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Preventing Allergies in Children

parents lying on the bed with baby between them

A child is more likely to develop allergies if one or both parents have them. So it’s empowering to know that you can take simple steps before, during and after pregnancy, preventing allergies in children.

Preconception care

couple holding hands who want to prevent allergies in children

Preconception care gives men and women the opportunity to improve their health before trying for a baby, preventing allergies in children.

Ideally, preconception care should start around four months before conception. This is because the cycle of an egg in preparation for ovulation takes about four months, and male sperm takes about 80 days to develop and mature.

Preconception care is not only about improving your chance of conceiving. It may also reduce the risk of postnatal conditions such as pre-eclampsia, postnatal depression, thyroid issues, diabetes, learning difficulties, and preventing allergies in children.

Here are some important things you can try during preconception preventing allergies in children, including:

  • Address nutritional deficiencies – Vitamins and minerals such as iron, folate, iodine, zinc, vitamin D and calcium are essential for healthy growth and development. So, modify your diet or supplement accordingly.
  • Supplementation – Supplementing with a good quality pregnancy probiotic is important for a healthy immune system. Some research suggests that the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, in particular, reduces a baby’s risk of developing allergies. Supplementation is also essential if you are unable to obtain the right nutrients from a healthy and varied diet.
  • Reduce your toxic load – Environmental toxins can affect the quality of eggs, sperm, breast milk and your overall health. So, detox your home and body by consuming certified organic produce (where possible) and by reducing the number of chemicals in the home, such as cleaning products, plastic food containers and makeup.

During pregnancy

It is common to come across pregnancy books, websites and advice that encourage women to avoid allergic foods – such as wheat, cows milk, soy, egg, peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts and fish – during pregnancy.

But recent evidence shows that this could be doing more harm than good.

Surprisingly, unless the mother suffers serious allergies, avoiding highly allergenic foods during pregnancy actually increases a baby’s chance of developing food allergies. So, try and incorporate them into a balanced diet.

Here are some other things you can try during your pregnancy, preventing allergies in children:

  • Boost your Omega 3 intake – Omega 3s have a positive, anti-inflammatory effect, promote fetal brain development and could influence the development of allergies in early life. So, boost your intake of Omega 3-rich foods such as flaxseed oil, walnuts, currents, grass-fed meat and small fish such as mackerel and sardines. It is important to note that there is a high amount of mercury found in fish – so small fish is best. Supplementing with fish oil may also help. However, you do get what you pay for when it comes to fish oil. So, invest in quality fish oil that has been filtered for toxins and mercury (not just ‘mercury tested’).
  • Continue to reduce your toxic load – Environmental toxins pose the greatest risk when a baby’s organ and neural systems are forming. So, drink filtered water, go on a makeup detox, avoid BPA (found in plastic) and invest in natural household cleaners.
  • Aim for a balanced diet – maintaining a varied diet that includes many different types of good-quality carbohydrates, proteins and fats will allow you to take in the right nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
  • Watch inflammatory foods  – Reduce but DO NOT eliminate foods – such as dairy and gluten – that contribute to leaky gut, a major underlying cause of allergies and sensitivities.

Breastfeeding

mum breastfeeing baby to prevent allergies in children

Avoiding or increasing your intake of allergenic foods while breastfeeding does not help in preventing allergies in children. However, there’s evidence to suggest that breastfeeding itself may help in preventing allergies in children.

Research shows that breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, followed by a four-month period of weaning off after solids are introduced, can reduce allergy susceptibility.

If breastfeeding is not an option, certified organic goats milk formulas are best as they are the closest, nutritionally, to breast milk.

When breastfeeding, take similar steps, further preventing allergies in children:

  • Reduce your toxic load
  • Make sure your nutritional needs are met
  • Enjoy a varied diet
  • Include good quality omega 3 and probiotics
  • Choose low gluten and low dairy foods

Introducing Solids

Offering your baby allergenic foods is OK once they reach four-to-six months old. In fact, the latest research shows that including allergenic foods during this time decreases a child’s likelihood of developing allergies.

However, be sure to watch for allergy symptoms such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Itchy eyes, mouth or skin
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the eyes, lips or tongue
  • Hives or other skin conditions

By following the steps above you can help improve your and your baby’s health before during and after pregnancy, and reduce your baby’s risk of developing allergies. Working with a qualified naturopath will also ensure that you take an informed and personalised approach to health and allergy prevention.

 

Natural Allergy Treatment

mother holding baby who are both susceptible to red skin syndrome

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA) we work with lots of young children and babies who respond well to our non-invasive, natural allergy treatment.

We use a technique called muscle testing (also known as kinesiology) to help pinpoint your reactions to foods and environmental substances. Following testing, your HWA practitioner will work with you to address these reactions using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).

PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:

  • Draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
  • Aims to retrain your body
  • May reduce your reactions to foods and environmental substances that may be causing or exacerbating allergy symptoms

Some cases can be complex, so our naturopaths may also recommend supplements, herbs and lifestyle advice to help achieve the best long-term results.

 

Get in touch

  • Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
  • Send our PAT Naturopaths a question HERE
  • Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE

 

Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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