Food Allergy and Flu Treatment

The flu has arrived in our house. According to our doctor, the treatment of choice this season is Relenza®, an inhaled medication that must be started within 48 hours of flu symptoms. It can also be used as a prophylaxis- protecting against the flu. I wondered if this would be helpful for those with an egg allergy who are unable to ge the flu shot. According to the medication's website, it is recommended for those individuals. However, be warned, that this medication contains milk protein, so it should not be used by those with a dairy allergy.

For more information about food allergy, check out the Food Allergy Assistant.

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A Food Allergy Generation

An expert in Australia warns that we are looking at a food allergy generation. How many times have we heard people say, "There were no food allergies when I was a kid. Nobody had a peanut allergy when I was growing up."? The phrase "a food allergy generation" encapsulates this issue. This is new and it's big and if we don't figure out why or how to cure it, food allergies are going to be even more prevalent.

Check out the full article. Read over the comments and add your own if you're so inclined.

See the Food Allergy Assistant's website for more information.

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Monday Review- Nature's Path

This week's Monday Review is brought to you by Nature's Path, makers of organic cereals, bars, snack foods, waffles, breads and baking mixes. They offer a line of gluten-free products for those with a wheat allergy or celiac disease.

I sampled the cereals and found them to be very tasty. Their new Crispy Rice bars are quite good too. Please note, that both varieties "may contain peanuts, tree nuts or dairy ingredients".

I sent a note to the company about "may contain" statements on their products. I received this response:

Nature’s Path is committed to producing exceptional products and holds the health of their customers along with quality and food safety as their top priorities. The gluten free products are made on shared lines that are thoroughly cleaned between runs, though there are not currently specific dedicated days for gluten free production. We have several tests in place to ensure food safety:

· All raw ingredients that might be used in gluten free products are tested for gluten prior to production.

· All equipment and tools must also pass an ATP and gluten test (production is not allowed to run until the equipment passes both tests.)

· The product undergoes a gluten test at the beginning and is retested once every four hours.

· After the products have been packaged, samples are sent to a third party lab for gluten testing.

Nature's Path will be updating their website in the coming months. I suggested the addition of a "food allergy" section (along with their current celiac/gluten-free section) to help food allergic customers make healthy choices when choosing Nature's Path products. I'll keep you posted on food allergy specific updates from them.

The Nature's Path website is packed with information about their products, as well as definitions of organic farming and the company's dedication to sustainability in terms of resources.Their EnviroKidz™ EnviroFund has raised nearly $300,000 for endangered species and environments since 2000- love that!

For more information about food allergies, visit the Food Allergy Assistant.

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Breastfeeding and Food Allergies

There is much controversy about the role of breastfeeding and food allergies. Most experts still agree that brestfeeding is best. Dr. Sears goes so far as to say that you should breastfeed as long as possible as "breastmilk acts as a protective paint, coating the intestines and keeping food allergens out of the bloodstream".

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) revised its recommendations last year. For eight years, AAP suggested nursing moms of infants at high risk for developing allergy, should avoid cow's milk, egg, fish, peanuts and tree nuts. In 2008, AAP cited "a lack of evidence that avoidance of allergy-causing foods during breastfeeding prevents atopic disease, with the possible exception of eczema, but more data is needed on this". Read the full report.

Whew! No more guilt for those of us who blissfully ate whatever we wanted during nursing and pregnancy.

Angela White at Breastfeeding 123 is conducting a poll about nursing and food allergies. Go here to weigh in and see what moms are saying.

Check out the Food Allergy Assistant's website for more information.

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Have we Cured Food Allergies in Mice?

New York City's Mount Sinai School of Medicine is involved in human trials after use of a Chinese herbal remedy was found to protect mice from allergic reactions from peanuts. In fact, the research team has shown the formula protects mice against other food allergies including tree nut, fish and shellfish. An herbal remedy to treat asthma is also being tested in the human trials.

Read the whole exciting account in the Feb. 13, 2009 issue of U.S. News and World Report.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that this herb is just as effective for humans. This could be BIG!

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Monday Review- Thai Kitchen

This Monday Review is brought to you by Thai Kitchen, a company dedicated to bringing Thai food to American kitchens. My daughter commented, "This tastes just like the rice we get at the Chinese restaurant", after trying her first forkful of Thai Kitchen's Jasmine Rice. I think this is what Seth Jacobson was after when he decided to bring the exotic smells and flavors of Thai food home to the U.S. in 1989.

Now, Thai Kitchen has over 60 products and is sold in 50 states, and Canada. Their products can be found on the shelves of gourmet food shops, natural food stores, green grocers, ethnic markets and grocery stores.

