Woah, I'm back! Yea... I'm not too happy with Blogger right now! If you've tried to visit in the past month or so...the domain name didn't work anymore. Why? Because the Blogger bots thought my blog was spam.
Sure, I know technology is not completely perfect all the time, and even computers can make mistakes...
But I was not happy with the amount of time, nor the unspecified and unclear process that was required to get my blog back up and running. It was at least several weeks before it was re-activated.
Since I'm trying to become a more avid blogger, I obviously couldn't just wait around and twiddle my thumbs.
So I started a new (version) of this blog with Wordpress. I will no longer be using Blogger, but this blog will remain active for however long Blogger lets it be.
I'm STILL BLOGGING! I just relocated to Wordpress. Please visit our new home!
http://foodallergytalk.wordpress.com/
Check the new blog frequently, because like I said, my goal is to become an "avid" health/allergy blogger. Since I'm currently a Junior at ASU, I'm still growing. I'm learning more and more interesting things, and learning how things are interlinked. Thus, my new blog may have more of focus on linking diet, health, nutrition, allergies, asthma, cancer, diabetes, etc. I'm on the verge of beginning my Barrett Honors Thesis... so you're going to want to stay tuned! Check back frequently, and join me on my very revealing journey.
-Andrea Garza
http://foodallergytalk.wordpress.com
FoodAllergyTalk.com
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Guest Post: "Most Common Food Allergies" By Tina Rose
Most Common Food Allergies
By Tina Rose
These days, food allergies seem to be the media darlings of the health world. And with good reason. According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FANN), they affect as many as 15 million Americans – and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including mild rashes, itching, wheezing and even death.
Of course, all foods have the potential to cause allergic reactions, but there are some serious offenders in our midst. In fact, according to FANN, only eight of the world’s food sources account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions. They include:
• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Wheat
So, what happens when you’re affected by a food allergy?
Basically, your immune system thinks that the offending food is harmful to your body. In an attempt to protect itself, your immune system will produce antibodies and release those chemicals into the blood stream, which then cause an allergic reaction – such as a rash, bloating or wheezing. This reaction will then likely occur each time you eat the food (or if you’re severely allergic to the food, touch or inhale particles of the offending item).
To ensure that 1) you’re actually allergic to the item and 2) that you can treat the allergy quickly and effectively when impacted, there’s no substitute for a trip to your allergist’s office. He or she can use one of several testing options to not only determine exactly what it is you’re allergic to, but to also determine the severity of your allergy. Once you know the results, your doctor can give you advice on treating your allergy with over-the-counter medication or give you a prescription to use on an as-needed or in-case-of-emergency basis.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for food allergies. If you really want to make sure you’re safe and healthy and avoid any kind of allergic reaction is to avoid the allergic food altogether. You’ll always feel better that you did.
Tina Rose writes for RealAge.com, a health and wellness website focusing on what causes allergies and health tips to help you live life to the youngest.
FoodAllergyTalk.com would like to thank Tina Rose and RealAge.com for this wonderful writing. It's always a good idea to go over the basics of food allergies--and especially helpful for those just getting diagnosed!
For information on RealAge.com click here!
By Tina Rose
These days, food allergies seem to be the media darlings of the health world. And with good reason. According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FANN), they affect as many as 15 million Americans – and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including mild rashes, itching, wheezing and even death.
Of course, all foods have the potential to cause allergic reactions, but there are some serious offenders in our midst. In fact, according to FANN, only eight of the world’s food sources account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions. They include:
• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Wheat
So, what happens when you’re affected by a food allergy?
Basically, your immune system thinks that the offending food is harmful to your body. In an attempt to protect itself, your immune system will produce antibodies and release those chemicals into the blood stream, which then cause an allergic reaction – such as a rash, bloating or wheezing. This reaction will then likely occur each time you eat the food (or if you’re severely allergic to the food, touch or inhale particles of the offending item).
To ensure that 1) you’re actually allergic to the item and 2) that you can treat the allergy quickly and effectively when impacted, there’s no substitute for a trip to your allergist’s office. He or she can use one of several testing options to not only determine exactly what it is you’re allergic to, but to also determine the severity of your allergy. Once you know the results, your doctor can give you advice on treating your allergy with over-the-counter medication or give you a prescription to use on an as-needed or in-case-of-emergency basis.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for food allergies. If you really want to make sure you’re safe and healthy and avoid any kind of allergic reaction is to avoid the allergic food altogether. You’ll always feel better that you did.
