Lying about food allergies does more harm than good

This week I saw another article about a mother lying about food allergies so that their vegan lifestyle would be taken seriously. This got me thinking.

Food allergies are a life threatening issue that causes major effects if a food is eaten that one is allergic to. Veganism is a personal choice that as one chooses not to eat any dairy or animal by product. That is a personal choice. No one chooses to have food allergies. No one chooses or likes to experience anaphylaxis.

Restaurants have the ability to accommodate those with food allergies. Some do it better than others though. Sometimes, though, it takes research. Planning, asking, calling, emailing, and inquiring about certain foods, cross contamination, ingredients, and methods used to cook. All that happens before one can eat out. It is a daunting experience, sometimes, to trust others to cook for a food allergic. However, most can effectively do that. Restaurants that are good with food allergies earn respect of others in the food allergy community. If someone says they are "allergic" when it's just a personal choice then that does not build the awareness of food allergies. It is just lying. It discredits the term "food allergy.
Pure, plain, and simple. There are both food allergy aware restaurants and vegan options available for all. Researching and asking questions can help.

Chef Keith Norman is no stranger to food allergies and has dedicated his career to providing options to those with food allergies. Norman presently serves as the food and safety manager and Assistant Executive chef at South Point hotel in Las Vegas. Having met Norman at the Food Allergy Bloggers conference last year, he truly "gets" food allergies and successfully fed many with sensitivities and anaphylactic allergens at the conference. He continues to work with the hotel to assure that those with food allergies and other food difficulties can eat safely. With his team of chefs, they successfully fed all without incident. That, in itself, is a huge accomplishment.

The bottom line is simple. Food allergies are severe and have the potential to cause anaphlyaxis even with the smallest bite. Veganism is a personal choice and will not cause anaphylaxis even with the smallest molecule. While vegans have a choice to avoid all animal derivatives, food allergics must take strict avoidance to the foods that could potentially kill them. The smallest molecule, for me, will cause anaphylaxis. Respect each others beliefs and their personal life choices, yes, but do not lie about food allergies just if you are choosing not to eat something.

What anaphylaxis feels like

The other day, a sweet kiddo asked me if I had ever had "anaphwaxis" like him when his mom and I started talking in the health food store. I was able to tell him yes, unfortunately, and we showed each other our Epi pens. It was an innocent moment where we connected through food allergies.

Food allergies can be scary and, unfortunately, anaphylaxis (life threatening allergic reactions) can occur from food. You can read symptoms all day long, however, I thought I would give a glimpse of what anaphylaxis feels like in real life. The only way to stop anaphylaxis is with the use of an epi pen. 

While an epi pen can be scary, don't hesitate its use. I've hesitated before and it is more of a mind thing. My allergist also had some thoughts too. I should have epi'd but hesitated. Never again.

What not to do during an allergic reaction 
A few years ago, my family and I went on vacation. We were eating dinner that had some cross contamination of fish, from a serving spoon, on my meal. I learned this after the reaction.

At first, my throat just felt like it tickled. Then, I started coughing. The cough got pretty severe and I got up to use my inhaler. Not knowing it was a food reaction, I excused myself. I started feeling really strange. No energy nor strength. I sat down and had a strange feeling. Later, we realized my blood pressure dropped. I should have used my epi pen. I didn't as I didn't think it was that bad.

I did use Benedryl and my inhaler but hesitated with my epi-pen. My allergist had other thoughts and I should have used my epi. I promised I would the next time.  

What to do if you think you're experiencing an allergic reaction
In college, I had a piece of candy during finals week from the library. I had it before and didn't think anything of it. However, the bag (which I didn't see) had a warning on it that I didn't see. I ate the piece of candy and within 15 minutes I started to feel funny. Hives started popping up and I started coughing. I am not talking just a cough that can be eased with water. This cough took my breath away and made me feel out of breath. I was miserable within a matter of minutes. A food allergy friend, who was working at the library, helped me epi and called for help. Within minutes, I started to feel better. Thank you epi pen! I spent lovely time in the ER and was watched after my anaphylactic reaction.

The difference between the two?
I acted and used my epi pen. I also followed my allergist's plan and used it as I had two systems (Coughing/throat irritation and hives) affected. Yes, the other time had two systems too, but I hesitated.

This isn't intended to scare anyone. It's to educate and tell you that an epi pen shouldn't be scary. It's lifesaving!