Which One Wednesday: Asian Edition (Guest Blogger)

Hi A Living 'Nut'mare readers!

This week's Which One Wednesday is near and dear to my heart, so I'm honored to be guest blogging!

I'm Kendall's sister, Meghan, and tomorrow, I will be boarding a flight to Asia to study for the next forty days. 

My family cut out all Asian food when Kendall was diagnosed with a peanut allergy, as peanuts are a frequent ingredient in Asian dishes.  But here's the good news, one of these homemade dishes is peanut-friendly... Which one do you think it is - Annie Chun's Chinese Style Chicken Soup Bowl or Simply Asia's Sesame Teriyaki Noodle Bowl?  Be sure to cast your vote, and then come back tomorrow to find out which one Kendall can eat!

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Annie Chun's Chinese Style Chicken Soup Bowl
b. Simply Asia's Sesame Teriyaki Bowl
c. Both 
d. Neither

I'll be doing my best to keep out of the nut house during my travels,
Meghan

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance…is there a difference?

YES!!  One involves the body’s immune system and the other doesn’t.  Can you guess which is which?

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as a harmful substance.  When the allergen (depending on the allergy, this could be peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, or even a bee sting) is detected in the body, the immune system releases histamines to attack the harmful substance.  This release of histamines results in symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and possible death.

Food intolerance does not involve the immune system.  Food intolerance is the body’s inability to digest certain foods.  This is an inconvenience to the person, but food intolerance is not life-threatening.

Keep out of the nut house!

Poll Asnwer

The correct answer is C!  These cities are Peanut, California; Lower Peanut, Pennsylvania; Upper Peanut, Pennsylvania; Peanut, Pennsylvania, Peanut, Tennessee; and Peanut West Virginia.

Keep out of the nut house!  See you Monday for a new poll!

NUTS and Bolts of Food Allergies

Teen years are difficult…and now I have a food allergy!!

As if the pressure of being a teenager wasn’t enough, dealing with a food allergy can add even more stress.  Listen to how teens cope with their allergies and provide advice for others.

Education and food allergy awareness help make the general public more aware of the seriousness of coping with food allergies.   

Keep out of the nut house!!

Which One Wednesday: Celebration Answer

The brownies I made for my birthday were Pillsbury Mocha Fudge!  I hope you chose correctly!

The great news about Pillsbury brownies is that Pillsbury icing is peanut-free, too.  Any type of sprinkles work and are the perfect topping!

Keep out of the nut house!

Which One Wednesday: Celebration Edition

I am thrilled to be writing this post on February 26th... my birthday!  Therefore, it must be a celebration and I love brownies!  In order to make them, which batter mix do you think is peanut-friendly - Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies or Pillsbury Mocha Fudge?

Comment below with your best guess!
a. Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies
b. Pillsbury Mocha Fudge
c. Both 
d. Neither 

 

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

V-I-G-I-L-A-N-C-E, the only current treatment for peanut allergies…

There is no cure for peanut allergies, so it is up to the allergy sufferer to be responsible for minimizing accidental exposures to allergens.

What are the keys to staying safe?
- Ask questions.  Whether eating at a restaurant or hanging out with friends, it is imperative that a peanut allergy sufferer asks about how foods are prepared and what ingredients are used.
- Tell people.  Explain to your friends and family that you have a peanut allergy.  Don’t  assume that people understand your disability.
- Avoid the allergen or products processed with the allergen.
- Wear medical identification (e.g., bracelets, other jewelry) at all times.
- Keep your prescriptions current.  Even if you have never needed to use your injector, throw it away when it expires and renew your prescriptions.
- Use your epinephrine injector when needed.  If you have been exposed to a known allergen, don’t wait for your symptoms improve.
- Go to the Emergency Room if you use your epinephrine injector.  Even if your symptoms improve, you still need to follow up with a doctor for evaluation.

An epi-pen is not foolproof.  A peanut allergy sufferer must be vigilant to ensure safety.