Today, many physicians are seeing an increase of allergy symptoms, skin rashes, and asthma in their patient population. This increase is generally in the younger population.
Of course, the two biggest culprits are usually dairy and gluten (the protein in wheat). Other contributing factors are synthetic additives like colors, oils, flavors and sweeteners; plus many genetically modified ingredients (GMO’s).
If the symptoms are determined to be a dietary reaction; become a detective and look for clues to assess what the cause may be and then try to eliminate the offending food!
Here is what to look for:
Spitting up could be an intolerance to casein, which is a protein in cow’s milk, and in many prepared foods, also. Casein tends to irritate a child’s gut lining and cause gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or can cause chronic ear infection and constipation. Remove dairy (cow) from diet or from nursing mother’s diet for at least a week and add a probiotic to help healing.
Chronic Diarrhea may be intolerance to gluten or lactose, a dairy sugar. This may include gas and bloating. Physicians and Nutritionist have found that if you are gluten intolerant, then you are likely lactose intolerant, also. A blood test for Celiac disease can confirm a gluten sensitivity. Eliminate the offending products; unfortunately, wheat is in many processed and packaged foods!
Only consume fermented dairy products like yogurt or kefir, which have lower lactose levels. If your child is just being cranky, this also may be linked to gluten issues, with symptoms from moodiness, headaches, ADHD and neurological symptoms.
Chronic Ear Infections have been linked to dairy and soy sensitivity. Quit dairy and any soy products for a month or more including many processed foods containing soy by-products.
Itchy skin is common to gluten, casein and egg sensitivities. Other suspects to skin irritation could be oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, strawberries and pineapple.
These could be a histamine response so see an allergist for a Rast test to detect food sensitivities.
Hyperactivity is usually associated with sensitivity to artificial colors and sugars. According to Dr. Barry Sears, children’s underdeveloped blood-brain barrier has increased vulnerability to toxic effects of chemicals like food additives, artificial colors and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
So when possible buy organic foods with no additives and no artificial colors. Also, avoid all added sugars.
Children with Stunted Growth have been found to be gluten sensitive or have zinc deficiency. This is due to gluten intolerance, it interferes with nutrient absorption and causes a failure to grow or thrive. Small size in height or weight is a classic symptom of Celiac disease.
Zinc can normalize appetite and help growth hormones to function better. Symptoms include: not being hungry, picky eater, or complaining that food tastes funny or smells bad.
Eliminate gluten and check for low zinc. Zinc rich foods include chicken, beans, cashews, and garbanzo’s (Hummus).
References:
The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods by James Duke PhD