Food Intolerances and Allergies

Food intolerance is a reaction from the digestive system, that takes place when food is unable to be broken down adequately or digested properly, resulting in irritation. This is different than food allergies,which is a reaction from the immune system in response to a protein. Food allergies develop when immunoglobulin E or IgE, a disease fighting antibody, is created upon initial introduction of a protein. When the protein is encountered a second time it believes it is harmful and IgE is released along with other chemicals such as histamine. The common food allergies include milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, walnuts, soy, fish and shellfish.

Source: Allergy Resources and Immune System Disorders

Both food intolerances and allergies can result in uncomfortable responses. However, food allergies may result in life-threatening symptoms. Since food allergies impact "approximately 1 in 20 children" (Food Allergy: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States.” National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 23 February 2012. Web 24 February 2012) and can be life-threatening it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms. Below is a list of food allergy symptoms.

• rash, hives or itchy skin
  
• swelling and narrowing of airways, shortness of breath
  
• chest pain
• anaphylaxis/anaphylatic shock
  
• nausea
• diarrhea

It's also important to be able to distinguish food allergy reactions from food intolerance responses. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance does not occur ever time a particular food is ate. It may also only be triggered when one eats a large portion of a particular product. Symptoms include:

• nausea/vomiting
• heartburn
• gas, cramps, stomach pain or bloating
• diarrhea
  
• headaches
• nervousness, irritability
  

There are few ways one can determine the source of their problem. A fairly simple test that can be done, to identify any food allergies one might have, is an oral food challenge test. It must be administered at a hospital in case of an allergic reaction. Diagnosing food intolerances will require trail and error or through food elimination. Keeping a food journal during this time can be helpful in finding the source of one's symptoms.

It's important to note that children may outgrow their food allergy. Therefore, it is advised to have periodic testing to determine if any food allergies still exist.

Treatment includes avoiding the food or ingredient that is causing the problem and finding other sources to replace any nutrient that may be lost from the elimination. Preventing any reaction is the key. However, if you or someone you know begins to experience severe symptoms it's important to seek medical help.

References

“Food Allergy: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States.” National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 23 February 2012. Web 24 February 2012. <http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/clinical/Pages/patients.aspx>

“How to Identify Food Allergies & Intolerance.” Allergy and Immune System. Web 21 February 2012. < http://allergyimmune.com/food-allergy/identify-food-allergies>

Healthy Children

The last post was in regard to a healthy diet. There were several quick tips on how to provide a healthy diet for your child along with a few links. The last link I gave provided some specific intake levels based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. As I continued to search for more information I found this website to be helpful. So I thought I would share it with everyone.

A Child's Healthy Diet

So what is the recommended nutrient intake? Children require the same nutrients that adults do. However, the amounts of nutrients and calories vary depending on the age of the child.
Since there are different intake levels for each age many may have a hard time remembering what level for what age group. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the best diet for their child. An easier way to ensure all nutrients are being met is by providing a diet that offers variety and adequate calories. This can ensure that all nutrients to support growth and development are being consumed. Below are some quick tips to help support an overall healthy diet.

• Provide adequate calories to maintain normal development and growth while maintaining a healthy weight. To get an idea of what one's caloric intake should be click here.
  
  
• Avoid serving foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.
  
  
• Majority of the diet's fat intake should come from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
  
  
• Serve whole-grain/high-fiber breads and cereals.
  
  
• In each meal include fruits and vegetables, providing a variety throughout the day and week.
  
  
• Use fat-free or low-fat dairy foods.
  

For additional information on how you can provide a healthy diet for your child click here.

Snack Time

Many feel snack time is a time to eat whatever they what even if that includes emptying the cabinets of all its sugar products. So what's wrong with that, after all it is snack time?

One concern with this is the affect it has on producing cavities. Another issue is that snacks play a major role in a child’s diet by providing adequate calories and nutrients to aid in proper growth and development. When unhealthy snacks are consumed children receive too many calories and very little nutrients. This not only causes a problem with weight, especially since childhood obesity is on the rise, but it is also takes away from them receiving the proper nutrients for their growth and development. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that children consume healthy snacks between their meals.

Below is a list of some healthy snacks to pick from.

• Nuts
• Fresh or dried fruit such apples, strawberries, bananas
• Low-fat microwave popcorn
• Baked snack chips
• Whole-grain crackers and cereals
  
• Vegetables such as baby carrots, broccoli or cauliflower
• Low-fat dairy products such as yogurt, fruit smoothie

Not only should children be consuming healthy snack choices, but they should be eating the appropriate quantities or amount. As I mentioned a previous post avoid allowing kids to overload on snacks or they will not be hunger come meal times.

Quantity and serving size will be discussed in a later post.

Mealtime Fun

Trying to get your children to eat healthy or even eat can be a task that leads to frustration and stress. However, this does not have to be.

Getting them to eat should be a fun and pleasant time, where they can be taught about the importance of nutrition and proper food choices. It should not involve unpleasant memories such as being forced to eat. Nor should kids be allowed to eat whatever they want.

So how can a parent get their children to eat healthier food choices and make meal time more memorable? Below are a few tips to a happier, healthier mealtime.

First, one must remember to be patient especially when children are around three and very picky. Present them with a variety of choices to pick from. If they don't eat a particular food item that's on their plate try again another time. Some food choices may need to be presented several times before it is tried.

Be creative. One can be creative when preparing foods by incorporating healthy ingredients. For recipe ideas check out, http://thesneakychef.com/ .

Allow them to help prepare the meal. Many kids enjoy eating foods they have made. This will give them the opportunity to learn about a variety of food and nutrition aspects as well.

Refrain from allowing them to graze throughout the day. Have a routine for meal and snack times that includes specific times of when to eat. It should include three meals with a smaller healthier snack in between meals. This will keep them from getting filled up before mealtime.

Last be an example. When having supper sit down and eat together. Be sure to eat the foods that you expect them to eat.