The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, amazing food. For individuals with food allergies, it can tend to be a time of stress and concern as you try to avoid harmful ingredients. Here are some essential tips for preparing for the holidays with food allergies to help you enjoy a stress-free season.
Tips for an Allergy-Free Holiday Season
- Know Your Allergens: The first step to managing your food allergies during the holidays is to know exactly which allergens you need to avoid. Common food allergens include cow’s milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nut, and shellfish, but triggers can vary widely per person. Make sure you are fully aware of your food triggers and share that information with family and friends who might be preparing food for you. If you are unsure what foods you’re allergic to or how to manage your food allergies, make sure you schedule an allergy consultation prior to the holiday rush so you’re fully informed and prepared.
- Communicate with Hosts and Guests: Effective communication is essential to avoid an allergic reaction during holiday gatherings. Before attending any party or event, make sure to discuss your food allergies with the host so they understand which foods you need to avoid. Take the initiative to ask about the ingredients in the dishes being served and how the food is being prepared. This will help you assess the risk of cross-contamination and decide if you need to bring your own allergy-safe alternatives
- Plan Your Holiday Menu Accordingly: If you’re the one hosting a holiday gathering for family or friends, be proactive in planning an allergy-friendly menu for your guests. Offer a variety of dishes that are safe for individuals with various food allergies. This will help you enjoy the celebration without worrying about potential allergens.
- Read Food Labels & Ingredients Carefully: When purchasing pre-made food or ingredients, it’s important to read food labels carefully to avoid potential allergic reactions. While food manufacturers are required to list common allergens on packaging, you should always double-check for any hidden ingredients.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Even with extensive planning, accidents can still occur. Stay vigilant and make sure to carry any necessary rescue medications, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen or Auvi-Q) in case of accidental food allergen exposure.
Food Allergy Symptoms
During the holidays, be extra mindful of food allergy symptoms food allergy symptoms, even if you haven’t experienced a reaction in the past. Food allergies can develop at any time, and reactions can vary in severity. Watch for these common symptoms:
- Hives or rash
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing including shortness of breath or wheezing
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Abdominal pain, cramping or diarrhea
- Throat tightness
- Anaphylaxis (severe, potentially life-threatening)
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
The holidays should be a time for celebration and joy, and with proper planning, people with food allergies can enjoy the season. By taking these simple steps and staying informed, you can enjoy delicious meals and moments with your loved ones during the holidays—without the stress of food allergies.
Manage Food Allergies with Impact Medical
Navigating food allergies, especially during the holidays, can be challenging, but with the help of an allergist at Impact Medical, it’s possible to manage them effectively. Schedule an allergy consultation with a board-certified allergist at any of our New Jersey locations (Riverdale, Paramus and Morristown), or our West Nyack, New York location. Our expert team will conduct comprehensive diagnostic testing and create a personalized treatment plan for your food allergies.