Food allergies on the rise......oh great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new report says that skin and food allergies are increasing. I guess misery loves company!
 

I am allergic to seafood, and Son #2 is allergic to tree nuts. Daughter Kitty is having horrible problems with her eczema.

Son #2 and I have to carefully inspect food anytime we eat out. We were at a friend's house last night and they had a candy bowl with plain M & M's, peanuts and almonds. I took a handful but told Son #2 not to eat any because there were almonds mixed in. "Ya, I know" he said confidently. I know he's headed to college, but I'm still in the habit of checking things for him. It's nice to know that he's watching out for himself.

There are A LOT of other people also inspecting their food. The CDC estimates that 1 in 20 people have food allergies (which is a 50% increase since the 1990's). And 1 in 8 people have eczema.

So why are there so many people now who have to carry Epi pens? And why are people also struggling with eczema?

I don't have the answer, but the article lists a few ideas. Click on the link at the beginning of the blog to read the full story.

So, what do you do? They suggest visiting a doctor to make sure you are REALLY allergic to certain foods. Some people confuse food intolerance with food allergy. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) has an article that explains the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance.

As for eczema, there is treatment for that too. AAAAI also has an article about eczema and other skin conditions.

It's something we're going to have to live with for the rest of our lives. Along with asthma. But you can make it a long and healthy life if you take care of yourself.

Knowledge is Power. So read the links above to educate yourself. And carry and Epi Pen!!