Allergies are caused by food proteins that leak into the bloodstream and are mistaken (by the body) for bacteria or germs, causing the immune system to react in the wrong way. Your child is more likely to develop allergies if you or your partner suffer from them, but there is a good chance he will grow out of them.
Signs of an Allergic Reaction
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Rash
- Diarrhea
In some sever cases, an allergic reaction may trigger anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening condition which causes swelling in the mouth and through, making breathing very difficult. It can occur anywhere after a few minutes of eating, and up to two hours afterwards. Thankfully, this reaction is quite rare.
A food allergy comes into play when your body reacts to a generally harmless substance as if it were harmful. The immune system kicks into gear and begins producing antibodies which trigger the release of histamine; this is what causes the symptoms listed above.
Aside from food allergies, which can be outgrown, there are two common food intolerances which your child will not be able to grow out of. These foods will most likely have to be avoided throughout his life, with respect to the possibility of scientific breakthroughs.
This first type of food intolerance is lactose intolerance. This means your child is unable to properly digest the natural sugar in milk and other milk products (such as yogurts and cheeses). Symptoms range from bloating, cramps, flatulence and diarrhea. Thankfully there are alternatives to these products on the market today, such as soy milk, lactose-free milk and the like.
It’s worth it to note that some people believe that lactose intolerance wouldn’t occur if the milk offered has not been pasteurized. This stems from the belief that the microorganisms needed to help breakdown the sugar in the milk were killed through the heat of pasteurization. If this sounds plausible to you, if may be worth looking up and experimenting with.
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