Understanding Food Allergies

Understanding Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities: A Guide for Parents

Hello parents!

As a pediatric registered dietitian, I understand the complexities and concerns surrounding food-related reactions in children. It’s essential to distinguish between food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities to ensure your child receives the appropriate care and dietary adjustments. Let’s delve into what each term means, how to identify them, and the top food allergens for children.

Food Allergies

What are Food Allergies? Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat and launches an attack against it. This response can range from mild to severe and can affect multiple systems in the body.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Skin: Hives, eczema, itching, or swelling.
• Respiratory: Wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing, or shortness of breath.
• Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or nausea.
• Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.

Common Food Allergens in Children:

1. Milk
2. Eggs
3. Peanuts
4. Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Fish
8. Shellfish

Food Intolerances

What are Food Intolerances? Food intolerances occur when the digestive system is unable to properly break down certain foods, often due to a lack of specific enzymes. Unlike allergies, intolerances do not involve the immune system.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Gastrointestinal: Bloating, gas, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
• Other: Headaches, fatigue, or irritability.

Common Intolerances:

• Lactose Intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to low levels of the enzyme lactase.
• Gluten Intolerance: Sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, leading to digestive discomfort.

Food Sensitivities

What are Food Sensitivities? Food sensitivities are less well-defined and can involve both the immune and digestive systems. They may not trigger the immediate reactions seen with allergies but can still cause significant discomfort and health issues.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Gastrointestinal: Bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Skin: Rashes, eczema, or acne.
• Respiratory: Nasal congestion or asthma-like symptoms.
• Other: Fatigue, headaches, or mood changes.

Common Sensitivities:

• Artificial Additives: Sensitivity to food colorings, preservatives, or flavor enhancers.
• Salicylates: Naturally occurring chemicals in fruits and vegetables that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

What to Do if You Suspect a Food Reaction

1. Observe and Record: Keep a food diary noting what your child eats and any symptoms that follow. This can help identify potential triggers.
2. Consult a Pediatrician or Dietitian: Professional guidance is crucial in determining the cause of food-related reactions and developing a safe and nutritious eating plan.
3. Allergy Testing: If a food allergy is suspected, your pediatrician may recommend allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests.
4. Elimination Diet: Under professional supervision, an elimination diet can help identify intolerances and sensitivities by removing and then gradually reintroducing potential trigger foods.

Managing Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities

• Read Labels: Always check ingredient lists for potential allergens or trigger ingredients.
• Educate Your Child: Teach your child about their specific dietary needs and how to advocate for themselves.
• Plan Ahead: Ensure safe food options are available at school, parties, and other social events.
• Emergency Plan: If your child has a food allergy, work with your healthcare provider to create an emergency action plan, including carrying an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed.

Understanding the difference between food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities can empower you to keep your child safe and healthy. Remember, you are not alone in navigating this journey—reach out to healthcare professionals for support and guidance.

Wishing you and your little ones happy and healthy meals!

Recipe of the Month:

Allergen-Free Pumpkin Muffins

2 cups gluten free flour blend

1 teaspoon baking soda

⅛ teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ cup canola oil

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup light brown sugar packed

2 tbsp chia *to make a chia egg*

⅔ cup pumpkin puree

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar

*To make a chia egg, place the 2 tbsp of chia seed in 1/3 cup of warm water and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Use as egg replacement*

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl mix together the canola oil and sugars. Add chia ‘eggs’, pumpkin and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until combined.
3. Add the gluten free flour blend, spices, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined.
4. Pour batter into muffin cups and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan.
6. When serving warm, slice open and top with dairy free butter if desired.