Peanut
allergies are difficult to live with, and can sometimes be
deadly. There are more than 30,000 emergency
room visits a year due to peanut allergy reactions. Last year, 2,000
people are admitted due to peanut allergies, with 150-200 dying from
anaphylactic shock. Some children have
such strong peanut allergies that they can react to a peanut smell alone.
Keeping a peanut free house and
peanut free classroom
is often not just
important, but literally life-saving.
In the last five years, the
prevalence of peanut allergies has doubled. It is
recommended that children are not
introduced
to peanuts before the age of three. Early exposure can actually cause the
beginning of a food allergy. When a baby is small, his gut is more
porous, causing food proteins to leak into the bloodstream. The baby's
body will not know if these proteins are "friend or foe," and may attack them,
causing an allergic reaction to the food. Breastfeeding mothers are urged
to avoid all peanut products while nursing their babies.
Many processed foods today
contain peanuts. Parents of peanut allergic children must read every label
of every food item they buy. Unfortunately, not every peanut containing
product is clearly labeled. Peanuts can be hidden in many unexpected foods
and food additives.
Living Safely with a Peanut Allergy
It is unfortunate that peanuts can be found in a wide variety of both products
and household items on the market today.
Click
here for a list of ingredients and items to avoid.
