We often think of celebrities as being invincible and even immortal. But just like regular people, they can experience food allergies. Often when a celebrity develops a food allergy or illness related to food they use their public image to spread the message about managing food allergies.
For example, the one-time co-host of the View, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, has celiac disease. This is an illness related to a wheat gluten allergy. She’s talked openly about this allergy on television and has also created gluten-free cookbooks.
Some other celebrities who are allergic or sensitive to gluten include Jennifer Esposito, Zooey Deschanel, Miley Cyrus, and Keith Olbermann. These celebrities don’t eat products made with wheat, barley, or rye that can all contain the gluten protein.
The most common food allergen is peanuts. Many celebrities share an allergy to peanuts including Serena Williams, Ray Romano, and Barbara Bush. Celebrities also have children or family members with peanut allergies including Heather Locklear’s daughter, Robert Kennedy Jr.’s son, and Katie Couric’s nephew.
It’s also not uncommon for people to be allergic to shellfish. For example, Halle Berry, Steve Martin, and Billy Bob Thornton all must stay away from these foods. Clay Aiken has a shellfish allergy and is also allergic to tree nuts, mushrooms, chocolate, and coffee.
Coffee may seem like a strange allergy, but Clay Aiken isn’t alone. Drew Barrymore is also known for being allergic to coffee. She’s also allergic to garlic. Dairy is another common allergy for regular people as well as celebrities.
Jessica Simpson, for example, is allergic to dairy products. She also has allergies to corn and tomatoes. Miley Cyrus also reports being lactose intolerant. This means you should be avoiding milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other milk products.
Just like anyone else with a food allergy, celebrities have to learn to change their diet to avoid foods that can cause illness. Many food allergies also cause problems such as weight gain. Celebrities also keep their svelte figures by making sure to stay away from foods that might cause them to gain weight or get bloated.
Celebrities often help bring the focus to food allergies. But don’t assume you have an allergy because your favorite celebrity has one. It’s important to pay attention to your own body to determine what it needs.
You can always speak with a nutritionist or a healthcare provider to discuss any concerns you have about your own food allergies. Together you can determine what foods you need to avoid and how to change your diet for the better. There are many publications as well that help to inform you about food allergies.
Food Allergy Frenzy is one such e-book that will help you to manage food allergies; to find out more, click here.
