have a food allergy to nuts?

Question

what can i eat ,always have had nuts in my diet ,im 40 yrs old and now i have to carry a epipen with me for life

Answer 1

Nut allergy is a serious problem and you need to take control of it immediately! The first step is to educate yourself on food labeling to avoid nuts in processed foods.

Dining out will now be a challenge as many restaurants will offer foods that do not contain nuts but are cooked in the same pans as nut dishes. This is especially a problem with Asian food where so many dishes and sauces contain nuts. It is better to avoid these restaurants. Mexican food is generally nut free but beware of sesame seeds. Same for Italian food.

Also, ALWAYS ALWAYS have an epi-pen available: 1 in your car, 1 in your breifcase or lunch box, 1 in your locker and 1 in your kitchen. ALWAYS know where they are and always show other people in your home and work site how to use them.

Here is the "3D RULE" :

1. Definite reaction to nuts: evidence of a reaction should be obvious

2. Deterioration: if the reaction is already improving by the time you get the adrenaline, wait with the adrenaline at the ready until improvement is complete and a doctor says it is safe.

3. Death a possibility realistically if the deterioration were to continue for another 5 to 10 minutes. If in doubt, give the adrenaline.

Only two things threaten life (the "2D RULE")

1. Difficult breathing whether due to swelling in the throat or to asthma. If it really seems to be just asthma, an asthma inhaler may work. But adrenaline will work in either case.

2. Deteriorating consciousness: once the child or adult patient is unconscious, life is in danger, if only from inhaling vomit, quite likely in a food allergy reaction. Make sure you know the 'recovery position' known to every competent first-aider. But prevent unconsciousness by giving adrenaline if unconsciousness seems at all likely.

Finally, (the "1D RULE")

* Do give adrenaline if in doubt!

Answer 2

Hello!

I'm so sorry to hear you developed a nut allergy later in life. I had the exact same thing happen to me and I have had it for about five years now.

It is excellent that you are being diligent with carrying your EpiPen! It probably seems like a big pain now but I promise you will hardly think about it after awhile. Not many people know this, but they actually have hidden carriers for EpiPens so that you really don't notice it's there. These are especially great if you enjoy sports or outdoor activities, and will help keep you safe when need to get to it immediately. Some great ones are available here: http://www.nutfreeninja.com/activewear/

It can be very tough coming late into the game because you are likely used to eating whatever you want. Don't let anyone discourage you though! The truth is that you CAN still eat anything you want, just in a different way. There are substitutes for literally everything, including peanut butter, nutella, trail mix, and all of the other things you may have already been saying goodbye to. Try some different substitutes until you find your favourite, and then start replacing nut products in your everyday meals: http://www.nutfreeninja.com/spreads/

Here are some tasty recipes to try, because who says you can't eat Reese's Cups?!
http://www.nutfreeninja.com/recipepage/

This may help too - it's a guide about how to shop for groceries quickly when you have a nut allergy, with lots of great info about learning to read allergen labels: http://www.nutfreeninja.com/blog/2014/6/5/tricks-for-faster-grocery-shopping

Our team is always here to help and will answer any questions you may have within minutes! Feel free to drop us a note if you ever need anything, or just let us know how you're doing.

Best,
Olivia