Tina Rose writes for RealAge.com, a health and wellness website focusing on what causes allergies and health tips to help you live life to the youngest.
FoodAllergyTalk.com would like to thank Tina Rose and RealAge.com for this wonderful writing. It's always a good idea to go over the basics of food allergies--and especially helpful for those just getting diagnosed!
For information on RealAge.com click here!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Expanded Fast Food App for Gluten and Allergen Free Living
Added 6 NEW Restaurants:
Buffalo Wild Wings, Coldstone, Jack in the Box, Jason's Deli,
Moe's Southwest Grill and Pei Wei
Personalize each quick service menu for meal options from
26 chains reflecting over 3,000 menu items!
Hide items that contain your food concerns -
Eggs, Fish, Gluten, Milk, Peanuts,
Shellfish, Soy, Tree Nuts and Wheat.
21 chains address gluten with 8 GF menus!
Decide where & what you can order by
easily browsing options from:
A&W, Arby's, Boston Market, Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Carl's Jr, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Coldstone, Corner Bakery, Dairy Queen, Domino's, Hardees, Jack in the Box, Jason's Deli, KFC, McDonald's, Moe's Southwest Grill, Pei Wei,
Pizza Hut, Qdoba, Sonic, Steak n Shake, Subway, Taco Bell & Wendy's
Buy Now for $2.99 for your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Udi is good! :)
Hello all!
I was at a Naturopathic Convention last weekend, and as I was walking around the booths before they all closed down, I stopped by Udi's Gluten Free Foods booth. After chatting with the lady who was working the booth, she decided to let me have the remaining sample product she had at the booth, which was "gluten free vanilla granola."
I finally ate it yesterday, and it was SO DELICIOUS! I loved it :) The only problem is I haven't seen their brand in any local stores :/ Hopefully that changes though!
If you see this product, I recommend trying it out :) It's very allergy-friendly!
Have a great rest of your week,
Andrea G.
I was at a Naturopathic Convention last weekend, and as I was walking around the booths before they all closed down, I stopped by Udi's Gluten Free Foods booth. After chatting with the lady who was working the booth, she decided to let me have the remaining sample product she had at the booth, which was "gluten free vanilla granola."
I finally ate it yesterday, and it was SO DELICIOUS! I loved it :) The only problem is I haven't seen their brand in any local stores :/ Hopefully that changes though!
If you see this product, I recommend trying it out :) It's very allergy-friendly!
Have a great rest of your week,
Andrea G.
God Bless
My condolences to the families and friends of those who recently passed away.
http://www.ajc.com/news/food-allergies-can-be-1124064.html
Unfortunately accidents can happen, regardless of how hard we try to shield ourselves from the potentially deathly intake of a food allergen. Nearly 150 individuals are taken from us due to food-allergy related deaths each year.
This is why it's important to raise awareness about food allergies. We've made long strides in the short time since I was diagnosed nearly 8 years ago. We must continue our efforts boldly, continue to pursue, and soon succeed in our goals.
Again, my condolences, and God Bless.
-Andrea
FoodAllergyTalk.com
http://www.ajc.com/news/food-allergies-can-be-1124064.html
Unfortunately accidents can happen, regardless of how hard we try to shield ourselves from the potentially deathly intake of a food allergen. Nearly 150 individuals are taken from us due to food-allergy related deaths each year.
This is why it's important to raise awareness about food allergies. We've made long strides in the short time since I was diagnosed nearly 8 years ago. We must continue our efforts boldly, continue to pursue, and soon succeed in our goals.
Again, my condolences, and God Bless.
-Andrea
FoodAllergyTalk.com
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Nuts in Crazy Places
Avoiding Milk Protein has found an alarming number of industrial products containing nuts. Instead of sand blasting buildings with sand some companies are using walnut shells, a possible airborne hazard for those with nut allergies.
Spray tans using walnut shells are also being used in some spas. Peanut fuel is an old bio fuel that does appear from time to time, even today. Another strange use for nuts, are mixing walnut shells with pool deck paint instead of sand to prevent slipping around the pool deck.
Crushed almond shells are even being used to manufacture building supplies. Some companies are experimenting with peanut and other tree nut shells in water purification.
Little is known about if the allergen proteins are still in these products.
