Food Allergies and Children

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. 

Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Here in San Francisco spring is in full bloom.  All around the city, folks are having outdoor picnics while soaking in the sunshine and enjoying everything this delightful season has to offer.  Unfortunately for some, spring is a lot more than sunshine and flowers. The American Association of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) reports that 36 million people in the US sneeze at the scent of blossoms and tear up at the sight of a flowering weeds all due to seasonal allergies.  But have no fear allergy sufferers, Peas of Mind is here to help reduce these symptoms with some simple home remedies.

 First things first, make sure your home is a sanctuary from your allergies by dusting and vacuuming every single surface in your house (don't forget about your drapes and curtains which can easily collect pollen and other allergy-causing culprits). If you live in an especially humid area, you may want to get a dehumidifier. This will remove mold causing moisture from the air (but be sure to change the filters once a month). 

Now that you’ve ensured that your house is allergen-free, it’s important to keep it that way.  Keep your windows closed, especially between the hours of 5am and 10am when pollen tends to be at it’s worst and when it’s windy outside.  If you shower in the morning, you may want to switch to nighttime showers to remove any pollen from your hair and body before you crawl into bed.  With that being said, it’s also a good idea to change your sheets once a week to ensure that the coziest place in your house doesn’t cause you to sniffle and sneeze all night.

Educate yourself on your allergies by visiting the AAAAI's website.   This website has daily pollen and mold reports which will allow you to prepare for your day according to the pollen and mold levels.  Also if you don't know what's causing your allergies, these reports may help you narrow down the trees, weeds or types of mold that could be the culprits.

When it comes to severe allergies, it’s always best to consult your doctor but if you're just suffering from some annoying sniffles and sneezes, there are many at home remedies hiding in your kitchen cupboard:  

• Peppermint tea not only helps clear your sinuses, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory and a mild anti-bacterial.  Make the tea extra strong by using both a tea bag and fresh mint.
• A teaspoon of raw, local, unfiltered honey everyday has been known to act as a vaccine by building your immune system's defense against the allergens in your environment.  Check out your local farmers market and make sure that the honey is from your city. This ensures that you're ingesting the same pollen that's causing your allergies.
• Stinging nettle tea does not only aid in feeling better from allergy symptoms, it’s also been known to help stop the symptoms before they even start.   Stinging nettles contain natural anti-histamines and are power-packed with nutrients which can boost your immune system.  It’s important to make the tea EXTRA strong (steep the tea bag until it's dark green) and drink it daily (it will work even better if you start drinking it a month or two before allergy season begins).
• Cucumber slices on your eyes are no longer just for the spa. These cold, cooling veggies are known to reduce the redness and puffiness around your eyes caused by hay fever.
• If you're up for it, wasabi and horseradish is another delicious decongestant. Not only will these spicy root vegetables clear your sinuses they also have anti-inflammatory properties.  So go get some lunchtime sushi, add a heap of wasabi, take a deep breath and enjoy nature’s tasty remedy.