CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System - LiveWell

Summer 2016

Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/708432

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 10 of 11

Food allergies make your immune system go into overdrive to protect your body, while a food intolerance, also called a sensitivity, aff ects your gut, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. GIVE ME AN "A" Common food allergies, such as eggs, milk and peanuts, cause rashes, hives and even intense coughing, all of which appear as many as six hours after consuming or coming in contact with the off ending food. If you start to itch, it's time to consult an allergist. During a worst-case scenario, anaphylaxis occurs within minutes of eating, and breathing becomes diffi cult. In some cases, anaphylaxis can be lethal. Allergies typically begin in childhood but can develop into adulthood. A recent study suggests that giving about four teaspoons of peanut butter a week to your child once he or she can handle solid foods may prevent a peanut allergy. GIVE ME AN "I" If the discomfort is located in the gut, you likely have food intolerance. Common food intolerances include wheat, soy and milk. Your stomach will bloat or cramp, and although not life-threatening, food intolerance can cause discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea. Food intolerances are less of an exact science and harder to pinpoint than food allergies. SIMPLE SUBSTITUTES Make palate-friendly changes if you're allergic to these common culprits: EGGS | For baking, swap the egg with one tablespoon of oil, two teaspoons of baking powder and two tablespoons of water. To add fl avor to baked goods like cakes and muffi ns, use a banana. MILK | Use oil for butter and substitute dairy-free milk when baking. Drink your preferred milk substitute, such as rice, almond or coconut milk. PEANUTS | For sandwiches, try almond, pumpkin seed or sunfl ower butter. For snacks, consider from-scratch options, such as trail mix with dried fruit and almonds or cashews. Another snack option is pretzels or carrots dipped in hummus. ✚ While food allergies can cause serious, life- threatening reactions, food intolerances cause milder but still unpleasant symptoms. ALLERGY INTOLERANCE? or 8% of children have a food allergy. Cooks, Prep Your Kitchens An ideal solution for food allergies and food sensitivities? Cook at home. Stock your cabinets with the following equipment to make home-cooking easier: blender — To save counter space, buy a handheld immersion blender for soups and smoothies. To minimize appliances, buy a combination blender with food processor capabilities. cast-iron skillet — Cook vegetables and prepare meats on the stove in this oil-seasoned accessory. No need to worry about toxic nonstick chemicals. slow cooker — Toss in the ingredients and let this appliance do all the work. Make sure to select a model with a timer so you can set it to start or stop cooking while you're away from home. vegetable peeler and spiralizer — These tools can be used to make healthy "noodles" out of veggies, such as zucchini and sweet potatoes. cutting boards — Have more than one on hand to keep meat and vegetable preparation separate. silicone spatula — This food fl ipper won't scratch your pans and can take the heat. To find an allergist or to learn more about dietary health, call 1 (844) 274-DOCS (3627) or visit christusstmichael.org/ wellnesstools. Summer 2016 | christusstmichael.org EATING WELL 11

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System - LiveWell - Summer 2016