Dating, Kissing, and Intimacy With Food Allergies

Welcome to the latest episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. We continue our series on living with food allergies by exploring how the condition affects dating, kissing, and intimacy. Whether you are a teen just starting to date or an adult in a relationship, navigating food allergies with a partner can feel overwhelming. This episode breaks it all down.

Co-hosts Kortney and Payel Gupta, MD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, are joined by Mia Silverman, a food allergy advocate and content creator living with more than 50 food allergies. Together, they cover:

  • when and how to bring up your food allergies with someone you are dating;
  • what the research says about kissing risks; and
  • how to be food allergy safe when intimate with a partner.

Check out the podcast on ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere!

Listen to Food Allergies & Dating Podcast

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Thank you to Genentech and Kaléo for supporting this episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Key Takeaways About Dating with Food Allergies

Food allergies do not have to stop you from dating, kissing, or being intimate with a partner. But they do mean having some important conversations early on.

  • When to bring up your food allergies. Bringing up your food allergies early, even on a dating app, helps you find someone who respects your safety needs from the start.
  • Safety around kissing. Studies show that allergens can stay in saliva after eating. Waiting at least four hours, eating an allergen-free meal, and brushing teeth can help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. 
  • Being safely intimate. Latex allergies, lubricants, and other products used during sex can all contain allergens, so it helps to come prepared with your own safe supplies.
  • Setting food allergy guidelines. Sharing what makes you feel safe helps your partner show up for you.
  • Date ideas that work. Non-food dates like museums, board games, or cooking together at home take the pressure off and give you both a chance to connect safely.

Timestamps From Our Podcast on Dating, Kissing, and Intimacy with Food Allergies

03:18 — Did your food allergies make you not want to date 

08:10 — Disclosing allergies on dating apps 

10:20 — Dating tips for teenagers 

14:10 — Navigating kissing with food allergies 

17:50 — How to kiss safely with food allergies 

22:10 — Tips for early dates 

26:23 — Setting food allergy rules with a partner 

29:30 — Intimacy and food allergies 

32:42 — Alcohol and allergic reactions

 37:06 — Marijuana and allergy tolerance

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