Imagine a nut allergic chimney sweeper being called to clean a chimney or stove only to find out from a reaction that fire logs made from tree nuts were recently used in the chimney, or a stove was powered by peanut pellets, these products are currently being sold and used.
List of unusual products made from nuts:
http://www.avoidingmilkprotein.com/nutty.htm
Provided by: AvoidingMilkProtein.com
Spray tans using walnut shells are also being used in some spas. Peanut fuel is an old bio fuel that does appear from time to time, even today. Another strange use for nuts, are mixing walnut shells with pool deck paint instead of sand to prevent slipping around the pool deck.
Crushed almond shells are even being used to manufacture building supplies. Some companies are experimenting with peanut and other tree nut shells in water purification.
Little is known about if the allergen proteins are still in these products.
Imagine a nut allergic chimney sweeper being called to clean a chimney or stove only to find out from a reaction that fire logs made from tree nuts were recently used in the chimney, or a stove was powered by peanut pellets, these products are currently being sold and used.
List of unusual products made from nuts:
http://www.avoidingmilkprotein.com/nutty.htm
Provided by: AvoidingMilkProtein.com
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Chex Cereal and Traveling the World
I got a kindle yesterday, and I absolutely love it! I was so excited to start using it, I began reading the Sundial book I posted about earlier. I will keep you in the loop as to how I like it :)
So, I was sitting here, in my dorm room listening to music, eating some Gluten Free Rice Chex when I thought I should share with you my appreciation for this cereal. Firstly, I simply love everything about it- I can eat it, no corn syrup, short list of ingredients, gluten free, and of course I love the taste, texture, and how it gets the perfect amount of "soggy" in my rice milk. Plus, it's cheap- perfect for a broke college student!!
I was reading the back of the box, and it read "Gluten free living doesn't have to mean saying no to all of your favorite foods... 'Live in the Yes'" -Chex.
I thought to myself.. now, there has to be someone at Chex that has food allergies, or knows someone who has allergies. Because being able to reply "yes" to a child's question of "Can I eat this?"... is a powerful thing. It makes you feel good inside to be able to simply say 'yes.'
"Live in the yes" (tm) is such a great statement, that I fully agree with. Even though I'm allergic to wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and garlic... I strongly dislike making that an option for avoiding experiencing my life to the fullest. For example, one of my biggest dreams is traveling the world. Yes, having so many allergies is going to be extremely tricky... but I'm going to find a way. There's no way I'm letting my allergies get in the way of my dreams and aspirations. I don't think ANYONE should let ANY disability/restriction LIMIT their L-I-F-E. It is YOUR life. LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST, no matter what. You have to make it work. Find a way to make things happen, rather than excusing the possibility that you can/can't do something.
Punch-line of my life:
CARPE DIEM. Seize the day.
So, I was sitting here, in my dorm room listening to music, eating some Gluten Free Rice Chex when I thought I should share with you my appreciation for this cereal. Firstly, I simply love everything about it- I can eat it, no corn syrup, short list of ingredients, gluten free, and of course I love the taste, texture, and how it gets the perfect amount of "soggy" in my rice milk. Plus, it's cheap- perfect for a broke college student!!
I was reading the back of the box, and it read "Gluten free living doesn't have to mean saying no to all of your favorite foods... 'Live in the Yes'" -Chex.
I thought to myself.. now, there has to be someone at Chex that has food allergies, or knows someone who has allergies. Because being able to reply "yes" to a child's question of "Can I eat this?"... is a powerful thing. It makes you feel good inside to be able to simply say 'yes.'
"Live in the yes" (tm) is such a great statement, that I fully agree with. Even though I'm allergic to wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and garlic... I strongly dislike making that an option for avoiding experiencing my life to the fullest. For example, one of my biggest dreams is traveling the world. Yes, having so many allergies is going to be extremely tricky... but I'm going to find a way. There's no way I'm letting my allergies get in the way of my dreams and aspirations. I don't think ANYONE should let ANY disability/restriction LIMIT their L-I-F-E. It is YOUR life. LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST, no matter what. You have to make it work. Find a way to make things happen, rather than excusing the possibility that you can/can't do something.
Punch-line of my life:
CARPE DIEM. Seize the day.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Hello everyone! I hope you had a very nice Monday :)
I just received an email, and I think this novel is very special! I haven't read it yet, but I am going to definitely keep an eye out for it! I think it's applicable to many people. Read below for the summary!
