Identifying Food Allergies

Identifying Food Allergies

December 6th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Food allergies have been a growing concern among new parents, as the medical community raises more awareness of how common they are becoming. With frightening stories circulating about sudden and severe reactions to baby foods, many parents are anxious about allergies and taking extra precautions to be prepared.

Recognizing a food allergy isn’t too difficult in most situations, although you might not realize what it is at first. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in the case of a truly severe reaction will require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of a Food Allergy

Common food allergy reactions include difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling, rashes, itching, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The onset of the symptoms is generally fairly quick, within a few minutes to a few hours after your child eats the allergenic food. In rare, severe cases, a food allergy can result in anaphylaxis, where the throat swells up, blood pressure drops and the child may go into shock and be as risk of death if not treated immediately. This type of reaction requires a 911 call without delay and a visit to the emergency room.

How to Determine Which Food Caused a Reaction

If the reaction occurs early in your child’s introduction to solid foods, it should be fairly easy to tell which food is the culprit. When introducing new foods to a baby, allowing a space of several days in between adding new foods will allow you to tell whether a reaction develops in response to the latest new addition to the menu.

Unfortunately, it isn’t always that easy. Some allergies can develop even if the child has tried the same food in the past with no reaction; allergic reactions can happen after several uneventful servings of the food. And in older children, who eat a much more varied diet, it can be very difficult to tell which food is to blame.

If you have a good idea which baby food caused the reaction, you should immediately remove it from your child’s diet. Even if the initial reaction was mild, a stronger reaction could occur the next time. If you aren’t certain which food is to blame, start by eliminating the most likely culprit – watch for highly allergenic foods such a dairy, strawberries, eggs and nuts as likely choices.

An allergist can perform tests to find out specifically which food your child is allergic too, but you will generally figure it out fairly quickly if you keep track of what your child ate and when reactions occurred.

What to Do If an Allergy is Discovered

First of all, you should of course prevent your child from eating that food. Next, make sure that any caregivers such as grandparents and babysitters are aware of the allergy. In the case of a severe allergy, you might be required to carry a special injectable medication that can be used in case of accidental contact with the food. You should also make sure all caregivers are ready and able to provide the injection should it become necessary.

Allergies can change over time, and your child may outgrow the allergy. Talk to your doctor about this possibility and how to go about re-introducing the food with caution. Some allergies are so severe that it is unlikely they will be outgrown and not worth taking the risk of finding out.

Foods Your Baby Should Avoid in the First Year

Foods Your Baby Should Avoid in the First Year

September 26th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

During the first year of your baby’s life, there are some baby foods that you should be careful to avoid for several reasons. Your baby’s digestive system is not yet able to handle some foods, while others may pose a risk of a serious illness. Other foods should be avoided simply because your baby is not yet able to chew them and the risk of choking is high. While most foods are safe enough for your baby in the first year, keep this list handy to avoid problems.

Baby’s Digestive System Isn’t Ready!

There are some foods your baby’s digestive system just isn’t ready to handle for various reasons. For the first six months, your baby’s tummy can really only handle breast milk or formula, but once solids are started there are still some choices that can cause digestive problems.

Among other reasons, cow’s milk should be avoided in the first year because your baby’s body can’t digest the proteins easily, leading to gastrointestinal distress. Cow’s milk also blocks the absorption of iron, which can cause your baby to become anemic.

The same goes for wheat, which can be hard for young babies to digest and could lead to celiac disease, or gluten intolerance. While there are differing opinions on how soon babies should have wheat, it can’t hurt to wait out the first year to be safe.

Choking Hazards

Some foods are unsafe for babies under a year old because they are difficult to chew or are just the right shape and size to pose a threat of choking. While some of the top choking hazards such as grapes can be cut up to minimize the risk, there are other foods that should be avoided altogether. Don’t give your baby nuts – they are very easy to choke on and your baby won’t be able to chew them until molars appear. Nuts were once off the list due to allergies, but the new stance on allergenic foods only means nut butters are now alright for baby (unless there is a history of allergies). Whole nuts are still a poor choice under one year old, and often well into the second year.

