Food Allergies? We're in it with you!
5 million Americans suffer from food allergies and that includes several members of our LK team, a number of whom are moms! We understand the fear, the frustrations and the struggles. Read on to hear stories from a few of our Allergen Warrior Team Members.
Caitlin - Cyber Security Technician
My 4-month old daughter, Camydn, is allergic to dairy and soy. Since allergens such as dairy and soy pass through breastmilk, I cannot eat any dairy or soy. She has the allergy, but I have to avoid the allergens 😊
How has this food allergy impacted your life?
When we first suspected Camdyn was allergic to dairy and soy, she was inpatient at a pediatric cardiac ICU. She was recovering from an open heart surgery at 7 days old, and after being inpatient for a month or so to recover, she was finally getting close to discharge! She was weaning from all her medications and respiratory support well. The end was in sight! Then, she started bleeding. After discussions with her care team and dieticians, they determined that it was likely that she was allergic to dairy and soy. I immediately eliminated all dairy and soy from my diet, but since it takes weeks for the allergens to completely clear from my system, she was still bleeding. After a quick switch to formula (which Camdyn was not a fan of), we transitioned back to breastmilk. She started bleeding again, but much less than she previously was, so we were finally able to be discharged and bring her home for the first time (after 46 days in the hospital). After a few days at home, her bleeding began to worsen and we had to make the change back to formula again until I was 5 weeks dairy and soy free. It was difficult not only to find foods that were dairy and soy free, but also to remember to check everything I ate to ensure I wasn’t consuming anything that would cause her to bleed again. A lot of the foods I relied on- protein shakes, granola bars, traditional beef jerky, all had dairy or soy or both! Grocery shopping takes more time than it used to- it involves a lot of label checking and extra time spent searching for items that I can eat. Even though it may be a bit more inconvenient to eat dairy and soy free, I am reminded every single day that it's so worth it for my daughter!
What do you wish people with out food allergies better understood?
It's very hard to go out to eat! When you cook for yourself or buy packaged goods, you know exactly what is going into each item. When you're relying on the word of a waitress or chef, it's nerve-racking! Eating out is definitely more complicated than it used to be, but again, it's so worth it for the betterment of my daughter!
What is one tip you’d give to people navigating food allergies?
Take the time to find foods you still love! It might take a lot of extra time at the grocery store or trial and error, but don't settle for bland items that make you dread wanting to eat. Once you find meals and snacks you love, eating becomes enjoyable again.
What is your favorite Lorissa’s Kitchen product?
LK Original Smoke Show Beef Sticks
Emily - Marketing Sr Brand Director
I have several food allergies - soy and melons affect me the most.
How has this food allergy impacted your life?
Reading every label and asking for ingredients and how everything is cooked. You feel like a fish out of water just trying to find a solution that works.
What do you wish people without food allergies better understood?
That even minor food allergies can evolve to be a bigger problem. One day it's a rash, the next exposure can be much worse.
What is one tip you'd give to people who also live with food allergies?
Be a self advocate. Ask for the label. Let people know that you have an allergy and how you work around it.
What is your favorite LK product?
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Lorissa’s Kitchen does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.