Finding the Cause of Your Baby's Allergies

by Theresa Kiene

Did you know common symptoms parents sometimes take for granted in their babies, writing them off as "fussy" or "colicky," may actual be due to food allergies? That your child's asthma or eczema could possibly be an intolerance to wheat or dairy?

Capturing your baby's cute reactions to a new food experience has to be a primary reason they created Shutterfly and various family websites. But when your baby's response is a skin rash, respiratory problem or a tummy ache, put away the camera and suspect a food allergy.

What is a food allergy? When your baby's immune system reacts to a particular food as an intruder and releases antibodies that produce symptoms.

What is a food intolerance? Food intolerance is when a food upsets your baby's intestines but not other commonly known areas where allergies occur. Lactose intolerance is one of the most common known food intolerances.

Who is at risk? If one or both parents have food allergies, the risk is higher for their baby. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that baby and parent will be allergic to the same kinds of foods.

Feeding babies solid foods before their intestinal lining is mature can increase their chance of developing a food allergy. Delay introducing high allergen foods such as cow's milk, wheat, peanuts, egg whites, shellfish, tomatoes and soy. Check with your pediatrician to assess if your baby is in a high-risk category and when the above-mentioned foods should be introduced.

The most common signs of food allergies include but are not limited to: Tummy trouble/gas and bloating Rash on the face Runny nose and watery eyes Diarrhea or mucus in the stools A red rash around the anus Vomiting or excessive spitting up Fussier than usual Really colicky Some food allergies can be so severe that anaphylaxis (cardiovascular system goes into shock) occurs and can become life threatening.

Be a Food Detective Although skin tests are available through your doctor or allergist, parents can help to find the offending food by careful observation and note taking. Keep a record of everything you are feeding your baby and any symptoms. Try to keep food choices to Organic, additive and dye free. Eliminate the most likely offenders for 10 days to 2 weeks. Keep track of any reactions. Also, stick to single ingredient foods while conducting your experiment so that it will be easier to isolate the offending food. Reintroduce suspect foods one at a time to see if the symptoms reappear. If so, avoid that food for a few months. Many food allergies are outgrown, especially those to milk and soy. Shellfish and nuts in some cases turn out to be life long allergens. Some children can tolerate small amounts of high allergen foods or other foods from the same food group. You can find out if your baby's allergy is portion related by reintroducing food in small amounts once every few days and then increase the amount given until allergic signs reappear. Share your findings with your pediatrician and together devise a feeding plan.

Nursing mothers: Some research suggests that if breastfeeding mothers keep allergenic foods out of their diets the first year, their baby will be less likely to develop allergies.

As busy parents seek convenience, children eat foods that are overly processed and filled with preservatives and additives. It is natural for the body to rebel against these foreign substances added to our food. Make reading ingredient labels a habit and you will make smart and healthy food choices for your entire family.

For more information or to ask Theresa your questions, you can contact her by email at theresakiene@familymagazinegroup.com.