Another major choking hazard is raisins, which can become very gummy, stick together and get caught in baby’s throat. Wait until after a year old to introduce them, and watch your baby for signs of readiness for such chewy foods.

Foods that Can Make Baby Sick

Babies under a year old should never be fed honey, as it can contain botulism spores. In a baby’s undeveloped digestive system, this can quickly form a toxin that leads to infant botulism, a serious illness.

Extra salt should never be added to baby’s food. Excess sodium upsets the balance of fluids in the body, and it can also damage your baby’s kidneys which are not yet able to process salt effectively. There is no reason to season your baby’s food with salt, and any food containing high levels of sodium should be avoided during the first year. Even into the second year, use caution with salt.

A Word on Allergies

If allergies run in your family, especially in the immediate family, you will need to strike a few more foods off the list in baby’s first year. Babies with a family history of allergies should avoid highly allergenic foods such as eggs, nuts, strawberries, and seafood for the first year and in some cases beyond. Discuss the introduction on allergenic foods with your baby’s doctor.

Which Foods Should be Withheld from Babies?

Which Foods Should be Withheld from Babies?

September 15th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Choosing the right baby foods for your baby can be a little complicated. In addition to choosing foods that are easy to digest, you also need to be on the lookout for potential allergens and some foods that are just downright dangerous. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to clear up the mystery of which foods baby can have early on, and which you should wait to offer until baby is a little older.

Introduction of Allergenic Foods

Some foods are known to carry a higher risk of an allergic reaction than others. Many of these foods are also more likely to result in a serious allergic reaction, rather than a mild one. Until recently, new parents were advised to delay the introduction of such highly allergenic foods as strawberries, eggs, peanuts and peanut butter in all children to avoid potentially serious allergic reactions. Recently, however, the AAP has changed their stance on this based on the new research. There is no indication that delaying allergenic foods has any impact on allergic reactions. Introducing these foods earlier may in fact be beneficial to babies.

There are exceptions to every rule, including every feeding rule. If there is a history of severe food allergies in your immediate family, especially yourself, your spouse or a sibling of the baby, it’s still a good idea to wait on potential allergens. Talk to your baby’s doctor about when to introduce these foods and how to do it safely.

Unless you have reason to be concerned, however, most children can be safely introduced to allergenic foods right along with other foods.

Cow’s Milk

The AAP recommends that you wait to introduce your baby to cow’s milk until after one year of age. There are a few reasons for this, but they are mostly related to nutrition and your baby’s immature digestive system. The balance of nutrients in cow’s milk does not meet your baby’s needs in some areas, and may exceed them in other areas. The protein in cow’s milk is very difficult for a baby’s digestive system to handle. Cow’s milk also blocks the absorption of iron in the system which can lead to anemia. It can cause widespread problems throughout your baby’s system.

After one year of age, as your baby weans off of breast milk or formula, it is ok to start giving cow’s milk. Stick to whole milk, which provides the fat your baby needs for proper development.

Other dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, are ok to serve to baby prior to turning one. Because they are processed and broken down, they won’t cause the same problems as drinking milk can.

Avoiding Honey

Although a great natural sweetener that has been proven to have numerous health benefits, honey is unsafe for children under one year of age. It can contain botulism spores, which are generally harmless to older people, but can make a baby very sick and even be lethal.

After one year of age, it’s safe to start giving your baby honey as a sweetener or a very effective cough medicine.

If you are ever in doubt about the safety of a food for your baby, it’s best to check with your pediatrician before you try it. As babies have underdeveloped digestive and immune systems, things that don’t affect adults can make them very sick. Better safe than sorry is always the best rule of thumb.

Your Nutrition while Breastfeeding

Your Nutrition while Breastfeeding

August 6th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Your days of watching what you eat aren’t over when your pregnancy ends. If you are planning to breastfeed, you will need to continue your healthy habits. Nursing your baby means that your body must provide all of the nutrition required for baby to grow strong. Your body is working hard to produce the milk, so you will need some extra calories to keep it going, but make sure you get those extra calories from healthy, nutritious foods.