Enjoy :)
-Andrea
==========
SUNDIAL, A YOUNG ADULT NOVEL THAT USES FOOD ALLERGY IN A SUBTLE AND PIVOTAL TWIST: IT IS EVIDENCE OF AN EVOLVING SUPER RACE AND ONE THAT MUST PREVAIL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Authors: C.F. Fruzzetti and M.I. Pearsall of Pure Energy Books
Contact: Carolyn Fruzzetti
Phone: 703-798-3744
Email: pureenergybooks@gmail.com
Media links: http://sundialbook.com and http://pureenergybooks.com
Feeling different is nothing new to Whitney Forbes – she has accepted that her psychic abilities set her apart. She thought her biggest problem was determining if there was more to handsome Reid Wallace than just his looks and popularity until it is revealed she has an evolved genetic makeup. Now she finds herself wondering if genocide could happen in America and if she has what it takes to stop it.
SUNDIAL explores choices, social isolation, trust and inner self-growth through an exhilarating story driven by compelling and strong characters.
“When you have a food allergy, taking an unnecessary risk is not an option. It requires vigilance, situational awareness, the confidence to communicate and the ability to surround yourself with trustworthy people,” said co-author M.I. Pearsall, whose daughter has a life-threatening peanut allergy. “These are survivor skills and they can give you an edge when life gets challenging.”
“SUNDIAL increases food allergy awareness as a subplot. This makes the book accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Knowing is half the battle, and by understanding the safety needs of food allergic teens it should reduce their feeling of social isolation and help others know what to do to protect a life,” said co-author C.F. Fruzzetti.
Several parents of food allergic children were beta readers for the novel. Katie Morgan, whose ten-year-old son is allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and cottonseed and whose seven-year-old daughter is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, said, “I’m thrilled to see food allergy as part of a smart young adult novel. I like that while food allergies are an important issue for these teens, it is not the defining factor in their lives. They have to watch what they eat, but otherwise they are teenagers who are capable, athletic and intelligent and ready to take on the world – literally!”
An in-depth book group and educator discussion guide is available at http://sundialbook.com to further promote relevant discussion and awareness of several issues, including food allergy.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
True Life: I'm allergic to everything
This is one example of why I want to be a Naturopathic Doctor...
:)
I need to find a way to get ahold of this young lady- so she can start an awareness club at her university through FoodAllergyTalk!
Monday, June 20, 2011
ASU Chapter creates 2011 Walk Team
The ASU Chapter, FoodAllergyTalk [ASU] has created their walk team for the 2011 Walk for Food Allergy, to be held at the Tempe Arts Park in Tempe, Arizona.
Please click here to join their team (all are welcome!) http://www.foodallergywalk.org/site/TR/2011Walks/2011Walks?team_id=64926&pg=team&fr_id=1984
We are walking to support FAAN (The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network). They provide food allergy awareness, advocacy, and education, and they support research for the 12 million Americans, including 3 million children, with a potentially life-threatening food allergy. We encourage you to support this event by joining our team and/or making a donation. Our goal is to raise $1,500!
For more information about the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy, please visit FoodAllergyWalk.org
Thank you for your help in making a difference for those with food allergies!
-Andrea
"The Food Allergy Cookbook"
Hello!
I hope you're all doing amazingly well on this wonderfully [hot] Monday evening. I wanted to pass this informaiton along to you all! I think this will be a great tool to help prepare amazing meals. I have requested that I review the book, as well as conduct an interview- hopefully I will have that information to you all soon! Keep in touch,
-Andrea
PREPARING ALLERGEN-FREE MOUTH-WATERING MEALS WITHOUT THE STRESS? NO BIG DEAL!
THE FOOD ALLERGY COOKBOOK
A Guide to Living with Allergies
and Entertaining with Healthy, Delicious Meals
By Carmel Nelson and Amra Ibrisimovic
Are you turning down social gatherings that revolve around food? Skipping lunch with your co-workers to avoid an awkward explanation? Deserting the dinner table on holidays so you don’t have to reject Aunt Sally’s home-cooked meal? . . . Or are you the one playing host to your friends, some of whom may have food allergies? The husband who lit all the candles, and turned up the Barry White, but doesn’t know exactly what’s safe to cook for a romantic dinner? For all of you, here is your resource to make alternative dining easy and understandable!
