Why Work with a Dietitian for Food Allergies?
A food allergy dietitian does far more than hand you a list of foods to eliminate. We assess your complete nutritional picture to ensure that eliminating certain foods does not create nutritional gaps. We help you identify hidden allergens in packaged foods and restaurant settings. We work with you and your family to develop practical meal planning strategies that are realistic for your household. And perhaps most importantly, we help you build a relationship with food that is characterized by confidence and ease rather than anxiety and restriction.
For children with food allergies, the stakes are even higher and implementation can be more complicated. Navigating a child’s food allergy in a school setting, at birthday parties, at playdates, and across a family with different dietary needs requires skill, planning, and emotional support. Our pediatric-trained dietitians are experienced in supporting families through every layer of this.
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: Understanding the Difference
Food allergies involve an immune system response to a specific food protein and can range from mild to life-threatening. Food intolerances, on the other hand, involve the digestive system and are typically not life-threatening, though they can significantly impact quality of life. Common intolerances include lactose intolerance, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and fructose malabsorption. Our food allergy and food intolerance dietitians are skilled at helping clients navigate both the dietary and psychological dimensions of living with these conditions.
Conditions We Support
- IgE-mediated food allergies (peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, wheat, soy, shellfish, fish, sesame, and others)
- Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- Lactose intolerance
- Fructose malabsorption and FODMAP sensitivities
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Multiple food allergies and complex elimination diets
- Food allergy and co-occurring disordered eating or eating disorders
- Food allergies in infants, children, and adolescents
A Compassionate Approach to Food Restriction
We know that living with food allergies or intolerances can bring real grief, the loss of foods you love, the burden of constant vigilance, and the social isolation that comes with eating differently. Our approach acknowledges this and prioritizes building a relationship with food that, even within real constraints, is as joyful, varied, and satisfying as possible. We work from a non-diet, weight-inclusive framework and are always mindful of the eating disorder risk that can come with restrictive dietary requirements.
Food Allergy Dietitian, Raleigh, Durham & Charlotte, NC Our food allergy and food intolerance dietitians see clients in person throughout the Triangle and in Charlotte, NC. Telehealth appointments are also available across North Carolina and Oregon for those who prefer virtual sessions. We can also work with individuals in many other states, depending on each state’s dietetic licensure laws. Reach out today to get started.