What You Should Eat

A balanced diet from all four food groups is vital while you are breastfeeding. Be sure to eat a varied diet that will give you all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. You should already be used to eating well from your pregnancy, so you can simply continue those good eating habits into your nursing diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources such as poultry and fish, good sources of calcium, and whole grain options for lots of fiber.

You will probably find that in the early months of breastfeeding, you have a very good appetite. Most nursing moms will feel very hungry, and this is because the body needs a lot of fuel to keep producing that milk. A nursing mom requires about 500 calories more per day than a woman who is not nursing (and not pregnant). This means only another 200 calories above the extra 300 needed during pregnancy. Add a healthy snack or two to your daily intake to meet this need.

Adding extra fluids to your diet is a good idea while breastfeeding. It will keep you hydrated and help your milk production. Try to add several glasses of water every day.

What You Should Not Eat

The main difference between a pregnancy diet and a breastfeeding diet is that you won’t have to follow all of the same dietary restrictions you did while pregnant. Foods like sushi and eggs over-easy are no longer off the menu. Alcohol and caffeine, however, do pass into breast milk. You should continue to avoid them or consume them with great caution. Most experts recommend that you wait 2 hours after an alcoholic beverage before breastfeeding, but it’s best to skip it altogether. Caffeine is ok in moderation, but it may make baby jittery or affect sleep, so use it carefully.

Although you may have heard a lot about how certain foods can make your baby gassy or fussy, there is no reason to avoid foods such as those that are spicy unless you actually see a reaction in your baby. Most babies will not have a problem with these types of foods. A food that makes you gassy is not going to make your baby gassy, but there may be a food in your diet that baby is allergic to or simply sensitive to, which could cause gas. If you notice that your baby becomes gassy or fussy around 6 hours after eating a certain food, try eliminating it for a while to see if it helps.

Your breastfeeding diet should simply be a continuation of your healthy pregnancy diet, with a few minor changes. Just as in pregnancy, your body is feeding your baby, so keep that in mind when planning your diet. You should also continue taking supplements just as you did during pregnancy to make sure your body gets everything it needs.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

July 27th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

In addition to planning your diet carefully to include all the healthy foods you need, you should also be aware of which foods are not considered safe for consumption during pregnancy.

The main reason for a food to be listed as unsafe is bacteria, which could cause serious illness or worse in your baby. Some foods are also linked to birth defects, so make sure these are off your shopping list for the duration of your pregnancy.

Listeria and Salmonella in Foods

One of the most dangerous bacteria for your unborn baby is listeria. This common bacterium is unlikely to harm a grown adult, but for your tiny fetus, it can be lethal. Salmonella is dangerous to both you and the baby, but while you would likely survive a bout with it, your baby might not. Avoid foods that might contain listeria or salmonella, such as:

  • Any food containing unpasteurized milk, such as soft cheeses. Some soft cheeses are made with pasteurized milk – check the label carefully.
  • Any food containing raw eggs, unless the eggs were pasteurized. This can be trickier than you think. Foods that contain raw eggs include some ceasar salad dressings, buttercream frosting and mayonnaise. If the label does not say the eggs were pasteurized, avoid it. Don’t order these foods in restaurants even if the waiter says there are no raw eggs – he could be wrong. If you wish to make these foods yourself, choose pasteurized eggs.
  • Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria. If you wish to consume deli meats, you should heat them until they are steaming to kill off any bacteria. Some doctors now say deli meats, even unheated, are safe as long as they are purchased from a deli with a high turn around so that meat is not sitting long. You should consume deli meats as soon as they are purchased for safety.
  • Pate can also be contaminated with listeria, so avoid it as well.

