About

What Allergy? was voted in the Top 5 UK allergy blogs by Cision UK in 2011. What Allergy was set up in April 2009 by Ruth Holroyd from a passion to share information and help others with allergies. She now also writes on the Talk Health blog about allergies, eczema and asthma.

Having spent many years exploring and learning amazing things I wanted to share information and help others to learn to live with their food allergies and intolerances. Anyone with one or numerous food and substance allergies and intolerances will understand that it’s a challenge, but with careful planning and sensible strategies when eating out you can live a perfectly happy, fulfilled and normal life.

It can be tough though, especially when you are invited to dinner at friends’ houses who don’t understand the seriousness of food allergies and intolerances. People may also think twice about inviting you as it’s hard for them to cater and they’re probably terrified of making you ill.

Eating out is a minefield. “My ultimate dream is being able to go to a restaurant and order exactly what I feel like without worrying about how it was cooked, what ingredients it contains and could there be traces of nuts? What is in the gravy or sauce? etc.”

Buying food is becoming easier with most supermarkets having their own-brand free-from products, which can be much cheaper than other branded allergy free food but I am continually finding amazing new products, and if I do find something truly fantastic I’ll share it on here. Subscribe to the newsletter and you won’t miss out.

Please share your stories and experiences with me. I would love to hear from you, and to hear what you think about my blog. Email ruth@whatallergy.com if you have any questions, suggestions for future articles etc.

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