UPDATE: Living with Oral Allergy Syndrome: A Gluten and Meat-Free Cookbook for Wheat, Soy, Nut, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Allergies
is now available.
In the early stages of the book I had asked readers for input so that you all could get the most out of this book. That's what this post was originally about. It's been updated somewhat to reflect that the book is now available.
Below, you can check out some of the updates I made as the book was in the process of being researched and recipes were tested and photographed. You'll also find an outline of the first two chapters of the book, as well as links to photos of the recipes, as well as some other articles on OAS.
I thank you all for your comments here and elsewhere on the blog, as well as your emails. It's helped to guide this book and I hope you'll find it useful!
***
Why am I writing a book on Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Two reasons: I myself had to struggle for many years,
first to discover the cause of my numerous physical ailments and then to
learn to manage it. I've spent years researching every article and
published study I can find on it. Most people don't have the resources,
time or ability to do this and by putting my findings into plain English
I hope that this book will help others avoid some of the frustration
and suffering I had to undergo.
Secondly,
oral allergy syndrome is THE leading cause of food allergies and people need to be aware of that.
I hope this book raises awareness and prompts more research on OAS to
help determine a solution of sorts, or at least a greater understanding
and awareness. I would like to assure people: "no, you are not crazy for
thinking you are
allergic to lettuce or apples or that almonds make your tongue feel, well,
fuzzy, and you aren't just making it up to get attention!"
What will does the book contain?
The topics have been determined by my own curiosity about OAS, as
well as the many, many questions and comments I've received on
my Oral Allergy Syndrome page. If you'd like to know more, or want to see something I haven't listed here, please let me know in the comments section below!
The simple outline for the first two chapters (approx 40 pages of info!) is as such:
Introduction: Oral Allergy Syndrome as the leading cause of food
allergies
Statistics and basics of OAS
Chapter 1: Understanding Oral Allergy Syndrome (a.k.a. Pollen-Food
Allergy)
* What is oral allergy syndrome? (a detailed explanation)
* What types of food are associated with OAS?
* How does the cross-reaction work?
* Diagnosis of OAS
* Is there treatment for OAS?
* What causes OAS and Allergies?
* Potential factors and aggravations for allergies
* Potential preventative measures and treatments
* Guidelines and tips for managing OAS
* Tips for managing seasonal allergies
* Food-dependent, exercise induced anaphylaxis
* Managing cosmetic use
* Tips for eating out
Chapter 2: Cooking for OAS
* Treating Fruits and Veggies for Safer Consumption
* Various Types of Wheat Allergies vs Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten
Intolerance
* Charts with hidden sources of allergens
* Snacking Suggestions for OAS
* Basic Meal Suggestions for OAS
Plus 6 Chapters of recipes that include everything from Breakfasts and
Baked Goods to Main Courses and Desserts!
As a sampler, you can check out some photo shoots for the book here:
Random Photos from Photo shoots for the OAS Cookbook
More Random Photos from Photo shoots for the OAS Cookbook
Chilled Pear Soup
Fruit Popsicles (Rocket Pops and Purple Popsicles)
If you'd like to see some of my research and writing on OAS, you can check out these posts:
Allergic to Lettuce?!
Oral Allergy Syndrome, Wheat Allergies & Your Cosmetics
Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergies, Oral Allergy Syndrome & Sprouted Grains
The Oral Allergy Syndrome Page
And don't forget
Living with Oral Allergy Syndrome: A Gluten and Meat-Free Cookbook for Wheat, Soy, Nut, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Allergies
is now available.
This post was shared on the following great link parties: Waste Not Want Not, From the Farm Blog Hop,