Fish: What Is Safe and What Is Not

Fish can be an important part of a healthy diet, providing you with a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids as well as many other nutritional benefits. There can be dangers in fish consumption during pregnancy, however, so use caution. Watch out for these dangers when choosing fish:

  • Some fish can be very high in mercury, such as shark and swordfish, and should be avoided. Fish that contain lower levels of mercury, such as tuna, are safe to eat as long as you consume them in moderation.
  • Sushi containing raw fish should be avoided entirely.
  • Smoked seafood options, such as lox, which are purchased from a deli are in danger of listeria contamination, and should be avoided.

Caffeine and Alcohol

While there is some debate as to what is a safe amount of caffeine during pregnancy, there is absolutely no argument that alcohol is unsafe. Currently, there is not considered to be any safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, especially during the vital first trimester. Some doctors may tell you it’s ok to have a small glass of red wine towards the end of your pregnancy, but you are better off skipping it altogether.

Caffeine in moderate amounts is generally viewed as safe, but new studies have linked caffeine intake during the first trimester with miscarriage. Again, it’s best to err on the side of caution and skip the caffeine altogether. If you really need that boost in the morning, keep it to one cup of coffee, but wait until the second trimester when the risk of miscarriage drops dramatically.

Caffeine and Pregnancy

Caffeine and Pregnancy

July 25th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Caffeine is the most commonly used stimulant in the country, and a good number of us enjoy a cup of something hot and caffeinated every morning to start our day. The use of caffeine during pregnancy is a controversial topic; most health practitioners believe a small amount of caffeine is acceptable, while others will say avoiding it entirely is the best course of action. Whether you believe in the some or none approach, everyone is in agreement that large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy are dangerous.

What Does Caffeine Do to Your Body?

Caffeine is both a stimulant and a diuretic. This means that it causes you to feel alert, can slightly elevate blood pressure as well as heart rate, and also causes fluids to leave the body through increased urination. Caffeine can cause a jittery feeling and cause sleep disruptions, especially if used in large amounts. Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others, and pregnant women are among them.

Caffeine and Miscarriage

A recent study showed that women who consume 200 mg or more of caffeine every day (about the amount in a large cup of coffee) carry a 50% higher risk of miscarriage than those who do not. Previous studies, however, have found no relationship between caffeine and miscarriage. Although the results of these studies have been conflicting, there is enough evidence to suggest that a risk of miscarriage may exist. This risk is especially high in the first trimester, so if you don’t wish to avoid caffeine through the entire pregnancy, it’s a good idea to at least skip it during those crucial early weeks. High amounts of caffeine in the diet have also been linked to stillbirth.

Effects of Caffeine on the Fetus

Caffeine does cross the placenta, and this means it reaches the baby. Research indicates that caffeine does restrict blood flow to the placenta, which could impact the baby. It has also been linked with lower birth weights, and a higher heart rate in the newborn baby.

What Foods Contain the Most Caffeine?

Caffeine occurs naturally in some foods and beverages, and is added to others. Coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans are all natural sources of caffeine. Coffee is by far the highest in caffeine content. The average 8 oz cup of coffee contains about 137 mg of caffeine, but this amount can vary widely depending on the type of coffee and how it was brewed. The same goes from tea, which contains about 48 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz cup. Generally, the stronger your cup of coffee or tea, the higher the caffeine content.

Soft drinks that have been caffeinated contain 37 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving on average. Some of these beverages may contain higher or lower amounts. Chocolate contains caffeine in varying amounts depending on how dark the chocolate is (the percentage of cocoa solids).

The general consensus on caffeine in pregnancy is that it is probably safe in small amounts. Stick to one cup of coffee a day or the equivalent amount of caffeine from other sources. It’s best to avoid caffeine in the first trimester if you can, but after that you are probably safe to continue moderate consumption. Still, if you prefer to be cautious, skip the caffeine altogether. If you do choose to consume caffeine, remember to drink extra water as well, to make up for the diuretic effect of the caffeine on your system.