Check out their website for an education into Thai cuisine, as well as many recipes and cooking tips. There is an "Allergy Info" link along the left navigation bar. From this link, each product can be checked for major allergens. Many of the products are gluten-free, but read carefully as many contain peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and other top allergens. Do some research, and then go ahead, try a little Thai for dinner this week.

Check out Thai Kitchen's site for more information.

See the Food Allergy Assistant's site for more food allergy information.

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Happy Valentine's Day From the Food Allergy Assistant

Aahhh...the holiday of love and chocolate. And I do love chocolate. No need to despair if a special someone has food allergies. This plateful of goodies is free of dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. The chocolate presents are melted dairy free chocolate chips poured into a candy mold. The chocolate covered pretzels are your favorite pretzels dipped in melted dairy-free chocolate chips and rolled in safe sprinkles. For the chocolate chocolate chip cookies, grab a mixing bowl and click over to my website for an easy delicious recipe.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Great Food Allergy Resources for Kids

Calling all grandparents, babysitters, teachers, day care staff, parents and others who know a child with a food allergy. Introduce your special kid to these special sites and books:

FAAN Kids
Morgan's Corner
Peanut Allergy Book- "Allie the Allergic Elephant"
Tree Nut Allergy Book- "Chad The Allergic Chipmunk"
Milk Allergy Book- "Cody The Allergic Cow"
Food Allergy Book for Preschoolers- "Mommy Is This Safe For Me?"
A Day at the Playground with Food Allergies
"The Peanut Free Cafe'"


And for your special teen:
FAAN Teens

I'd love to hear your favorites!

Check www.foodallergyassistant.com for more information.

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What is a Tree Nut?

When first confronted with a list of foods to avoid, or risk a possible reaction which could result in death, it is easy to question every food. I remember looking up "nutmeg" to find out if it is considered a nut. The answer is no.

I found this list on the Food and Drug Administration website. One surprise to me- coconut is classified as a tree nut. My earlier research indicated coconut was safe for those with a tree nut allergy. I'll need to check into that again. And, by the way, who ever heard of a "sheanut"?

******************************************
Added October, 2006] Section 201(qq) of the Act defines the term "major food allergen" to include "tree nuts."
The following are considered "tree nuts" for purposes of section 201(qq):

Almond
Beech nut
Brazil nut
Butternut
Cashew
Chestnut
Chinquapin
Coconut
Filbert/hazelnut
Ginko nut
Hickory nut
Lichee nut
Macadamia nut/Bush nut
Pecan
Pine nut/Pinon nut
Pili nut
Pistachio
Sheanut
Walnut ( English, Persian, Black, Japanese,
California), Heartnut, Butternut

********************************************************

For the full FDA report, check here.

Please note that peanuts are not on this list, because peanuts are not classified as a tree nut, but rather a legume.

For additional information, go to the Food Allergy Assistant's website.

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Monday Review- ZenSoy Puddings

This Monday Review is brought to you by the makers of ZenSoy puddings and soy milks. How interesting that a family of dairy farmers should set out to make soy products that are safe for those with milk allergies. They point out on their website, though, that the cows didn't mind when they added soy products to their dairy farm.

ZenSoy puddings and soy milks are organic, gluten-free, and lactose-free with no chance of cross contamination to nuts. That said, I must point out that they manufacture their soy puddings and soy milks in a plant that also produces dairy products. However, the machines are cleaned and sterilized before the manufacture of soy products. I am awaiting further clarification about their sterilization process and testing of the product to ensure there is no cross-contamination.

So, how do the puddings taste? ZenSoy puddings have the same consistency and texture as regular milk-based puddings. They are just as flavorful and satisfying. The puddings must be kept refrigerated, and they're perfect for a school lunch or an at-home treat. I once tried to make Jell-O brand instant puddings with soy milk. It didn't work. A call to Jell-O confirmed what I observed. Only cows milk is recommended to make their puddings. If you substitute with a soy or rice milk, the pudding won't "gel". Basically, you're left with a runny mess.

Back to ZenSoy. I love that they donate 5% of their profits to international wildlife organizations.

To find out where you can buy ZenSoy, go to their website and click on "Product Locator". There is also a request form on their site to fill out and submit to your favorite grocery store manager, asking them to consider carrying ZenSoy.


