Preventing food allergies in kids?

Question

Fortunately, I don't have any food allergies, and no one in my family does. But when we have kids, what can we do to minimize the chances that our kids won't develop any food allergies, such as allergies to nuts, wheat, soy, etc.?

Answer 1

I agree with the earlier poster about being careful to avoid the BIG ones - peanuts, treenuts, shellfish - until the child is OVER 3. You can also develop severe allergies to dairy and eggs, which are very difficult to avoid. Introduce them with the assistance of your doc.

Breastfeeding has been shown to help a baby's immune system in general, and because food allergies are wacky immune systems, it helps.

Finally, it has been learned that there is a causitive factor with eczema. If your baby has eczema, consult with a pediatric allergist. They've known that there was a link between the two, but in fact the eczema is a sign of a "different' immune system (I'm dumbing this WAY down). I also don't know anyone who has severe food allergies who DID NOT have eczema - and some still do.

Answer 2

You could avoid the 8 most common foods that people are allergic to while pregnant (tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy, soy and wheat) though I am not conveniced that works for everyone. Your best bet would be to introduce solid foods later like when baby is more than 6 months old.

Genetics also plays a big role in it. If you have environmental allergies the chance of having a child with allergies, or any kind, is also higher.

Answer 3

They say breast feeding helps prevent food allergies. Also do not give your babies eggs, orange juice, or anything containing peanuts until at least one year old--maybe even two years old.