Popular on Food52
8 Comments
Sajid
August 27, 2018
Wow. I didn't know there would be an article about this with the almost same scenario as me. I am Bengali and also allergic to fish - although I can eat tuna (I don't wana risk dying to test the limits of my curiosity..). My friends joked and said that I'm probably the only person in the world who is allergic to fish and also a Bengali which prompted me to search others who are in a similar situation as myself.
FrugalCat
October 19, 2016
My mom has a shellfish allergy and she is Jewish and keeps Kosher. She claims the allergy is to keep her from eating unkosher foods. She is not allergic to pork but chooses not to eat it. I did not inherit this allergy and have been enjoying shellfish (outside the home) since I was a teen.
Look into the Adrenaclick- it's a generic EpiPen and is a fraction of the cost.
Look into the Adrenaclick- it's a generic EpiPen and is a fraction of the cost.
ChefJune
October 19, 2016
Wow, great article. I am like that with kiwi fruit. Even touching it might close my throat. Back in my catering days, I had a client who regularly ordered a Kiwi/frangipane tart. If I couldn't farm out the making of it to one of my staff, I would have to wear gloves while working with the kiwi. Thankfully I never had problems with the aroma.
mizerychik
October 19, 2016
I'm a life-long peanut/tree nut anaphylactic who also reacts to soy and legume proteins. At least allergies are more recognizable now than when I was a child, and I'm eternally thankful I outgrew my dairy allergy. It's a stressful, isolating way to live, feeling that any incidental contact could send your immune system into a fit of panic, as if you ate a big bowl of arsenic instead of a shrimp. This is a great article, especially your detailing of how it's not just about not eating your food. Immune systems react to every exposure regardless of method of contact, and much of the conversation regarding food allergies neglects this point.
I'm not a doctor, but please keep in mind that standard medical protocol now dictates that any known ingestion of allergens (not just suspected cc or touch or inhalation) should be followed up by immediate epinephrine injection. Several people have died recently because they thought they were fine only to have their body go into shock 20-30 minutes later. Neither epi nor antihistamines will help at that point. I hope you never have to use your injector, but it's not entirely terrible. There's an immediate sensation of relief.
I'm not a doctor, but please keep in mind that standard medical protocol now dictates that any known ingestion of allergens (not just suspected cc or touch or inhalation) should be followed up by immediate epinephrine injection. Several people have died recently because they thought they were fine only to have their body go into shock 20-30 minutes later. Neither epi nor antihistamines will help at that point. I hope you never have to use your injector, but it's not entirely terrible. There's an immediate sensation of relief.
Panfusine
October 19, 2016
Bengalis are uppity, self-righteous, and insecure? I thought that Stereotype was solely assigned to Tamil Tambrahms! Quips aside, A fantastic informative article.
Erin
October 19, 2016
I've watched over the last few years as my husband has become increasingly isolated due to his allergy to celery. Accepting invitations to dinner is difficult because although they mean well, people often have no idea what it takes to make sure he is safe. Celery is everywhere. Thanksgiving is especially difficult because you want to spend it with others, but unless they come to us, he'll be surrounded by celery and left eating plain potatoes and pumpkin pie. Then are the inevitable ten-billion questions about his "weird" allergy and he isn't able to be anything beyond his allergy. Terrific article. Your work has been a great addition to Food52.
Mayukh S.
October 19, 2016
Oof. Navigating a minefield! Caretaking is especially stressful in these situations, as my parents came to know. Thanks for the kind words, Erin. Means a lot!
mizerychik
October 19, 2016
I'm sorry your husband can't find a safe meal; that really sucks. Anything beyond the typical top 8/10 that everyone knows is so hard to explain and get people to understand.
See what other Food52 readers are saying.