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When the amount of foods and products that contain tree nuts (such as cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts, macadamias etc.) are considered, the difficulty faced by sufferers becomes clear. The tree nut allergy is not an easy one to live with, but it can be done.
Living with a tree nut allergy requires a three step approach for survival. This is especially true if the condition is severe. Sufferers need to be aware of potential allergens to avoid, they need to have alternative plans for eating in place and they often must raise awareness in those around them. It is not out of the question for people with this allergy to have such severe symptoms that simply coming into contact with items that have been contaminated by nuts can cause a reaction.
Foods To Avoid
While it is obvious that people with this condition must avoid tree nut allergens at all costs, doing so isn’t as easy as it might sound. There are a variety of products that contain tree nuts or derivatives of them. Some of the top things to avoid include:- Nut extracts - commonly used in baking (like almond or walnut extract)
- Marzipan
- Nut meal
- Nougat
- Nut paste
- Nutella
- Artificial nuts
- Coconut oil is a possibility. While not technically a tree nut allergen, many people do show a sensitivity to this item
To ensure avoidance, it is important to familiarize yourself so you can effectively read labels and look for the use of any tree nuts or tree nut oils in the making of a product.
Eating Wisely
While eating at home and only consuming carefully selected foods is perhaps the best, people with allergies to tree nuts cannot always do this. When there is a need or a desire to dine out, whether it be at work, a party or just a restaurant, it is important you try to:- Research restaurants in advance – Call if necessary to make sure tree nuts or tree nut oils are not used in the making of foods. Some restaurants will go to great lengths to accommodate people with allergies, even using special utensils that are assured not to have cross contamination issues.
- Beware a new establishment off of your normal routine – Walking into a restaurant blind can be a dangerous proposition. This is especially so since some with allergies to tree nuts are often allergic to peanuts, as well. Many restaurants today use peanut oil in their frying and even offer barrels of open peanuts to their patrons as appetizers.
If there is a strong desire to eat nuts despite the allergies, people often think they can try artificial nuts and other alternatives. This is an incorrect assumption. Do not try this without first checking with your doctor for testing for each individual variety of tree nut.
Awareness Is Also Important
When a tree nut condition is present, it is important people in the sufferer’s life are made well aware. This can help prevent accidental exposure to allergens and cross contamination. Schools, friends,the parents of your children’s friends and other acquaintances need to know about the condition.Living with a tree nut allergy isn’t a walk in the park. Surviving without an increased chance of exposure demands constant vigilance to ensure your health and continued safety.
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This site is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of your professional medical treatment plan. Although all of the information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, we still recommend you carefully check all food labels before consuming any food product. We can not assume any legal responsibility for any illness obtained while following the advice contained on this site.
