Jo Frost, the “Supernanny” from the hit 2000s reality show, recently shared that she’s been diagnosed with a widespread health condition affecting her entire body. In an Instagram video, she revealed:
I have survived more anaphylactic shocks than I’m prepared to go into detail about right now. I have anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition to certain foods that will compromise my body so horrifically to the point of hospitalization.
Frost shared her personal experience with anaphylaxis to raise awareness about the condition. She passionately described the daily struggles many face, emphasizing:
Absolute millions of my community around the world, children and adults, live cautiously and anxiously navigating this journey with not nearly enough compassion, education and empathy from those who do not. Today, everyone will know someone or someone who knows of one with anaphylaxis.
Here is her Instagram video:
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes after allergen exposure. It triggers the immune system to release a cascade of chemicals called cytokines, which can lead to shock — characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure and difficulty breathing. Symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse, skin rash, nausea, and vomiting.
Frost stressed the importance of increased attention and understanding for anaphylaxis patients, who often bear the burden of identifying problematic foods themselves.
In her video, Frost asserted her identity beyond her medical condition, stating:
I did not ask for it, and it does not define who I am and the impact that I make in the world daily. It does impact how I live my life daily, like the precautions I take, the energy I have to use to discern with hypervigilance whether you do know what you’re talking about when you’re in a restaurant or just winging it because you can’t be asked to go to the back of the kitchen and truly ask the chef.
Frost also criticized product labeling practices, noting: “It means your ‘it may contain’ labels are a consistent truth that you dodge accountability legally and put your greed before my safety.” She extended her advocacy, stating:
By the way, I speak on behalf of those who also have celiac disease too, because we are all not faddy eaters. I’m not looking to be treated special, I’m looking to be treated with the same dignity and attentiveness as you just showed others.
Frost gained widespread recognition as the star of Supernanny, which originated in the UK in 2004 and premiered in the US on ABC in 2005. The American version, which ran until 2011 and saw a brief revival in 2020, showcased Frost’s expertise in guiding parents through child-rearing and discipline.