Find below some tips to handle food allergy Mirna Sabbagh, nutritionist , dietitian, and IBCLC at myPediaclinic (Voted best pediatric clinic in Dubai)

Living with food allergy can be difficult, but can be made easier with proper counseling. Book a consultation with our nutritionist today so you can have all the tools you need on this journey. Below are 5 tips for children with food allergy.

Tip number 1: Learn how to read food ingredients carefully.

Shopping when your child has allergies is very difficult. There are so many different names for food allergens that you might miss. Avoid most products such as bread that do not mention ingredients, as they often contain dairy. In regards to processed products, learn to read food ingredients carefully. Learn all the words that are related to the specific allergen

Tip number 2: Get creative in the kitchen.

Working with so many allergy cases,I have learned that there is nothing that can’t be cooked at home with an allergen substitute. Just ask a mom who is upset her that her baby can’t bread, pasta, or chocolate fondant. You name it, it has been made. It takes a lot of experimenting and patience. We’re here to help you find the recipes you need.

Tip number 3: Check restaurant menus before going out

It can be difficult trying to figure out what your child can or can not eat while at a restaurant. To avoid the frustration for the whole family, especially when you are hungry do your research before you go. You will find that some restaurants already mention food allergens directly on their menu. Other’s mention all allergens on their menu online such as Subway or PF Chang’s. If in doubt, call and ask ahead of time. Some restaurants will tell you right away that ALL their foods contain allergens so it is not worth going.

Tip number 4: Teach your children not to share food

This one is very difficult for children under the age of two. Which is fine because they do not usually go to school yet. However older children with allergy should know not to share food with other children. The earlier they learn this. The easier the transition to school will be.

Tip number 5: Make sure to replace the allergen with nutrients and minerals from other foods

Book a consultation with our nutritionist today to get all the tools you need for food allergies. To find out more about food allergy read the “Food Allergy” a post written by Pediatrician and Allergy Expert Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban and Nutritionist Mirna Sabbagh from myPediaclinic-Dubai.