Food allergies effect more and more people. Learn some indications and signs that you or someone you know may have allergies to some foods.

Often times, having food allergies can feel extremely isolating. I have felt like I cannot go anywhere because my food allergies are so bad. Feeling like you cannot go to friends houses or out to eat feels very limiting and pulls away from relationships, but you will be surprised at how many people are accommodating. You and your children do not have to stay home just because of food allergies. Over the last few years, I have learned a great deal about ways I can be around others and not be "impaired" by my allergies.

I have actually called friends that I am to have dinner with and told them about my allergies. They made me a salad with all that I needed and a dish that had none of my allergy foods. When I go to my parents' house for supper, they know what I can and cannot eat and I usually bring side dishes of my my own. So we are taken care of when we go out to friends' houses. All you have to do is ASK!

Going to restaurants is much the same. Many restaurants these days offer Gluten-free options or menus with ingredients so you can choose exactly what you want with ease. The key point is to ASK. If the restaurant does not offer a menu, simply ask to speak with the chef and request a meal with the specifications you need. You can also call in advance to see what restaurants have to offer.

Most people are not well informed about food allergies, so some restaurants may require more explanation than others. Getting an allergy card may be helpful for restaurants, too. If they are not informed, it's important to talk to them about a few things.

Reminders To Restaurants

• Cross-Contamination
  Make sure to ask the chef or waiter to cook your food in a separate pan from foods that you are allergic to - on a clean cooking surface. Many places offer salads with croutons and mix them in a large bowl. Ask for clean mixing utensils.
  

• Sauces
  Many people do not know that things like soy sauce, bouillons, and broths have gluten. Many sauces have butter, cream or lactose in them. Make sure to ASK what is in any sauce. If you are aware, you will know what to look for.
  

Questions You Can Ask

• Does the salad come with croutons? If so, can you please leave them off?
  
• Are your salad dressings made in-house? What are the ingredients?
  
• Are your soups made in-house? What are the ingredients?
  
• Are marinades used? Are basting sauces used? Is a grilling-baste used?
  
• Are your sauces made in-house?
• Do the foods get dusted with flour prior to cooking?
  
• Is the oil used to make your fries also used for other breaded items?
  
• Do you use imitation bacon or meat substitute on anything?
  
• Are your mashed potatoes from a mix?
  
• Do you use imitation crab meat or seafood?
  
• Will the ice cream have a anything on it?
  

In The Series

Food Allergies: The Beginning For Me
Food Allergies: The INs And OUTs Of Them

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