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By Dr. Joey Shulman
There are certain foods to avoid feeding
your child in the early years to minimize the incidence of
allergies. For starters, the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends that you only feed your baby breast milk or formula
for the first four to six months.
The foods to avoid for a minimum of one
year include:
- Citrus
- Honey – Honey
may contain spores called Clostridium botulinum (botulism)
that can be life threatening to a baby.
- Egg whites –
The fat in egg yolks is terrific for optimal growth and
development in your baby. However, the protein rich egg
white may cause an allergic reaction.
- Dairy – The protein
in cow’s milk (specifically the protein called casein),
is very difficult for a child’s immature digestive
system to break down. Cow’s milk also does not contain
all the nutrients your infant needs and contains traces
of mineral in amounts that can damage a baby’s kidneys.
While breast milk is best, if not breast feeding, stick
to formula. Formula that is labeled “hydrolyzed”
is easier for a baby’s digestive system to break down
and absorb.
- Shell fish
- Peanut butter –
peanut butter can be highly allergenic. If you or your spouse
has an allergic reaction to peanuts, wait until your child
is 3 years old before introducing peanut butter and jam.
- Wheat – Although
most babies can digest wheat fairly well (i.e. in cereal),
if you are concerned about an allergic response, it is best
to wait until after one year to introduce.
- Tree nuts – walnuts
and pecans
- Soy – A large
number of infants who show a sensitivity to dairy products
may also have a reaction to soy (i.e. soy formula).
Infants who have a parent or sibling with
food allergies are at risk for developing food allergies.
If you have a strong history of allergies in the family, additional
foods that can trigger an allergic response are corn and chocolate.
Signs of an allergic reaction may include:
diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, hives, swollen lips, tongue
or face. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include gasping
and difficulty breathing, and require immediate medical care.
Dr. Joey Shulman is the author of the national
best seller The Natural Makeover Diet (Wiley, 2005) and
Winning the Food Fight – Every Parent’s Guide
to Raising a Healthy, Happy Child (Wiley, 2003). She
is a highly sought after speaker, inspiring and educating
large audiences across North America on health and wellness.
She is also a proud endorser of and head nutritionist for
Sweetpea Baby Food – a line of top
quality, frozen organic baby food.
This article has been reprinted with permission from
Sweetpea Baby Food www.sweetpeababyfood.com
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