Many people avoid certain foods because they don’t like the taste or for ethical, cultural and religious reasons. However, did you know that approximately 17% of Australians avoid particular foods due to an allergy or intolerance?
What is the difference between a food allergy and intolerance? A food allergy is an immune system response to a food protein that the body mistakenly believes is harmful. It can cause a range of symptoms, and in some cases an allergic reaction to a food can be severe or even life-threatening. Australia has one of the highest food allergy prevalence rates in the world and researchers are investigating the reasons why, which at this present time is unclear. Food allergies occurs in around 1 in 20 children and in about 2 in 100 adults (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, 2016). Nine foods cause 90% of food allergic reactions, including cow's milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish and wheat.
When people complain of headaches, bloating or mouth ulcers after eating, they are describing food intolerance, rather than food allergy. Food intolerance does not cause severe allergic reactions (known as anaphylaxis) and does not show on allergy testing. The most reliable way to determine a food intolerance is by following a temporary elimination diet under the supervision of a dietitian. If removing the food from the diet helps, this is followed by challenges under controlled conditions to identify dietary triggers which may need to be avoided in the future. It is important to emphasise that elimination diets must only be undertaken for a short term, under strict medical supervision. Prolonged restricted diets means you could be missing out on essential nutrients for growth and development, particularly in children.
If you think you have a food allergy or intolerance, please seek a proper diagnosis from a qualified medical practitioner.
Living with an allergy or intolerance.
Being intolerant or allergic to a certain food doesn't mean you have to miss out. Try these handy tips:
See an Accredited Practising Dietitian
Your dietitian will advise you on how to manage your diet if needed. Nutrients from foods that need to be avoided can be replaced with easy swaps and substitutes.
Labels are your friend
If you have a food allergy or intolerance, always check the food label. Common food allergens must be declared in the ingredient list or in the mandatory advisory statement. These include: milk, egg, cereals containing gluten, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts, sesame seeds, fish, crustaceans, sulphites (greater than 10mg/kg). All food that contains or may contain traces of these allergens will note it on the label.
Explore alternatives
Whether your issue is with wheat or dairy, there are a range of delicious alternatives available at Woolworths. We stock a range of gluten-free breads, cereals and pasta, as well as a range of dairy alternatives, including rice milk, and many soy products.
Cook recipes the whole family can enjoy
If you or anyone in your family has an allergy, you may not need to cook separate meals. Woolworths has plenty of allergy and intolerance-friendly recipe ideas to keep the whole family happy and well fed.
Make eating out a breeze
Many restaurants and cafes are increasingly becoming accommodating to your food needs. When dining out, ensure you disclose your allergy or intolerance to the restaurant staff so they can cater for your needs. If you have a particularly serious allergy, it's a good idea to call a restaurant before you arrive and let them know, or if dining at a friend's house, perhaps offer to to bring a dish you know you can safely enjoy.
Top up your vitamins and minerals
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegies. If your diet is restricted visit an Accredited Practising Dietitian to help design a meal plan to ensure you are meeting your dietary needs.
Want more info?
The following websites provide a range of useful information about food allergy and intolerance.
*Links to non-Woolworths websites within this section have been provided for information purposes only. Woolworths is not responsible for the content on those websites.