Eat this, not that-Or else

Today, over 60 million Americans struggle with asthma and allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Only six percent of those allergy sufferers have food allergies—potentially serious or life-threatening responses of the human immune system to specific foods or food additives—yet children are being increasingly diagnosed with them.

A 2007 survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between 1997 and 2007, food allergy diagnoses increased 18 percent in children under 18 years of age. The same survey also found that children with food allergies were two to four times more likely than children without food allergies to have other allergies and related conditions like asthma.

Yet increased prevalence has not garnered food allergies the same amount of media coverage as other childhood illnesses. While nut- and dairy-free options on chain restaurant menus and a new wave of cutting-edge cookbooks indicate the general population's growing awareness, we still have a way to go before we've wrapped our heads around the subject.

Allergies are largely genetic. Children and adults allergic to food can have reactions ranging from mild to severe, including skin conditions like hives, rash, or eczema; respiratory ailments such as asthma; and digestive symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Anaphylaxis, a whole-body reaction, can be so severe that hospitalization may be required.

Related to food allergies are food intolerances. Rather than an immune-system response, an intolerance deals with irritation in the digestive system. The remedy for both food allergy and food intolerance is to avoid the troublesome ingredient. As a result, the terms allergy and intolerance are often used interchangeably.

Because wheat is one of the top food allergens (along with milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and soy), books labeled “gluten free”—read: not containing wheat, barley, or rye—would be appropriate for someone with a wheat allergy or intolerance. For this reason, gluten-free resources are included in the bibliography.

Ten years ago, research showed a link between food and autism, but it's still not scientifically proven. Food allergy and sensitivity is thought by some to be one of the many culprits that can trigger the onset of autism; the connection is stronger when there is a family history of allergic diseases.

Unfortunately, there isn't space here to cover the autism angle appropriately. See AutismWeb (www.autismweb.com), Talk About Curing Autism (www.talkaboutcuringautism.org), and Together for Autism (togetherforautism.org) for special diets for autistic children that cut out gluten (especially wheat) and casein (contained in cow's milk).

With the increased diagnoses of food allergies in children has come an uptick in the availability of resources for parents. Besides staple medical guides about food allergies, there are specific titles for dealing with these conditions in children, and many books home in on just one of the many food allergens, e.g., peanuts.

Adults with food allergies or parents of an allergic child have written many essential health guides and cookbooks, owing to an initial lack of resources and understanding of the sufferer's or caregiver's point of view. Subsequently, they have teamed up with health professionals to combine personal stories and firsthand tips with a medical point of view and research for an improved selection of titles.

Books related to food allergies are usually cataloged with health-subject headings and call numbers. Related recipe collections would also be cataloged with a cooking subject heading. It would be pretty common to visit two areas in the stacks to meet the needs of someone coping with food allergies.

Weeding these materials would follow the CREW (continuous reviews, evaluation, and weeding) guidelines (bit.ly/1OOgDi) for health books and cookery, respectively. Health titles should be pruned often because of the changes in medical testing and updates in research. Recipe books may be kept longer, especially if they don't contain outdated data, recommendations, or statistics. Weeding cookbooks is more likely based on the condition of the book and the circulation stats rather than content. Starred titles [*] are essential for all collections.

*Haynes, Antony & Antoinette Savill. The Food Intolerance Bible: A Nutritionist's Plan To Beat Food Cravings, Fatigue, Mood Swings, Celiac Disease, Headaches, IBS, and Deal with Food Allergies with Over 70 Recipes. Conari. 2008. 332p. ISBN 978-1-57324-359-9. pap. $19.95.

A nutritionist and an award-winning cookbook writer team up to explain factors that contribute to food intolerance and sensitivity. An appendix covers many tests available for diagnosing food intolerances and allergies. With more than 70 recipes.

*Wood, Robert A., M.D. & Joe Kraynak. Food Allergies for Dummies. For Dummies: Wiley. 2007. 384p. ISBN 978-0-470-09584-3. pap. $19.99.

Allergist Wood joins forces with experienced “For Dummies” scribe Kraynak in this comprehensive yet easy-to-understand handbook. Wood, who has a peanut allergy, writes both from the doctor and the patient viewpoint.

*Koeller, Kim & Robert La France. Let's Eat Out with Celiac/Coeliac & Food Allergies! A Timeless Reference for Special Diets. R&R Pub. 2009. 400p. ISBN 978-0-9764845-5-4. pap. $26.95.

