According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), 5.6 million children under the age of 18 have food allergies. Fortunately, there are practices you can implement from the very beginning that may help prevent allergies from developing. Consider these tips:
Strengthen Baby’s Immune System
A mother’s breastmilk is lovingly referred to as “liquid gold” due to its robust benefits. Breastmilk transfers minerals, vitamins, and nutrients to baby’s immune system, which strengthens it and may protect baby from early allergies, such as milk allergies or atopic dermatitis. Experts recommend exclusively breastfeeding or using a hypoallergenic formula for the first four to six months of baby’s life.
Introduce Foods Early*
Once your baby has reached the appropriate age, start introducing solid food gradually. Once your baby shows acceptance of less-allergenic foods, we encourage you to introduce allergy-prone food such as milk, eggs, and peanut butter. Most pediatricians agree that waiting to introduce allergenic foods until later in life may increase your child’s risk of developing an allergy to the food. Follow the recommendation of your child’s pediatrician.*
Consider Your Diet During Pregnancy
Many women mistakenly believe that they should avoid allergy-prone foods during pregnancy. However, there has been no research proving that restricting a pregnant woman’s diet will prevent allergies in the child. As you eat allergy-prone foods during pregnancy, your child’s placenta filters the food, and it feeds the baby through the umbilical cord. It’s important that your child is introduced to these foods even in the womb.
Langford Allergy Can Help Your Child’s Food Allergies
Not knowing if your child is allergic or intolerant to a certain food can cause stress and anxiety. Our team can quickly and accurately diagnose (or rule out) food allergies and answer all your questions. If your child is diagnosed with a food allergy, we can discuss treatment options that target the root of the problem – not just treat the symptoms! Make an appointment today: 478-787-4728