Don’t let restricted options consume the joys of cooking! Say “NO!” to cardboard-flavored daily sustenance and brick-hard bread that would be more useful in constructing a house than actually eating. If you or someone you love has food allergies but is passionate about the culinary arts, this is the book for you!The Food Allergy Cookbook contains 101 delectable recipes tested to perfection. Each and every recipe is accompanied by an irresistible, full-length and in color photograph that will make you salivate before even whipping up the treat!
The joint authors, Carmel Nelson and Amra Ibrisimovic, are among the millions of people struggling with food allergies. Over the years, their friendship has fostered support for one another as they discover new ways to live and eat enjoyably. They were disappointed by the lack of resources available on food allergies when they needed it the most, only a few years ago. Now that they are both in the know, they want to share their knowledge with you!
The Food Allergy Cookbook caters to those with dairy, wheat, oats, barley, soy, and corn allergies. It shows that you don’t have to give up your favorites, just alter them! It even comes with a special recipe for a flour mixture to do just that. There are every-day recipes plus entire meal plans for holidays so you don’t have to forfeit entertaining or being a guest. Instead, prepare a to-die-for meal that everyone will love! Don’t be surprised if they ask for the recipe!
Recipes include:
- BBQ dishes such as Chicken Legs and Sloppy Joes
- Savory Stuffed Peppers for the Vegetarian or Bosnian Style
- Comforting classics like Chicken Soup with Dumplings and Chicken Pot Pie
- A full-course Thanksgiving meal consisting of Roasted Turkey with Gravy, a unique Holiday Stuffing, warm Harvest Soup, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato Puree, and for dessert—Pumpkin Pie!
- Sweets for the adventurous eaters—Grand Marnier Cranberry Muffins and Apple Pear Quinoa Crisp—but also the staples— rich Fudge Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
- Bread Sticks and corn-free Korn Bread
- And many more!
But The Food Allergy Cookbook is not merely a cookbook! It also serves up a list of restaurants with alternative menus, tips on working with your doctor and traveling safely, a lesson on deciphering food labels, and tons of helpful resources. Carmel and Amra will help you concoct healthy and flavorful recipes that finally prove…it IS possible to easily serve, eat and enjoy allergen-free fare. Now go play in the kitchen!
About the Authors:
CARMEL NELSON has worked as a substance abuse counselor and mental health therapist. She has been published in Living Without and Alaska Wellnessmagazines.
AMRA IBRISIMOVIC is a project manager and computer engineer. She emigrated from Bosnia during their civil war and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.
Carmel Nelson and Amra Ibrisimovic are available for interviews, please contact:
Esther Bochner, ebochner@skyhorsepublishing.
The Food Allergy Book
A Guide to Living with Allergies and Entertaining with Healthy, Delicious Meals
By Carmel Nelson and Amra Ibrisimovic
Skyhorse Publishing Hardcover
On Sale: July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61608-297-0
Price: $17.95
Friday, June 17, 2011
High school or college student? Help us go International!!
FoodAllergyTalk is partaking in a HUGE CHANGE that is going to blow you away! If you're currently in high school or college, then I'm looking at YOU!
"FoodAllergyTalk.com has been through many changes over the past 7+ years since I've been working on it-starting when I was in middle school. Please allow me to introduce to you our next mission!
FoodAllergyTalk is the one and only online international support group that is dedicated towards working with Universities and High school students across the U.S. and around the world to create chapters and clubs, which act as support and awareness groups for students in high school and college. These groups are created through FoodAllergyTalk, and together we will form an original, collective international level of support for teens and young adults. "
"FoodAllergyTalk.com has been through many changes over the past 7+ years since I've been working on it-starting when I was in middle school. Please allow me to introduce to you our next mission!
FoodAllergyTalk is the one and only online international support group that is dedicated towards working with Universities and High school students across the U.S. and around the world to create chapters and clubs, which act as support and awareness groups for students in high school and college. These groups are created through FoodAllergyTalk, and together we will form an original, collective international level of support for teens and young adults. "
Visit our homepage (or http://www.foodallergytalk.com/startachapterclub.htm ) for the new announcement as FoodAllergyTalk embarks on an INTERNATIONAL mission!!!
Email me with any questions, and if you're interested in starting a club or chapter at YOUR school!
RAN BY STUDENTS | FOR STUDENTS | PREPARING FOR OUR FUTURE
-Andrea
Email me with any questions, and if you're interested in starting a club or chapter at YOUR school!
RAN BY STUDENTS | FOR STUDENTS | PREPARING FOR OUR FUTURE
-Andrea
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)