Food Allergies and Food Intolerance

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Feeding a toddler who is picky is very difficult in any situation. Not to mention adding food allergies or digestive problems to certain foods, the situation will be even more difficult. There is a difference between real allergies (serious medical problems) and intolerance (generally unpleasant). The following instructions will help you tell the difference.

Food allergy: symptoms and causes

Allergic reactions to the body are triggered to begin making antibodies to food proteins. Severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing and even collapse and convulsions, life emergencies that can be life threatening. Fortunately, most allergic reactions are milder, with symptoms that include: itching and red spots of rash, diarrhea, vomiting, runny nose and sneezing.

• Milk is the main cause of allergic reactions in young children. About two or three of every 100 cow's milk allergy children; almost 95% have allergies until the age of 4 years.
• Nutritional allergies, clams and egg whites are a common problem both. Allergies to these foods are less likely to disappear as your child grows, and may become an allergic all his life.
• Nuts are another common cause of allergic reactions. Not real peanuts-nuts like peas or peas, so, in general, a kid with a nut allergy is not allergic to almonds, walnuts, or peanuts. Remember that children under the age of four should not be given whole beans because they can not chew them well with their teeth. As a result, they can swallow the chunk to the lungs and choke.

Also read : Food Label Reading Guide For Children With Allergies

Food intolerance: symptoms and causes

Intolerance to certain foods is a milder but more disturbing problem.

• Lactose intolerance is difficulty digesting sugar substances in milk. This is the most common intolerance. Gas, bloating and diarrhea will occur between 30 minutes to two hours after drinking milk. Lactose intolerance can strike at any age, but generally in children over 4 or 5 years. Generally dairy products such as yogurt or cheese do not cause problems because the lactose has been destroyed during the production process. Some children can drink a little milk but the symptoms can arise if drinking too much.
• Gluten intolerance, the inability to digest proteins contained in wheat can be a serious problem. Imagine being a person who has immune problems in the lower intestine, it can interfere with the absorption of many nutrients and will have an impact on poor growth and weight, diarrhea or constipation, and irritability. Gluten intolerance may appear as soon as you introduce a whole grain product such as cereal or bread into baby food.

What you can do.

If you suspect your child has allergies or intolerances, consult your pediatrician. It's unwise if you diagnose your own child, because food allergies are complicated. If your child shows a significant allergy, you need to be provided with information about processed food ingredients.

Must keep in mind

• sherbet and margarine contain milk proteins in it ie casein, and your child should avoid foods with calcium casein or casein listed on the label
• Gluten may be contained in vanilla extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and tomato sauce.
• Children who have lactose intolerance may drink lactose-free milk and dairy products, or may consume lactose in the form of chewable tablets to replace missing enzymes.
• Make sure your child is getting enough calcium from other foodstuffs if he or she is not resistant to most dairy products. Calcium-fortified orange juice, for example, can replace milk.

Seek professional advice.

You may need to consult about nutrition with your pediatrician to make sure your child is getting a well-balanced diet while following the taboos. Your pediatrician may prescribe a special sedative for immediate use if his reaction worsens. Keep the pen in different places in your car, home, daycare. Make sure everyone knows how to use it and replace it if it expires. Caregivers, preschool teachers, friends and other family members who feed your child not only have to be careful of your child's allergies, but also know what to do if the reaction appears.