CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
Filipinos are known to be mukbangers; from rice meals like Tapsilog, to street food like Balut, Kwek-kwek, and Isaw, Filipinos would enjoy every bite with a side of laughter and kwentuhan. Whether you’re eating out, or enjoying some home-cooked favorites, our love for food is deeply rooted in the joy of eating together and celebrating rich and unique favors.
However, dining out can become a major hassle when a meal is suddenly interrupted by a food allergy. One minute you are enjoying a savory bowl of Kare-kare, and the next, you are dealing with an itchy throat because of a hidden peanut ingredient.
Managing food allergies doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. With the right preparation, you can navigate any menu with confidence. Medicare Plus, the best HMO in the Philippines, shares the essential tips for dining out safely, ensuring you never miss out on your family salu-salo and solo food trips.
A food allergy refers to your immune system reacting to a particular allergen in food. This causes an allergic reaction that affects your breathing, heart, skin, and gut. Symptoms vary from mild ones such as having red weals on the skin, swelling of face or lips, vomiting, and abominable pain, to severe symptoms such as swelling of tongue and throat, trouble breathing, difficulty in talking, and dizziness.
1% of adults and 4% of children worldwide have been diagnosed with a food allergy. But the most common food allergies that people have include:
Nuts. Peanut is the most common food allergy which causes severe or even fatal reactions. Tree nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios are also some of the common food allergies that affect 3% of people worldwide.
Cow’s milk. It is the most common allergy among babies and toddlers. Some foods that contain cow’s milk include milk powder, cheese, butter, and even ice cream.
Eggs. Ranked as the second most common food allergy in children. A person can be allergic to an egg’s yolk, but not with egg whites, or the other way around.
Wheat. One of the proteins found in wheat can cause an allergy reaction.
Soy. Food that contains soy like soybeans and soy sauce can trigger an allergic reaction that ranges from mild to severe.
Seafood. Seafood such fish, shellfish, shrimp, prawns, lobster, and squid can trigger an allergic reaction.
Sesame. Sesame is usually found in asian cuisine, and ranked as the ninth major allergen in 2021 by the FDA.
Whether dining out or eating at home, being prepared can help you respond quickly in case of a food allergy reaction. Keep these essential tips in mind for a safer and better food trip experience:
Make a Plan. Being prepared is your best defense against your food allergy. Create a list of what-to-do in case you accidentally eat food that contains a particular allergen.
Read the labels. Always check the ingredients of the food and products you buy.
Keep your network informed. Make sure your loved ones, close friends, and daily contacts know your food triggers, your safe alternatives, and your emergency action plan.
Communicate your needs. If you’re dining out, alert restaurant staff, chef, and other people about your food allergy so they can avoid serving food that contains a particular allergen.
Carry an epinephrine. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), carrying an epinephrine auto-injector at all times, as prescribed by your healthcare provider, can help save your life.
Call for help. In case the situation escalates, don’t hesitate to ask for help from nearby people or dial emergency assistance, like Unified 911.
By taking note of these precautions, you can stay safe at every handaan, kainan, or salu-salo. Take the extra step by having a reliable health partner like Medicare Plus, the best HMO in the Philippines. Get access to expert allergists and emergency care when it matters most.
Dining out should be all about the joy of good food and company, not the anxiety of allergic reactions. By staying prepared and having a solid emergency plan in place, you can enjoy the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine with peace of mind. While preparation is your best defense, having a reliable health partner like Medicare Plus, the best HMO in the Philippines, you can stay ahead of any food allergies, and ensure you can keep the kainan and kwentuhan going.
1. What are the most common signs of an allergic reaction?
Common signs include red weals on the skin, swelling of the face or lips, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, a person may experience difficulty breathing, a swollen throat, or dizziness.
2. What should I do if I accidentally eat something I’m allergic to?
Most mild to moderate allergic reactions can be treated with over-the-counter medications, like antihistamine. A very severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, which requires immediate emergency medical care. If you carry epinephrine, administer it as directed.
3. How can I safely eat at a restaurant if I have a peanut allergy?
Always inform the server and the chef about your allergy before ordering. Be cautious of ingredients used in dishes, and ask about “cross-contamination” whether the same kitchen tools were used for every dish.
4. Why is it important to tell my loved ones about my allergy?
In a severe reaction, you may become too weak or lose consciousness. Your loved ones need to know where you keep your medication, what to do, and who to call.
5. How can an HMO like Medicare Plus help me manage my allergies?
Medicare Plus provides access to specialists like allergists who can perform skin or blood tests to accurately identify your triggers. Having a reliable HMO also ensures you have emergency ER coverage in case of food allergy reaction during your food trips.
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