What We Know about Food Allergies
This story originally appeared in the Live Smart Newsletter and was written by our Clinical Dietitian Jamie Epting, MS, RD with St. Peter’s Health Partners.
These days, we all know someone with a peanut allergy, or have kids in school with classmates who cannot eat – or even touch – peanut products. Food allergies are on a lot of people’s minds and with good reason – food allergies can be deadly.
Food allergies happen when our body’s immune system thinks a protein in that food is a threat. It will attack the protein, causing common symptoms such as swelling, itching and wheezing.
The most common food allergens are wheat, eggs, fish, peanuts, milk, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, and sesame. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, these eight account for 90 percent of food allergy reactions in the United States and about five percent of children are affected.
Various studies have shown exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life has a positive impact on preventing future food allergies. Experts not too long ago suggested keeping breast-fed babies from exposure to peanut protein, hoping to curb the rise in peanut allergies. Today, the thinking is exactly the opposite. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods, including peanut-containing foods, between 4-6 months to help prevent allergies.
If you suspect a child has a food allergy you should contact your pediatrician immediately, so allergy testing can be done. If a food allergy is confirmed, it is important to educate yourself and everyone who cares for your child. When eating out, be sure to plan ahead. Call the restaurant and ask how foods are prepared and if they can provide allergen-friendly meals.
It is important not to eliminate an entire food group to make it easier to avoid allergens, as this could cause a deficit in important nutrients your child needs for growth and development. If you need help, consult a registered dietitian to help you plan meals and snacks that are healthy and safe.
For great allergen-friendly recipes to enjoy this summer, visit tasteofhome.com. Here’s one for Patriotic Pops that will be welcome at any Fourth of July cookout!
Join the Morrison Healthcare Family
Jamie Epting, MS, RD chose Compass One Healthcare and Morrison because of the opportunities she has to touch the lives of patients and staff. Morrison is a proud part of Compass One Healthcare and Compass Group USA. If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, be sure to check out team member or management opportunities to join the Morrison family through Compass Group Careers.
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