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3 Ways to Serve Allergen-free Food for Your Children

Living with children who don’t like being told “no,” and who are fussy eaters to begin with is bad enough, but throwing allergies into the mix is a sure-fire way to make mealtimes as painful as possible. However, the market has now started to catch up with the demand for allergen-free favorites, which can only be a positive when it comes to dinner times.

This piece will discuss the different ways to serve allergen-free food for your children.
 

How to Spot an Allergic Reaction to Food in Children

If you suspect your child is having an adverse reaction to certain foods, here are some of the common symptoms to look out for:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Weak pulse or dizziness
 
In rare cases, anaphylaxis may occur, which can send the body into shock and cause breathing problems. The symptoms mentioned above can also be present. In situations like these, it is important to call the emergency services immediately. 
 
If you suspect your child may have an allergy, contact Velda Rose Medical Center in Mesa for an allergy testing and customized at-home treatment.


How to Serve Allergen-free Food for Your Children


Join Inclusive and Understanding Communities for Ideas

Around 250 million people suffer from a food allergy worldwide, so you and your children are not alone. The silver lining to this is that there are plenty of support communities filled with parents and caregivers who are all going through similar experiences. Sharing ideas, inspiration, and words of encouragement can help everyone navigate having children with allergies, and the support from other parents can certainly help lessen the burden. There are plenty of great groups on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that offer helpful tips and advice, and they are also a good place to make new friends with common ground. 
 

Replace Their Favorite Foods with Allergen-Free Alternatives

When children develop allergies, it does not mean they cannot have any of their favorite foods anymore. There are some excellent alternatives such as wheat-free bread, pasta, and cakes, and also lactose-free dairy; and there is a good selection of manufacturers that produce allergen-free family favorites

It is best to keep a pantry filled with allergen-free products so there is always food on hand, such as plenty of fruit and vegetables, a lean protein that is not fish, and starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes. This can also offer the opportunity to get creative when it comes to meal preparation.
 


Create Meal Ideas With Children Who Have Allergies 

Having allergies does not mean children have to miss out on the fun of food. Take it on as a challenge together to create diverse recipes that are tasty and safe for the whole family. For some dishes, it will work to have a side dish of different food items that are suitable for each individual person.

There are so many fun ideas and recipes online to choose from, and involving your child in the process of making the food can give them a handle and further understanding of their allergies. It can also open up a dialogue to discuss why you do what you do for them and how they can stay safe.

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