Minds On

I feel a sneeze coming on

Some people have allergies. An allergy is your immune system’s reaction to certain plants, animals, foods, or other things. Your immune system protects you from diseases by fighting germs like bacteria or viruses.

Brainstorm

How do people react to allergies?

What are some things that can happen when someone has an allergic reaction?

Press ‘Definiton’ for a description of what an allergic reaction is.

It is when your body reacts to something such as peanuts. Reactions could include: hives, a tingling feeling in the mouth or throat, stomach pain, or a swollen face.

A serious allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis.

Record your answers in a method of your choice.

Explore the following carousel of images.

All of these foods or things can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.

Now that you’ve explored the images, consider the following symptoms one may experience with a food allergy; for example, an allergy to peanuts, gluten or wheat, or eggs. It is common to experience a stomach ache, water eyes, or trouble breathing.

Let’s explore some of these allergies in a matching game.

For each image, select the corresponding allergic reaction that matches it.

Action

Food allergies

A food allergy is when someone reacts unusually to specific foods.

Allergic reactions can be mild, but they can also be serious. One example is an itchiness inside the mouth, throat, or ears.

Food is the most common cause of allergic reactions. Other examples of reactions are Insect stings, or medicine.

When someone has a life-threatening allergy, they carry an EpiPen.

An EpiPen

Student Tips

Most frequent food allergens

These are the most frequent food allergens:

  • milk
  • egg
  • peanut
  • tree nut (almond, walnut, pecans, cashews, pistachios)
  • wheat
  • soy
  • fish
  • shellfish

These eight foods cause 90 percent of most food allergy reactions. That’s almost all of them!

Snack time!

When you enjoy a snack during the day, it should give you energy.

Some people must be careful in choosing their snacks.

For people with food allergies, some foods can cause allergic reactions.

There are peanuts with a red X, and blocks of tofu with a green checkmark. Tofu can be substituted for peanuts.

Explore the chart with some foods that may cause an allergic reaction. What is a possible food choice that could replace the foods that may cause an allergic reaction?

You may choose alternatives from the list provided or come up with your own.

Press 'Examples' to explore alternative food ideas to frequent food allergens.

Consider some of the following items as a potential alternative food choice:

  • sunflower butter
  • apples
  • red pepper slices
  • tahini
  • cashew cheese
  • pears
  • grapes
  • tofu
  • pickles
  • crackers
  • bean dip
  • rice cakes
  • guacamole
  • beef jerky

Complete the Different Foods Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Food Allergy Possible Alternative Food Choice
A peanut butter sandwich

Peanut Butter Sandwich
A block of cheese

Cheese
Chocolate chip cookies with walnuts

Chocolate chip cookies with walnuts
Hard-boiled egg

Hard-boiled eggs

Press the ‘Activity’ button to go to the Different Foods Chart.

Activity(Open PDF in a new window)

When you have finish completing the chart, press ‘Check’ to check your work.

Food Allergy Possible Alternative Food Choice
  • Peanut Butter Sandwich
  • Sunflower butter sandwich
  • Soybean butter sandwich
  • Cheese
  • Tahini
  • Non-dairy cheese (such as cashew cheese)
  • Tofu
Chocolate chip cookies with walnuts
  • Chocolate chip cookies without nuts
  • Any fresh fruit
Hard-boiled eggs
  • Beans or bean dip
  • Tofu

Pause and Reflect

Pause and reflect

Why do you think there is a school policy that asks students not to bring nut products to school? If possible, share your answer with a partner.

Consolidation

Food choices

Choose either yes or no for each scenario and explain your choice. Complete the Healthy Food Choice Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Question Yes No Explain your answer

Is it okay for someone to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich if they have a peanut allergy?

Should you eat peanut butter beside someone with an allergy to peanuts?

Should you share snacks with others?

Should schools have a ban on foods that cause allergic reactions?

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Healthy Food Choice Chart. 

Activity(Open PDF in a new window)

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel…

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.