Koeller has celiac disease and founded two firms supporting others with food intolerances; La France has paid close attention to hidden food allergens during her long career in the hospitality and food service industries. Their comprehensive title—the basis of the “Let's Eat Out” series—offers detailed analysis of ingredients and preparation techniques as well as information about restaurant dining and airline meals and translation cards to indicate food preferences in various languages.

Korn, Danna. Wheat-Free, Worry-Free: The Art of Happy, Healthy, Gluten-Free Living. Hay House. 2002. 393p. ISBN 978-1-56170-991-5. pap. $14.95.

The founder of R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) offers a basic nutrition-and-lifestyle handbook for anyone with wheat allergy or wheat intolerance. Covered are safe and forbidden foods, testing, and the effects of wheat/gluten on behavior. With a helpful resource directory.

Larsen, Linda. The Everything Food Allergy Cookbook: Prepare Easy-To-Make Meals—Without Nuts, Milk, Wheat, Eggs, Fish or Soy. Adams Media. 2008. 304p. ISBN 978-1-59869-560-1. pap. $15.95.

This book doesn't contain “everything,” but it does share many great recipes that are simple to prepare for a busy family.

Moskowitz, Isa Chandra & Terry Hope Romero. Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar: 100 Dairy-Free Recipes for Everyone's Favorite Treats. 2009. 256p. ISBN 978-1-60094-048-4. pap. $17.95.

Moskowitz, Isa Chandra & Terry Hope Romero. Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World: 75 Dairy-Free Recipes for Cupcakes That Rule. 2006. 144p. ISBN 978-1-56924-273-5. pap. $15.95. ea. vol: Da Capo Lifelong.

Kid-friendly, dairy-free treats are the focus of these titles by vegan chefs. Ranging from fun and easy to sophisticated and classy, the cookie and cupcake recipes suffice for every occasion, from last-minute class parties to just about every holiday. (Vegan Cookies, LJ 11/15/09)

*Pascal, Cybele. The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family. 2d. ed. Square One. 2009. 213p. ISBN 978-1-890612-45-0. pap. $18.95.

Every recipe in this distinctive cookbook is free of the top eight food allergens. Full of comfort food dishes, it is ideal for cooking for family members who have multiple food allergies. (LJ 6/1/05)

Pescatore, Fred, M.D. The Allergy and Asthma Cure: A Complete 8-Step Nutritional Program. Wiley. Apr. 2008. 272p. ISBN 978-0-470-27541-2. pap. $15.95.

Pescatore's in-depth guide closely examines the relationship between allergies (including foods) and asthma. Readers will learn about how allergies affect the body, plus medication and therapy.

*Priem, Melisa K. 8 Degrees of Ingredients. Beaver's Pond. 2008. 309p. ISBN 978-1-59298-214-1. pap. $24.95.

Every recipe here is free of the top eight food allergens. The recipes range from comfort foods like meat loaf and vanilla pudding to elaborate feasts. Includes dishes that would appeal to children.

*Rudnicki, Kelly. The Food Allergy Mama's Baking Book: Great Dairy, Egg, and Nut-Free Treats for the Whole Family. Surrey. 2009. 112p. ISBN 978-1-57284-102-4. pap. $19.95.

This hot-off-the-presses gem is a baking basic for moms raising kids with food allergies. The whole family will enjoy the recipes, though there's a focus on dealing with birthday parties and allergy-free treats for school.

Wangen, Stephen, M.D. Healthier Without Wheat: A New Understanding of Wheat Allergies, Celiac Disease, and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance. Innate Health. 2009. 275p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-9768537-9-4. pap. $19.95.

Wangen, a gluten-intolerant physician, sheds new light on how wheat and gluten affect millions. He writes as a doctor and a patient, combining scientific information with patient stories. Eight valuable appendixes include gluten-free food companies, products, and restaurants; resources for further information; and conditions caused by wheat allergies and gluten intolerance. (LJ 2/15/09)

Yoder, Eileen Rhude. The Allergy-Free Cookbook: More Than 150 Delicious Recipes for a Happy and Healthy Diet. Running Pr. 2009. 336p. ISBN 978-0-7624-3349-0. pap. $19.95.

An allergy specialist presents a solid starter cookbook for those recently diagnosed with a food allergy.

Young, Michael C., M.D. The Peanut Allergy Answer Book. 2d ed. Quayside. 2006. 167p. ISBN 978-1-59233-233-5. pap. $13.95.

