Imagine the constant stress of having to meticulously plan your day around avoiding foods that could potentially harm your body. Having to research every restaurant you visit, read every label, and bring your own food to social gatherings and flights. It’s absolutely exhausting, right?
Unfortunately, this is the reality for around 32 million Americans who have food allergies, and the number of children affected is increasing. Yet, there remains a widespread lack of understanding surrounding the seriousness of this invisible illness, leading to ignorant or downright rude comments.
Lianne Mandelbaum, founder of the food allergy advocacy organization No Nut Traveler, explains, “Food allergies are the Rodney Dangerfield of disease these days: They still don’t get respect.”
Living with food allergies causes legitimate anxiety for individuals, according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team. Managing these allergies leads to burdens and social isolation. As a mother of a child with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, I understand the importance of asking the right questions and providing support.
To shed light on this issue and alleviate some of the burden faced by those with food allergies, I spoke with professionals and patient advocates about the rude comments people often make, why they’re unhelpful, and how we can better understand and support those affected by this condition.
Dining Out
Instead of saying, “Can’t you eat out like normal just this once? It’ll be totally worth it,” which dismisses the seriousness of the disease, try asking someone with food allergies to recommend a restaurant that caters to their dietary restrictions. Gluten-free options no longer mean just salads or bland food. There are now many interesting and delicious choices available.
Instead of saying, “I’d die if I couldn’t eat that,” which adds to their burden, offer supportive statements like, “How are you doing?” and express empathy for the daily challenges they face. Feeling understood and supported by others means a lot to someone with a food allergy.
When dining at a restaurant, don’t assume that the vegan option is automatically safe for someone with a gluten allergy. Instead, ask: “Is this an allergy or a preference?” This shows more understanding and allows the person to explain their needs.
At The Homes Of Family And Friends
Instead of putting guests in an awkward position by offering them food without asking first, ask about their dietary restrictions before they arrive. Saying, “How can I keep you safe?” or “Help us understand what you can eat,” demonstrates respect and validates their needs.
Some families may express overwhelm and resist accommodating a food allergy, placing a heavy burden on the person affected. This could lead to distancing from family gatherings. It’s important to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and understood.
At The Airport Or At School
Telling someone with a food allergy not to fly is not fair. People with allergies travel for the same reasons as everyone else. Airlines should prioritize accommodating those with food allergies by creating buffer zones and enforcing proper protocols.
When faced with the inconvenience of abstaining from certain foods during a flight or school event, it’s important to remember that accommodating someone with a food allergy is not suffering. It is a responsible action that shows compassion and concern for fellow passengers.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to cultivate understanding and empathy toward food allergies. Educating ourselves and others can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. By asking the right questions and providing support, we can help alleviate the burden and social isolation faced by individuals with food allergies.
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