[.ca] The Parent's Guide to Food Allergies: Clear and Complete ... (ISBN 0805066004)

From Amazon.com:
Few things are scarier than witnessing a child having an allergic reaction, whether it manifests itself as wheezing or life-threatening anaphylaxis. Parents will do anything to avoid having their child suffer such a reaction again, but treading the line between being prepared and being paranoid can be tricky. The Parent's Guide to Food Allergies was written by a team of people who shared their expertise from the medical lab and the kitchen; two M.D.s and one Ph.D. collaborated with author Marianne Barber, the mother of a food-allergic son, who writes with a personal slant so often absent from medical guides. Barber understands the daily coping skills that are needed when living with an allergic child, from banning particular foods entirely to reading ingredient labels. Especially common allergens like peanuts, wheat, and eggs merit separate chapters, while other foods are treated more generally. Each of the food-specific chapters includes a list of ways that the ingredients can "hide" in processed foods. Once you learn that milk also goes by hydrolysate, and that one of wheat's many aliases is seitan, you'll realize the importance of careful reading. The chapter titled "Hidden Allergens" expands on this theme, and while Barber does an excellent job of detailing the possible hiding places, she says, "careful labeling is well and good, but it doesn't eliminate the need for a judgment call on your part." There's also a chapter on anaphylaxis, in which the realities of living with Epi-pens and liquid antihistamines are faced in a kind, straightforward manner. A special recipe section includes enjoyable treats for the whole family that are baked with wheat-free flour, milk-free margarine, and applesauce instead of eggs. (The spice cake with fresh fruit is a delicious treat.) At once gentle and authoritative, Barber's book is an excellent guide through the maze of childhood allergies. --Jill Lightner

ESSENTIAL FOR PARENTS DEALING WITH MULTIPLE FOOD ALLERGIES!!:
I have read many things about food allergies and this book is by far the most complete reference I have found on the subject. My allergist said the forward is written by one of the foremost authorities in allergies and he wouldn't endorse anything that wasn't excellent. This book goes beyond diagnosing and handling food allergies by also discussing other problems frequently encountered by food allergic children, such as eczema, dust mite allergies, and environmental allergies. It is extremely well-written and easy to read. It is especially helpful for parents, like me, dealing with children who have multiple food allergies. If your child has food allergies, you should buy this book.

What A Lifesaver!:
I can not say enough good things about this book! Being a parent of two food allergic children, I really needed education and guidance in handling their allergies. I realized after dealing with several doctors that diagnosis is their job but educating and informing parents is not a priority. Parents of food allergic children need to educate themselves! Once you know what you are talking about and dealing with, you can help the doctors, teachers, and caregivers who care for your children. This book also does an excellent job dealing with the emotional aspects that allergic families deal with. I have purchased and recommended this book for friends and schools. I am very appreciative to Marianne Barber and company for writing this book.

Tremendous Help for Children with Allergies!:
I have read several books, and this one is the best. The book contains useful information for explaining the different types of food allergies, and chances for outgrowing these allergies. It also offers sympathy for parents of kids with food allergies and let's you know you are not alone in your fears and struggles. Most importantly, the book has GREAT recipes that are easy to make that the whole family will enjoy. I regulary make the zucchini and banana breads for my dairy and egg allergic son to take to school for snacks. Terrific book!!

Thank you Marianne Barber!:
I purchased this book, so I could get a better understanding of my son's tree nut and shellfish allergies. This book was so informative, from understanding what an allergy is, to how to handle an allergic reaction. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves someone with a food allergy. Where I started out feeling helpless and scared, I put the book down, feeling empowered. By feeling confident and educated, I feel my son will be safer.

Buy this book!:
An excellent compendium of information for someone with a child newly diagnosed with food allergies. Very comprehensive, and made me aware and think about things that had never occurred to me. It helped me to feel that I was not alone in this fear.