A recent study shows that as many as
8% of children under 18 are allergic to at least one food. That’s 4% higher than originally
reported in a government study conducted in 2009.
This fact brings up many questions
about food allergies and kids, such as:
- Which foods most commonly cause food
allergies?
- At what age do food allergies usually
appear in children?
- What are the most common signs of
food allergies?
Don’t let your head spin with
confusion and fear just yet. This week's Peas
Perspective is here to shed some light on the food allergies conundrum so that you can continue to feel confident about nourishing your child.
Which foods most commonly cause allergies?
According to the Mayo Clinic, these eight foods
contribute to 90% of food allergies:
•
peanuts (most common)
•
milk (second most common)
•
shellfish (third most common)
•
eggs
•
tree nuts
•
fish (bass, cod, flounder)
•
soy
•
wheat
At what age do food allergies usually appear in children?
Although most babies have no
sensitivities to their mother’s milk, a small percentage of infants can show a
reaction to breast milk based on foods their mother has consumed. With that being said, a majority of
first time food allergies form in children between the ages of three-five. But
it’s good to know that as children age (usually by the time they’re in
elementary school) they often out grow allergies to soy and wheat.
What are the most common signs of food allergies?
Most
children under the age of six years old show signs of food allergies in the
form of skin irritants such as a rash or eczema. Older children more commonly show allergies through
respiratory reactions such as wheezing and hacking. Other commons signs of food allergies in children are: rash, eczema, hives, bloating, gas, diarrhea,
vomiting or increased spitting-up, under average weight gain, runny nose,
stuffiness, red itchy eyes, swollen eyelids, dark circles, sever coughing and
asthma.
Here at Peas of Mind, we make it our mission to practice
stealth health. Our number one
priority is that your kiddos eat their daily dose of veggies...BUT we want them to
also be passionate about food.
That’s why we make fries out of broccoli, pizza with hidden veggies in
the crust and nuggets that contain a whole serving of vegetables! This month we’re practicing stealth
health by taking a universally kid loved classic and secretly adding in our
favorite fall vegetable. For
November’s recipea we’re making butternut squash quesadillas! This quick and
easy to prepare dinner is packed with protein, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C
and calcium and will leave your little ones asking for seconds and thirds!
Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high. Add onions and cook until translucent
and almost caramelized. Add
butternut squash and sauté until somewhat golden. Add water, cover and let cook
for about ten minutes on medium-low.
Uncover butternut squash (the butternut squash should be tender and
fully cooked, if not, cook for another 5 minutes). Add salt, chili powder and
smoked paprika. Mash up butternut
squash cubes until you get a lumpy mashed potato like quality. Place filling in
a large bowl and set aside. Clean
skillet and also set aside.
Lay out 8 tortillas and start building quesadillas. Add a thick layer of butternut squash
filling, a light sprinkle of cheese (just enough to ensure that everything
sticks together) and a small sprinkling of cilantro (optional) to one tortilla
and use another tortilla to top (as you would a sandwich). After you’ve built 4 quesadillas, melt 1
tsp of butter on medium-high heat in a skillet and brown each side of the
quesadilla (this should take about 3-5 minutes on each side). Cut quesadilla into triangles and serve with a light sprinkling of cilantro and salsa.
