Seven common allergy causing foods in children

Allergies are quite normal and some of them are permanent while others are triggered by things such as cold.

Good news is, it is possible to control what our children consume and what they are exposed to and in return be able to guard them from allergies.

Food allergies in children are caused by sensitivity to the contents of particular foods. Antibodies can react with the food releasing histamines which in turn cause hives, rushes, asthma, stomach pains, difficulties in breathing, sneezing, coughing and other side effects otherwise known as allergic reactions.

For an allergic reaction to happen to your child, they must have been exposed to the allergen-a food causing the allergy, at least once before.

Food allergies can be because of food intolerances which can make your child’s body react in certain ways and in some instances the side effects can be life threatening.

To be able to establish an allergy, talk to your doctor about any unusual changes any time you give your child a specific type of food.

Here are some common allergy causing foods in children.

1.Peanuts

This is one of the most common allergy-causing food and it can actually be life threatening. Symptoms of a peanut allergy can range from mild to severe. They can come on rapidly or rather slowly, emerging over the course of several hours. It is important to monitor your child closely after introducing peanut products.

Peanut allergies can cause hives, closing of the throat making breathing hard among other side effects. You need to seek medical advice and avoid giving your child anything that contains peanuts if you notice that they react to peanuts. Also, make sure that you have an epipen for your child in case they come into contact with peanuts.

2.Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is caused by the child’s body not being able to continue producing the enzymes needed to break down the sugar in the milk. Lactose intolerance causes bloating, gas, diarrhea or tummy aches. Make sure to avoid dairy products or use lactose free dairy products if your child is allergic to lactose.

3.Gluten sensitivity

This is caused by your child’s body reaction to a protein called gluten which is found in grains such as wheat. Symptoms include bloating, stomach upset or headaches. If your child shows signs of gluten sensitivity, you can have them tested for celiac disease which is a very severe gluten allergy.

4.Sensitivity to food additives

This is when your child’s body reacts to dyes, sulfates or food additives. The symptoms include rashes, nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes the sulfates can trigger asthma attacks. Seek medical advice on how to deal with such kind of allergies as it is hard to get products that don’t contain these allergens.

5.Fish or fish oils

If your child is allergic to fish and fish oils, they may experience symptoms such as hives, diarrhea or reddening of the skin. If your child has these allergies, you need to keep them away from any fish or fish products such as cod liver oil.

6.Eggs

Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies. In most cases, egg allergies are not severe.

They are caused by your child’s body not being able to digest the protein found in the eggs. The symptoms may include hives and red skin.

7.Plant protein or animal protein

Some children’s bodies are not able to digest either plant-based protein or animal protein. If your child has allergies to plant proteins found in yeast and other legumes you can substitute with animal protein. And if your child is allergic to animal protein then switch the meals with plant-based proteins.