The same family owned company has recently introduced a new product, Evolve Kefir. This is a dairy product containing live probiotic cultures. I liked the fruit flavor of the Evolve Kefir. It was almost like drinking a yogurt and has the benefits of promoting digestive health and enhancing the immune system. This product is not safe for those with a milk allergy. Regarding other major allergens, a spokesperson from Mountainside Farms, makers of Evolve Kefir states “We do not have gluten, nuts, eggs or peanuts in our Evolve Kefir. ”Learn more at their site.


For more information, check www.foodallergyassistant.com.

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Food Allergies in School

If you have a food allergic child entering school for the first time next fall, you should start thinking now about what you and your child require to keep him/her safe. Children with food allergies are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and accommodations must be made by schools. If funding is involved, your child will need a 504 Plan which is typically done with the Special Education Administrator. If there is no funding, a Healthcare Plan may be fine.

Take some time now to write down what you need and then arrange a meeting with the principal, school nurse, and others if necessary. This is your meeting so be prepared with your questions and requests. Some areas I addressed during my meeting:

How are teachers and staff educated to deal with food allergies?
Where will life-saving medications be stored? I also informed the school that my kindergartner would carry his own Epi-Pen in a waist-pack.
How are medications handled on field trips?
What is the procedure for medications in the event of a fire drill? I wanted to know if the nurse took medications out of the building in the event students were kept outside for a long period of time.
How will the bus driver be aware of food allergies and are they trained in how to handle them?
How will classrooms be kept safe? I requested that the principal send a letter home to parents at the beginning of the year informing them that their child has a classmate with food allergies. I also asked that all students in the class wash their hands after lunch and snack.

The school will probably require documentation from your child's allergist as well. Planning ahead will ensure a smooth transition to school next fall.

For more information, go to my website.

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Over Diagnosis of Food Allergies Debate

The food allergy hum today is related to a NY times article, and a follow-up debate on the Today Show, about the OVER-diagnosis of food allergies. Here are my comments about that:

"I found the NY Times article, "Is it a food allergy or false alarm?" and the follow-up discussion on the Today Show to be fair and balanced. There was an acknowledgment that food allergies are real and need to be taken seriously. There was also discussion about the problems with our current testing methods and recommendations. Media attention to food allergies gets people talking and thinking. Hopefully this leads to more interest which may lead to further research for causes and cures.

We need to keep emphasizing that a reputable allergist, using the best tests available, helps parents decide how to best handle their child's food allergies. We need the support of the medical community, our schools, our neighbors, our families and the media as we make our way through the confusing and conflicting information we sometimes receive. Let's keep talking!"

Take a look at the article here.

You can watch the video here.


Get more information at my website: www.foodallergyassistant.com

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Monday Review- GoPicnic

Today's Monday Review is brought to you by GoPicnic, a company specializing in ready-made snackbox meals.

In 2005, GoPicnic provided shelf-stable meals to a major US airline. Since then, they have expanded and now offer over 25 different meal and snack options for adults and kids, including vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher alternatives.

All GoPicnic snackboxes are peanut free. Their MightyMunch kids meals are tree-nut free too. Plus, if you like to avoid trans fat, high fructose corn syrup and MSG, GoPicnic doesn't add any of those either. Complete ingredient information is available on their boxes and website. Read carefully as some products are manufactured on the same line, or produced in a facility, that processes top allergens.

I really appreciate that these meals don't require heating or refrigeration. You simply open the box, use the enclosed plastic utensils, and eat. They even provide a wet-wipe for easy clean-up. What a perfect solution for a quick school lunch, a field trip day or a visit to grandma's. As you prepare to travel, how convenient it would be to order several snackboxes and have them shipped directly to your destination. No more worrying about what to feed your food allergic child when you first arrive. Wouldn't it be great if GoPicnic had a food allergy line of snackboxes? I'd love to see a few kids meals that are free of dairy and egg, as well as peanuts and tree nuts.

I tried Safari Munch, Sports Munch and Go Trek. The meals are well-balanced and I like the variety in the boxes - 5 or 6 foods for each meal.

Snackboxes are priced as low as $2.99 (most kids meals are $4.99). As a bonus to Food Allergy Assistant readers, GoPicnic will give a 25% discount for your first order. Just use coupon code "GPTHANKS".

Check out GoPicnic's complete line of products.

Check out my website for more information: www.foodallergyassistant.com

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Chemical that Leads to More Severe Allergy Reactions

I love to read about a study that finds promising information in the study of food allergy causes and treatment. Check out this new study about eotaxin, a chemical that we all have in our bodies which seems to block basic fighter cells from transforming into seeker cells, resulting in a heightened allergic response. This breakthrough may lead to the design of new allergy drugs for those who deal with food allergies. I hope this is the start of something big!

Check out my website for more information: www.foodallergyassistant.com

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