the allergen. Blood work only reveals true allergies, but does not indicate food intolerances which can be equally troublesome. A simple method of determining food allergens or intolerances is by process of elimination or an elimination diet modified for a child. Most importantly, keep a journal of the foods eliciting an allergic response as well as the type of response.
2. Seek help: If you are feeling overwhelmed with your childs food allergies, dont be afraid to ask for help. Meeting with a dietitian or nutritionist can help ensure your child is getting all the nutrients they need without allergenic foods. There is also a wealth of information available on the internet, where you can find everything from online support groups to recipes. Talk to friends, family, and school teachers about your childs food allergies not just as a precautionary measure but also for some additional support.
3. Read Labels Carefully: Foods can contain some hidden allergens so it is imperative you become label savvy. Current law now mandates that food labels must list the top 8 potential allergens wheat, nuts (both peanuts and tree nuts), soy, dairy, fish and shellfish. Be wary of cross contamination; food labels may also list the cross-contamination potential. For example, if your child is allergic to nuts, a food label with the note processed in a plant that also processes peanuts or may contain traces of tree nuts indicates that is definitely a food to avoid. If your child is highly sensitive, food purchased in bulk containers may also have been cross-contaminated and should be avoided. As a general rule, if you are unsure about a food or ingredient, dont eat it.
4. Focus on the positive: Once youve determined the foods that need to be avoided, make a list of the foods you and or your child can have. This helps to keep things in a positive perspective by focusing on the foods your family can eat. Use this can have list of foods as a starting point for recipes and you will find there is a whole new world of foods you can eat.
5. Plan ahead: Planning ahead is a vital step in managing food allergies. Although you may find you need to prepare most meals at home to be sure you know all the ingredients, prepare a double recipe or cook in large batches so that you can freeze meals for later use as well as utilizing leftovers. Also, be sure to keep a few snacks handy at all times so if you are out and about and your little one gets hungry youll have an allergen free food available. The same goes for dining out; call restaurants ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate food allergies. Many restaurants now list their menus online so you can view before you go.
译文:
婴儿的成长五种告别食物过敏症的方法
正如科林赫尔利——鉴定孩子营养专家所说的那样，任何对食物敏感的人或是小孩都会知道应对食物敏感不是一件容易的事。食物制造业变得如此狡猾以至食物内包含了各种各样的成分，这些物质令那些患食物过敏症的人的过敏反应的风险更大。然而，仍有希望对付那些过敏症从而让生活变得更轻松。在你没知道它之前，你还是一个对食物敏感的长期患者。这里有五种简单的对付食物敏感的方法：
1. 要特别注意过敏原：关键是了解你的孩子对什么食过敏。如果你对食物过敏症或食物不耐症有所察觉，你应该告诉你的儿科医师，并通过验血来查出过敏原。验血仅仅是揭示真正的过敏原，但并不能说明食物的不耐症也是一件很棘手的事情。一种简单并可以测定食物过敏症或不耐症的方法是把为小孩而改进的食物撤掉，更重要的是要把引发过敏反应的食物名称及其反应的症状记录下来。
2.寻求帮助：如果你对你的孩子的食物敏感症束手无策，应大胆向别人求助。向营养学家咨询可以确保你的孩子既没有摄入过敏食物又获得了足够的营养。同时，在网上也有许多信息，你可以在网上互助小组得到解决办法；此外，向你的朋友、家人以及同事说明你的孩子食物过敏的情况，这不仅可以起到防范的作用，而且可以获得额外的帮助。
3.仔细阅读标签：食物可能会包含一些隐藏的敏感原，所以你必须具备识别标签的能力。当今的法律要求标签上必须标出前八种潜在的过敏原——小麦、坚果（包括花生和树的坚果）、大豆、奶制品、鱼和贝类。提防交叉污染物;食物标签也许列出潜在的交叉污染物。例如，如果你的孩子对坚果过敏，那么你应该在含有花生、树的坚果等诸类食物上贴上避免食用的标签。如果你的孩子高度敏感，那么你在大批量地购买食物并装于同一个集装箱时，一定要避免交叉污染。一般来说，如果你不确定一种食物及它的成分时，不要吃。
4.以积极的眼光看问题：一旦知道自己吃什么东西过敏后，就把自己和你的孩子可以吃的的东西列出来，这样可以助你把注意力集中到你的家人可以吃的东西上，以至你会以积极的眼光来看问题,而且你可以把单子上的食物作为菜谱的起点，这样你会发现这里有一个你可以开怀大吃的新世界。
5.事先计划：事先计划是摆脱食物敏感症的很重要的一步。尽管你觉得为了了解食物的所有成分而多做许多道菜是很有必要的，但你应该准备两张菜谱或者大批量地煮以至你可以先把新鲜饭菜或剩饭剩菜冰先冰镇起来，稍后在享用。同时，时刻准备一些唾手可得的小吃。这样，当你病愈起床或你的小孩子肚子饿时，你可以很方便的拿道非过敏性的食物。同样的，如果你要出外面吃饭，为了确保饭店能为食物过敏者提供合适的饮食，事先给饭店打电话。由于许多的饭店都在网上列有菜单，因此你在外出时可以先上网看一看。