FAMILY DIET AND ALLERGIES

A child may not be bored or distracted or slow. He may be allergic. Many parents frequently face phone calls from teachers who complain about their children who are easily distracted, hyperactive, disruptive or who have declining grades. Often, children are diagnosed with conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or various learning disabilities. These same children may be prescribed medication or even be removed from regular classroom settings because of these problems. This may not have to happen.

Many times allergies have been discovered to be the underlying cause of these medical conditions. In fact, there is often a distinct relationship between allergies and behavior and learning problems. Allergies are broad in scope and can affect almost every system in a child's body, especially the central nervous system. Allergies caused by pollen, food, chemicals and more can actually affect a child's brain and cause problems in school. If allergies are the cause, we can prescribe a treatment which will enable the child to experience a happier, more normal life.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner; parents have been advised to feed their children three square meals a day for generations. Traditionally, a meal which includes members of all four food groups was the only guideline parents needed for healthy eating. But for some children, the food served during mealtimes may be making them sick, or adversely affect their behavior.

What is food allergy? There are two categories of food allergies; a "fixed" food allergy produces an immediate acute reaction in an individual such as breathing difficulty, generalized hives or throat swelling. These reactions are most commonly caused by eggs, peanuts, and shellfish and are typically noted within fifteen minutes after an individual ingests the food. Reactions can last anywhere from several minutes to several days. In fact, adults and children who wake up in the middle of the night feeling sick may be reacting to foods they ate at dinner. Most adverse reactions, however, subside within two hours. A "fixed" food allergy, however, accounts for only 5-10% of all food allergy reactions.

On the other hand, hidden, or "masked" food allergies involve foods that are ingested at least twice per week. Because the foods are ingested so frequently, the symptoms are chronic, of a lower grade, and are quite different to diagnose. The symptoms caused by "masked" food allergies are milder, including fatigue, hyperactivity and headaches. The medical problems caused by food allergies are wide ranging. But if a child is experiencing several of the symptoms, it is a good indication to parents that food may be the culprit.

The symptoms can include: nasal problems, headaches, fatigue, hyperactivity, depression, agitation, abdominal pain, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, difficulty breathing and urinary frequency. There is no guarantee that the above symptoms are caused by food allergies--an allergy is a condition to consider. Naturally, all suspected symptoms must be explored.

Certain foods are more likely than others to bring on an allergic reaction. Junk food, for example, frequently causes problems for children due to the numerous additives and preservatives used. Many foods that cause allergies seem perfectly healthy, but each child's tolerance is different. Foods that commonly cause allergies include: peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soybean, corn, sugar and artificial flavorings. This is just a basic list. There are guidelines for parents who believe that something they are feeding their child is having an adverse effect.

So what can parents do if they suspect that their child has a food allergy. It is difficult for all parents to monitor their child's actions around the clock, especially as the child grows. Parents who wish to investigate food allergies should keep a record of the child's diet. This record should include all food items eaten, the child's behavior, and symptoms which occur over the course of the day. Written documentation of a child's diet may enable a parent to track certain patterns right away. Parents who suspect that their child is suffering from an allergy should have the child adhere to diet and limiting sugar, baked goods, junk food and milk.

A simple approach for a parent to employ at home is a single food elimination diet. Often, if a child craves a particular food, that can be the food which is causing the problem. Parents should eliminate the suspicious food for approximately 10 days. After the 10 day period, the food can be reintroduced into the child's diet. If the child's symptoms arise, it is likely that this food is causing his or her medical problems. A more concentrated effort may be necessary in order to detect a child's food allergies. An effective approach is a multiple food elimination diet. In a controlled, medically supervised program, milk, wheat, eggs, corn, sugar, chocolate, citrus, peanuts and preservatives are eliminated from a child's diet for approximately fourteen days. During this week, the child is prescribed a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, chicken, turkey, fish, rice. After the fourteen day period is complete, each food is reintroduced into the diet, one day at a time. If symptoms such as headaches, rashes or abdominal pain develop, it is likely that a particular food is causing the problem. Elimination diets, performed under the supervision of a pediatric allergist or family physician, are particularly effective in detecting food allergies in children. Parents can monitor behavior and symptoms within their own home, and no needles or blood work are necessary.

Food allergies can be particularly frustrating for parents who try to do what is best for their children. The complete elimination of problem foods as well as more elaborate treatment; if necessary, can allow families to have greater control over their home life.