Talking Food Allergies w/ Dr. Reller, Lily, Xavi & Hobie — Fun Facts & Safety Tips

Food allergies affect 1 in 13 children in the U.S.—and nearly half of them experience severe reactions. In this special back-to-school episode, Dr. Kerry Reller is joined by her three kids, Lily, Xavi, and Hobie, to break down food allergies in a way that’s fun, educational, and heartwarming.

Key Takeaways

✅ Food Allergy vs. Intolerance: Allergies involve the immune system and can be life-threatening. Intolerances are digestive issues and, while uncomfortable, are not dangerous.

✅ The Top 9 Food Allergens: Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame.

✅ Eczema Is the #1 Risk Factor: “Through the skin, allergies begin; through the diet, they stay quiet.” Kids with eczema have a higher risk of developing food allergies.

✅ Early Introduction Helps: There’s no need to introduce foods one at a time unless there’s a history of reactions. Delaying certain foods may increase the risk of allergies.

✅ Can Kids Outgrow Allergies? Yes—especially milk, egg, soy, and wheat allergies. Tools like the egg or milk ladder help safely reintroduce foods.

✅ Best Test: Oral food challenges under allergist supervision are the most accurate way to confirm or rule out a food allergy.

✅ Label Reading Matters: Look out for precautionary allergen labels (“may contain”), though they are not always regulated.

✅ Epinephrine Saves Lives: Always carry two doses. Updated guidance says you may not always need to call 911 immediately if symptoms resolve quickly and you have a second dose on hand.

✅ School & Social Safety: Train teachers, friends, and coaches to use epinephrine, and empower kids to confidently say “no thank you” when food safety is uncertain.

Conclusion

Food allergies can feel overwhelming, especially during the busy back-to-school season. But with knowledge, preparation, and support, families can feel empowered and safe. From early food introduction to epinephrine use, there are clear steps parents can take to help their kids thrive.

This episode of the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast blends medical insight with kid-friendly humor, making it one of the most relatable and informative episodes yet. It’s a reminder that kids, too, can understand (and teach!) important lessons about health and safety.

About Our Guests

This week’s special co-hosts are Dr. Kerry Reller’s children — Lily, Xavi, and Hobie. 💛

With their mix of curiosity, humor, and honesty, they make learning about food allergies fun and approachable. From silly answers (“diarrhea!”) to thoughtful reflections about friends with allergies, they help bring an authentic kid’s perspective to the conversation. Their final advice—“get tested,” “always be prepared,” and “be careful what you eat”—is simple yet powerful guidance for children and families everywhere.