It is Getting Harder to Outgrow Certain Food Allergies

Research from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland suggests that childhood allergies to milk and eggs are becoming harder to outgrow. An allergy to milk is the most common allergy seen in children — between two and three percent of all young children are affected. Egg allergy is the second most common allergy seen in children, affecting between one and two percent of the young child population. Research from just twenty years ago suggested that three-quarters of children would outgrow milk and egg allergies by the age of three. I should mention that I had a milk allergy when … Continue reading

Help For Kids With Food Allergies

A couple of weeks ago my 3-year-old daughter and I were playing restaurant. I sat at her Little Tikes table and asked my little “waitress” what the daily special was. Her reply: “Mommy… you want some pineapple?” I let out a sigh and told her that I was allergic to pineapple but would love a banana instead. A few minutes later she brought over her sushi set. When she asked me if I wanted a shrimp roll I replied, “Oh no, I’m allergic to shrimp too.” (I really am.) “But,” I added, “I sure would love a spicy tuna roll.” … Continue reading

Health Benefits of Coconut

I am allergic to coconut (and pineapple and shrimp), which really is not that unusual, unless you were born and raised in Hawaii. Yes, the jokes start to fly once I tell people about my food allergies. All kidding aside, when I informed my daughter’s pediatrician about my many food allergies shortly after she was born he recommended that we not introduce shellfish or other tropical fruits into her diet until she was at least 3-years-old. My daughter turned 3 a few weeks ago. Two days ago we attended a party that featured a gigantic white coconut cake. I’m not … Continue reading

When to See Your Doctor About Crying

We have talked about the fussy baby and the baby that cries and why they cry and what it means when they cry and how you can comfort for their crying. For parents of infants, crying is a simple fact of life. Babies cry for a variety of reasons and there are many ways that we can bring comfort to our babies, but how do you know when the crying is something more than usual? When is it time to see your pediatrician about the baby crying? Is it a Medical Problem? If you notice a change in your baby’s … Continue reading

The Jewelry That Gives Peace of Mind

Have you ever considered what might happen if your child had a medical emergency and you weren’t around? And if your child couldn’t speak due to a disability or because he was unconscious, how could he get help? William Y. Rial, Former President of the American Medical Association has said, “Even if your children are old enough to understand the seriousness of their condition, why gamble on the ability to communicate in a situation in which they may be unconscious or too ill to speak? If your children suffer from any condition that could endanger them or complicate treatment in … Continue reading

Will a Special Diet Help Your Child?

Parents of children with special needs often get recommendations from other parents about putting their kid on a specialized diet. “I took my son off all artificial colors and additives and his hyperactivity went away,” or, “When my daughter stopped eating processed foods, her ADHD improved,” or “No more sugar for my son. It makes him lose focus,” etc. Some people swear that hyperactivity is caused by food allergies. It can be confusing for parents of newly-diagnosed children to know whether or not to pursue some of these dietary suggestions, and if so, which ones. The Brain Thrives on Good … Continue reading

Food Allergies in Babies

A group of allergists recently recommended feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months to help prevent food allergies. This suggestion comes after a joint research effort from the University of Milan Medical School in Italy and the Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. If you suffer from allergies, chances are your children will as well. Avoiding regular milk and dairy products during the first six months of life can help infants who are at risk of developing food allergies. The research team said that introducing solid foods in … Continue reading

Entertaining: Seven Tips for Hosting Potluck Meals

Potluck often gets a bad rap, but a potluck meal can actually be a great way to get together with friends or family without incurring great expense. The costs are divvied up between the host and amongst the guests. These seven tips will help you make the most of potluck meals: 1. Get organized. Make a list to insure that everyone does not bring the same item or the same type of dish. Four desserts and no side dishes doesn’t create a good balance. Suggest certain items that you still need for guests that don’t know what to bring. 2. … Continue reading

Pets With Food Allergies

Yes, believe it or not, your furry friend may be allergic to things like wheat or beef! Dogs and cats can develop food allergies at any age, at any time of year. The most common signs of an allergy issue in your pets are skin and coat problems. Your pup or kitty will be itchy and dry, with flaky skin or a dull coat. Other symptoms to watch for: Frequent head shaking Ear inflammation Licking paws endlessly Rubbing/scratching face on carpet or furniture Sneezing Vomiting Diarrhea/flatulence Wheezing Any of these symptoms could be signs of some other issue — they … Continue reading

Food Allergies

Twenty-five percent of American adults believe they have some sort of food allergy… but in truth, only about TWO percent of adults have an actual food allergy. If something you eat doesn’t agree with you — you get an upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea — it’s not the same as having a food allergy. A food intolerance and a food allergy are two very different things! A food allergy essentially triggers a massive overreaction by your immune system. You may experience rashes or swelling, and even blood pressure and breathing problems. And a food allergy isn’t limited to things you … Continue reading