Revising his 2001 title with 50 percent new material, pediatric allergist Young addresses the recent increase in peanut allergies, especially in young children, including details on new diagnostic tests and treatments. With coverage of new legislation regarding food labels.

*Anderson, A. Flourishing with Food Allergies: Social, Emotional, and Practical Guidance for Families with Young Children. Papoose Pub. 2008. 360p. ISBN 978-0-615-18704-4. $24.95.

Parents and experts sound off on dealing with food allergies at home and in the outside world at school and at restaurants and while traveling. (LJ Xpress Reviews, 7/29/08)

*Barber, Marianne S. & others. The Parent's Guide to Food Allergies: Clear and Complete Advice from the Experts on Raising Your Food-Allergic Child. Owl: Holt. 2001. 384p. ISBN 978-0-8050-6600-5. pap. $17.

A pediatric allergist, a psychologist, and a mother of a food-allergic child pool their expertise to offer advice on handling the emotions, stress, and adjustment required when dealing with such a serious illness.

*Bock, Kenneth, M.D. & Cameron Stauth. Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders. Ballantine. 2008. 480p. ISBN 978-0-345-49451-1. pap. $16.

In this cutting-edge book, Bock explores four of the most common childhood disorders and how they are connected through genetics and diet. Recent research reveals new hope and understanding for families. (LJ 4/15/07)

*Collins, Lisa Cipriano. Caring for Your Child with Severe Food Allergies: Emotional Support and Practical Advice from a Parent Who's Been There. Wiley. 1999. 128p. ISBN 978-0-471-34785-9. pap. $12.95.

Still a valuable resource, this older publication by a mother of a child with severe peanut and tree-nut allergies shares firsthand experience and practical advice for specific situations such as day care, travel, and eating in restaurants. (LJ 10/15/99)

Coss, Linda Marienhoff. How To Manage Your Child's Life-Threatening Food Allergies: Practical Tips for Everyday Life. Plumtree. 2004. 208p. ISBN 978-0-9702785-1-7. pap. $16.95.

This little book packs a big punch with info about the many aspects of food allergies in concise, step-by-step plans. Coss has many years of experience leading a support group for parents of children with food allergies.

Joneja, Janice V. Dealing with Food Allergies in Babies and Children. Bull Pub. 2007. 448p. ISBN 978-1-933503-05-9. pap. $22.95.

Getting essential nutrients while avoiding problem ingredients can be a challenge, and registered nutritionist Joneja meets that challenge with strategies for dealing with the most common food allergies and intolerances. Packed with tables and graphs, plus extensive resources. (LJ 9/15/07)

*Sicherer, Scott H., M.D. Understanding and Managing Your Child's Food Allergies. Johns Hopkins. 2006. 312p. ISBN 978-0-8018-8492-4. pap. $19.95.

Sicherer (pediatrics, Mount Sinai Sch. of Medicine; researcher, Jaffe Food Allergy Inst.) brings his years of medical experience to this detailed reference book. It is a comprehensive staple for parenting a child with food allergies.

Allergic Living. 2005. 4/yr. $22 (includes postage). Ed: Gwen Smith.

This Canadian newsletter includes valuable information on not only food allergies but also environmental allergies and asthma. See www.allergicliving.com.

Coping with Allergies and Asthma. 1998. 5/yr. $13.95. Ed: Laura Shipp. ISSN 1098-8319.

Since 1998, this well-established magazine has provided support, advice, and information to patients and health-care professionals. See www.copingmag.com/ana.

Living Without. 1998. 6/yr. $36. ISSN 1941-2770.

For people with both food allergies and food sensitivities, this magazine offers recipes, product reviews, personal narratives, and basic diet guidelines. Covers a range of foods with an emphasis on wheat allergy and celiac disease. See www.livingwithout.com.

AllergicChild.com

Started by a family who has been affected by food allergies, this web site is easy to navigate and answers many questions. Resources are offered in the form of ebooks, print books, and beyond. There's also specific information about handling food allergies at school.

Foodallergy.org

This comprehensive site of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) tells about each of the eight main food allergens and offers education, awareness, research, and recipes. Visitors can register to receive automatic email food-allergy alerts and news.

KidswithFoodAllergies.org

This site offers an email newsletter and various resources, including a forum for parents, an allergy buyer's guide, and links to other resources. Free membership is available; different levels of paid membership get users more extensive resources.