8 Surprising Benefits of Managing Food Allergies

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When my first child, Liam, was just ten months old, he experienced a severe allergic reaction due to hidden dairy in his rice cereal. This alarming incident landed us in the emergency room and led to a diagnosis of moderate to severe allergies to thirteen different foods. From that moment, we had to strictly eliminate peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, barley, oats, fish, shellfish, green olives, black pepper, malt, and cantaloupe from his diet. Additionally, he needed to avoid any contact with milk or dairy products.

For Liam, this didn’t drastically alter his lifestyle. Being known as a “picky eater,” his dietary restrictions didn’t require significant changes. As a stay-at-home parent, I made it my mission to create a safe environment for him, although avoiding allergen traces in public spaces like libraries and parks proved challenging. The moment I received those two EpiPens from the allergist, I felt overwhelmed and scared. How could I keep my child safe? And as a nursing mother, I also had to eliminate those allergens from my own diet. What would I eat?

In the months that followed, my diet was quite limited, leading to significant weight loss. However, I learned how to keep Liam safe, and he has not had a severe allergic reaction in the six years since that day. As he approaches his seventh birthday, he has successfully outgrown most of his allergies, retaining only his sensitivities to peanuts and milk. Reflecting on our journey, I can identify several unexpected positive outcomes from managing Liam’s food allergies:

1. Enhanced Maternal Instincts: For nine months, I faced numerous unusual symptoms in Liam that seemed more than typical newborn issues. When the diagnosis of food allergies finally connected the dots, I felt validated in my persistence with the pediatrician and my protective nature.
2. Culinary Skills Development: I had to learn how to cook from scratch, as most prepackaged foods contained allergens. This necessity evolved into a passion for cooking.
3. Baking Expertise: After his diagnosis, I was challenged to create a special birthday cake without milk, eggs, or wheat—something I thought impossible. I now have numerous egg-free baking recipes at my fingertips, ready for any last-minute school requests.
4. Food Label Literacy: I became adept at reading food labels, which revealed surprising—and sometimes unsettling—ingredients in products we had been consuming.
5. Ingredient Awareness: I discovered that some foods, like Oreos and Hunt’s Lemon pudding, are dairy- and egg-free. This knowledge has helped us find safe treats for Liam.
6. Advocacy Skills: I developed confidence in advocating for Liam’s health. While I trust our pediatrician, I learned to research and make informed decisions regarding his care.
7. Broader Dietary Exposure: Our family’s food variety expanded significantly. We now have several types of milk (hemp, almond, coconut, and dairy) in our fridge to cater to everyone’s preferences.
8. Community Support: I have been continuously uplifted by the kindness of others. From family members who modify holiday meals to friends who ensure their kids’ snacks are safe to share, I feel grateful for the support network we have built.

In conclusion, while managing Liam’s food allergies has presented challenges, it has also fostered resilience, creativity, and community. The journey has shaped him into the remarkable child he is today, and I wouldn’t change a thing about him.

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Summary: This article discusses the unexpected positive outcomes of managing food allergies, including improved maternal instincts, enhanced cooking and baking skills, increased food awareness, and a supportive community. The journey has ultimately contributed to the growth of both the child and the parent.