Here's How I Manage Being a Food Writer with Severe Food Allergies

Life As A Food Writer With Severe Food Allergies

Stepping into a universe where my existence is centered around food is a mix of exhilaration and excitement. Exotic caviar on a luxury yacht? Sure. Savoury imu-cooked pork on Kauai? Absolutely. But Peanut satay chicken with mango chutney in Leeds? No.

Food Allergies and Sensitivities: A Constant Challenge.

I don't despise the UK. In reality, I am a food and travel writer dealing with intense food sensitivities and allergies. Sometimes, it feels like my anaphylaxis is on display.

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Placing my health and well-being in the hands of those who aren't health professionals is a constant requirement, and articulating my food allergies can be challenging.

It's surprising how many people find it amusing and dismiss it. Some insist on offering me foods I'm allergic to–they seem to think it's a dietary preference and not a serious medical condition.

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The Thin Line Between Being Picky and Risking Your Life.

Avoiding certain foods is so crucial to me that I even refrain from touching family members or bidding them goodbye with a kiss if they have consumed certain foods. I've been dubbed "the pickiest person" they've ever encountered, but here's a catch: there's a severe difference between being selective and not wishing to drop dead in a Five Guys burger restaurant.

How Allergies Affect Social Interactions.

Food, a substance that is supposed to unite people, can sometimes make social situations awkward for me. I've had to request party hosts to inform their guests about not bringing any food containing nuts.

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Initiating conversations about my allergies with gate agents, flight crews, and fellow passengers on flights and cruises is often a necessity to avoid a crisis.

I am one of those individuals who meticulously scans through a restaurant's menu days ahead of my visit. It might seem like a fun activity, but it's actually a necessary precaution due to my allergies.

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The Repulsive Food List.

For me, a huge chunk of food items are out of bounds because of my allergies. Ever since I was 14, tree nuts and peanuts have been complete no-go as they can induce anaphylactic shock. Although legumes, coconuts, and sesame are safe, I had to add stone fruit to my list by the age of 25.

Recently, I've had to resort to additional changes to my diet. I find myself, altogether too frequently, doubled over in agony even despite curbing my cheese intake to include only hard cheeses.

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Exploring Possible Gut Health Issues.

Upon extensively investigating the recent decline in my gut health, Heather Danielle Maradiaga, MS, PA-C and based at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist informs, "Many people experience adult onset gut issues. Stress, hormonal changes, other illnesses, immune system responses, decreased ability to digest things such as lactose, and slowing gastric motility can all trigger problems."

For me, part of the treatment strategy includes tests for lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Unfortunately, there is no test for irritable bowel and I might just have to resort to yoga and a FODMAP diet in order to soothe my gut.

Starting now, my allergies will no longer be a secret. If being an "allergy girl" or viewed as a problem before stepping into a restaurant is the consequence, so be it. After all, rarely do well-behaved food writers make history!

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