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LMQC Nutritionist blogger, Jeni Tackett, explores why food allergy cases are going up among children and how to know if your youngster has developed one.
by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD
Jeni Tacket shares her tips on selecting, preparing, and consuming healthy foods with LMQC readers every month.
Food allergies have been on the rise over the past 20 years. For example, peanut allergies more than tripled from the late ’90s to 2007.
With over 32 million Americans with food allergies, every three minutes a food allergy reaction results in an emergency room visit. Understanding common food allergies can help you recognize the symptoms and keep others safe from possible reactions.
Food allergies are not limited to children.
While most food allergies present in childhood and tend to run in families, approximately 15% of food allergies are diagnosed in adulthood.
Here is some good-to-know info about food allergies:
• How do you know if you or your child is has a food allergy? Here are some common symptoms:
• Itching and tingling in mouth
• Hives
• Swelling of the tongue, face, throat or other parts of the body
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness and fainting
• Abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea
• What do you do if you have a food allergy reaction? A food allergy reaction can be severe and lead to anaphylaxis. You should have a plan if you have someone in your household with a food allergy and seek out medical help immediately for severe reactions.
• What are the most common food allergens? The following food account for 90% of allergic reactions in Americans:
• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
• Shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab)
• Soy
• Wheat
• How do I know if a food contains an allergen? The eight major food allergens listed above must be stated on food labels. Carefully reading food labels for the food allergen to avoid is an important part of staying safe and keeping others safe. Individuals with a food allergy must avoid the allergen including any cross-contamination from food that contains the ingredient.
• How can we prevent food allergies? Introducing common food allergens earlier to infants may reduce food allergies. Peanut-containing foods can be given to infants 4-6 months to help prevent peanut allergy.
When my children were infants 20 years ago, peanut-containing foods were not introduced until after the first birthday. Research is helping us make better feeding choices to reduce food allergies and encourage a variety of foods at a young age.
Be aware that those around you could have food allergies and know the steps that you can take to make sure they stay safe.
Learn more online
Here are more resources:
by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD
Jeni Tacket shares her tips on selecting, preparing, and consuming healthy foods with LMQC readers every month.
Food allergies have been on the rise over the past 20 years. For example, peanut allergies more than tripled from the late ’90s to 2007.
With over 32 million Americans with food allergies, every three minutes a food allergy reaction results in an emergency room visit. Understanding common food allergies can help you recognize the symptoms and keep others safe from possible reactions.
Food allergies are not limited to children.
While most food allergies present in childhood and tend to run in families, approximately 15% of food allergies are diagnosed in adulthood.
Here is some good-to-know info about food allergies:
• How do you know if you or your child is has a food allergy? Here are some common symptoms:
• Itching and tingling in mouth
• Hives
• Swelling of the tongue, face, throat or other parts of the body
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness and fainting
• Abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea
• What do you do if you have a food allergy reaction? A food allergy reaction can be severe and lead to anaphylaxis. You should have a plan if you have someone in your household with a food allergy and seek out medical help immediately for severe reactions.
• What are the most common food allergens? The following food account for 90% of allergic reactions in Americans:
• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
• Shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab)
• Soy
• Wheat
• How do I know if a food contains an allergen? The eight major food allergens listed above must be stated on food labels. Carefully reading food labels for the food allergen to avoid is an important part of staying safe and keeping others safe. Individuals with a food allergy must avoid the allergen including any cross-contamination from food that contains the ingredient.
• How can we prevent food allergies? Introducing common food allergens earlier to infants may reduce food allergies. Peanut-containing foods can be given to infants 4-6 months to help prevent peanut allergy.
When my children were infants 20 years ago, peanut-containing foods were not introduced until after the first birthday. Research is helping us make better feeding choices to reduce food allergies and encourage a variety of foods at a young age.
Be aware that those around you could have food allergies and know the steps that you can take to make sure they stay safe.
Learn more online
Here are more resources:
Jeni Tackett
Nutritionist Blogger
Jeni is a registered and licensed dietitian who works at Genesis Health Systems as a Health Promotion Coordinator. She has always been passionate about a healthy lifestyle and helping others live their healthiest life.
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