Finding A Restaurant That's Safe For Your Food Allergies

Having food allergies can be scary business. Depending on the severity of your allergies, eating something you're allergic to can cause reactions ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions, like a swelling throat that cuts off circulation. Eating out can be a challenge if you've been diagnosed with food allergies, as just trace amounts of the ingredient you're allergic to can potentially set you off. This guide will provide some resources on ways to find places you can eat safely with allergies.

Forums and Websites

The most important thing to remember when you're looking for a restaurant that's safe for you to eat at is that you're not alone in this battle. Up to 8% of children and 2% of adults experience food allergies, so there's a strong likelihood that you can find a fellow allergy-sufferer online to communicate with.

Thankfully, there are many resources online for people with allergies to communicate with each other and find reputable restaurants that are safe to eat at with specific allergies. Forums can be helpful to discuss your problem with others, and to see what their dining recommendations are. You can also try websites like Allerdine, which is a database of allergy-safe restaurants across the United States and Canada.

Call Around

Don't be afraid to give the restaurant, like Athens Restaurant, a call. Ask to be put on the phone with the head chef and discuss your concerns with them. If you can tell them exactly what ingredients you're allergic to, they'll be able to tell you if their kitchen uses those ingredients, and whether any of their dishes don't. If you're extremely sensitive to these ingredients, it might be wise to choose another restaurant if their kitchen works with them at all, as there's a chance that equipment could carry trace amounts of it into your food.

Be Prepared

It's a great start to do research on places you can eat safely, but you should always be prepared for the possibility of an allergic reaction. If it's been prescribed to you, carry your epinephrine, anti-histamines, or whatever allergy medication your doctor has given you. Don't be afraid to take it if you feel the slightest hint that you might be having a reaction. Responding quickly can potentially save your life.

Having allergies can be a complicated and difficult thing to deal with when you're just trying to eat, but it's possible. With these steps, you'll be able to compile a list of places you can safely eat where you live, when you go on vacation, or travel for any reason.


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