If you have a food allergy, traveling can seem like a daunting task. But with the proper planning and precautions, it can be a breeze! In this blog post, we will discuss the most common food allergies and how to navigate them while away from home.
Food Allergies & Travel
When your body overreacts to a type of food it deems as dangerous,and it will cause a protective response and varying symptoms, known as an allergic reaction.
The most common food allergies are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. If you have a severe allergy to any of these foods, it is important to take the necessary precautions while traveling.
Carry Medications
If you have a severe allergy, it is important to carry your medication with you at all times. This could be an EpiPen, inhaler, or oral medication. Make sure it is easily accessible properly labeled and that you know how to use it properly.
If you are traveling via airplane, be sure to keep this medication in your carry-on luggage so you may have access to it at all times in case of a reaction.
Communicate With Those Around You
If you have a food allergy, it is important to communicate this with those around you. When eating at restaurants, make sure your waiter is aware of your allergies so they can help you identify what is safe for you to eat on the menu.
If visiting family or friends, send them a message ahead of time letting them know about your allergies. You can even include a list of meals you enjoy that are allergen-free in order to help them better plan what they'll be cooking during your visit.
When traveling abroad, it is important to learn how to communicate in that country's native language. Write down your allergens in the language on a piece of paper and use that to communicate with waiters and hotels.
Do Your Research
When traveling to a new place with a food allergy, it is important to do your research ahead of time. This includes finding out if there are any restaurants that can accommodate your allergies, as well as looking up food allergy laws in that country.
For example, some countries have laws mandating that all packaged foods must list allergens on the label. Others may not have these same laws, so it is important to be aware of what you're getting yourself into before you travel.
You can also find out if there are any food markets or stores that sell allergen-free foods in the area you'll be visiting. This will come in handy if you need to stock up on snacks or groceries.
Pack Your Own Food
If you're really worried about finding safe food to eat while traveling, another option is to pack your own snacks. This will ensure that you're eating allergen-free treats and, as an added bonus, may even save you some extra money!
Be Extra Cautious
No one wants to deal with a medical emergency, especially when you’re away from home! If you have a food allergy, chances are you're used to being careful about what you eat in order to avoid a reaction. While traveling, it is important that you remain vigilant, including when helping a child or loved one navigate their allergies.
Take extra time to identify which foods you can and cannot eat, and you're sure to have a fun and safe trip!
Food Allergy Treatment in Arlington
At Cure Allergy Clinic, we want to decrease your allergic burdens. Our food allergy treatments are customized to fit each patient's needs as we work to desensitize and lessen your reaction to certain foods. Keep in mind that every patient progresses differently and results are not guaranteed.
If you're interested in learning more about our food allergy treatments and are ready to begin working with us, give our team a call at (817) 774-9320 to schedule your first appointment today!