One thing that every parent wonders about early on is about food allergies. From pregnancy to infancy and toddler age food allergies are a hot topic, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. And because 1 out of 5 Americans suffers from some this issue, chances are high you may know someone who suffers from this. Let's answer some of the most common questions you should be asking.
First, just because the parents are allergic to some type of food doesn't mean that the baby will be. But do know that if both parents have an allergy, there is a 75% chance that the baby will develop that same food allergy. If one parent has it, then there's a 30-40% chance. More often environmental factors determine and allergy to food. Likely it is linked to the amount, what kind and how often the food is eaten may be important to what foods children become allergic.
Much research has been done on whether avoiding certain foods during pregnancy will prevent food allergies. The results are inconclusive that this will prevent certain allergies to foods. Apparently breast-feeding for 4 to 6 months does help reduce sensitivity to foods.
Most children do outgrow cow's milk, soy and egg allergy, but only 20% of children with a peanut allergy will outgrow it. This is different from adults, which usually do not outgrow food allergies.
Another important question people ask is in regards to whether they should send their kids to a "nut-free" preschool or daycare, if they have a kid with a peanut allergy. Overall, this is really necessary. If the environment is clean, and the staff wipe down the tables and toys, then the overwhelming majority of chances for your kid being coming in contact with the food is very slim. What you need to pay more attention to is how well versed the staff is with food allergy safety and how they manage food allergy reactions.
It's never too early to teach your kids about food allergies. By reading your kids stories about food allergies, it can help them understand what they can and can't have. Teach them all of the foods that are bad for them and to ask what is in their food before eating it. Teach them words or phrases to use when they feel funny after eating, as well as emergency medicine if a shot is needed after an allergic reaction. Parents you should always thoroughly read every label if you are questioning what's in it.
By Jodi Dillon
First, just because the parents are allergic to some type of food doesn't mean that the baby will be. But do know that if both parents have an allergy, there is a 75% chance that the baby will develop that same food allergy. If one parent has it, then there's a 30-40% chance. More often environmental factors determine and allergy to food. Likely it is linked to the amount, what kind and how often the food is eaten may be important to what foods children become allergic.
Much research has been done on whether avoiding certain foods during pregnancy will prevent food allergies. The results are inconclusive that this will prevent certain allergies to foods. Apparently breast-feeding for 4 to 6 months does help reduce sensitivity to foods.
Most children do outgrow cow's milk, soy and egg allergy, but only 20% of children with a peanut allergy will outgrow it. This is different from adults, which usually do not outgrow food allergies.
Another important question people ask is in regards to whether they should send their kids to a "nut-free" preschool or daycare, if they have a kid with a peanut allergy. Overall, this is really necessary. If the environment is clean, and the staff wipe down the tables and toys, then the overwhelming majority of chances for your kid being coming in contact with the food is very slim. What you need to pay more attention to is how well versed the staff is with food allergy safety and how they manage food allergy reactions.
It's never too early to teach your kids about food allergies. By reading your kids stories about food allergies, it can help them understand what they can and can't have. Teach them all of the foods that are bad for them and to ask what is in their food before eating it. Teach them words or phrases to use when they feel funny after eating, as well as emergency medicine if a shot is needed after an allergic reaction. Parents you should always thoroughly read every label if you are questioning what's in it.
By Jodi Dillon
Post a Comment