Seafood Safety During Pregnancy

Seafood Safety During Pregnancy

July 14th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Seafood can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet, as long as you are careful about what type of seafood you consume. Certain types of fish, as well as undercooked or raw seafood may pose a risk to your baby, so use caution when selecting seafood options for your pregnancy diet.

Mercury in Fish

Fish is a very healthful food and provides pregnant women with the very important and hard to get Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to baby’s eye and brain development among other benefits. Certain fish, however, contain dangerous levels of mercury, and should be eaten in small amounts or avoided altogether, as mercury can be damaging to an unborn baby’s nervous system.

Fish absorb mercury from their food, and the longer a fish lives, the more mercury it will accumulate. Therefore, fish with longer life spans will have a much higher mercury level than those who don’t live as long. Larger, predator fish that feed on small fish will absorb more mercury from their diet as well, causing their mercury levels to rise even more.

Fish that contain dangerously high levels of mercury are swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish. Pregnant women should avoid these fish entirely. The fish that are lowest in mercury are salmon, canned white tuna, shrimp and pollock. Albacore tuna is higher in mercury than the standard white tuna found in a can, and tuna steaks should be consumed only rarely. Pregnant women should consider avoiding tuna steaks altogether to be on the safe side. Other fish to be cautious with include halibut, bass, snapper and mackerel. If you aren’t sure about a fish, check with the FDA prior to eating it.

The safe amount of fish recommended by the FDA for pregnant women is about 12 ounces per week. Try to ensure that most, if not all of your fish consumption is from those listed as being lowest in mercury. Use caution when consuming fish caught in local waters by friends and family, as it may be difficult to tell what the mercury level is.

Undercooked or Raw Fish

Many people enjoy sushi, but unfortunately it isn’t safe to consume during pregnancy. Some types of sushi, such as California rolls, do not contain raw fish and are safe to eat, but all raw fish should be removed from the diet entirely. Raw fish can contain bacteria such as salmonella and parasites that are very harmful to the baby.

Undercooked shellfish such as clams and oysters are the number one cause of seafood-related illnesses, so be especially cautious when consuming these foods. Be absolutely certain that they are fully cooked to at least 140 degrees before you eat. If you can’t be sure of proper cooking, it’s best to avoid these foods altogether.

While all of the information surrounding fish consumption can be confusing and a bit frightening, keep in mind that fish provide a great deal of wonderful nutrition to you and your baby as well. Fish are low in the bad fats and full of the good fats that support your baby’s development. They also provide a number of essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy your fish, but follow the FDA guidelines to be safe. Aim for two servings of low-mercury, fully cooked fish every week to get the benefits and avoid the risks.

Food Additives During Pregnancy

Food Additives During Pregnancy

July 2nd, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Most of the processed foods that we eat are filled with additives and preservatives. These are intended to improve the look, flavor, and longevity (shelf life) of these foods. While most of them are not dangerous during pregnancy, there are some additives that should be avoided.

The most important tool you have for protecting yourself and your baby from potentially harmful food additives is carefully reading product labels, and knowing what to look for.

MSG

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a common additive in many processed foods including canned vegetables and frozen foods. Research shows a potential link between MSG and neurological disorders, and it can also affect your blood pressure, especially if it is already high.

Artificial Colors

Some are safe, but some are decidedly not. To make it easier on yourself, avoid artificial colors altogether; but just in case, it’s good to know which ones have been linked to serious conditions such as cancer. Completely avoid: Blue #1, Blue #2, Citrus Red #1. Citrus Red #2, Green #3, Red #3, Red #40 and Yellow #6. These are all potentially harmful to both you and your growing baby.

Nitrates and Nitrites

Found in processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon and sausages, these can cause a dangerous blood disease in your unborn child.

Artificial Sweeteners

There are a number of artificial sweeteners on the market today designed to lower the calorie content of foods. They are normally found in diet foods, however, watch for them in foods labeled “No Sugar Added”, as often artificial sweeteners have been added instead. The most common types of artificial sweeteners are aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin.

Of these three, saccharin is the one you most need to avoid. The FDA requires that foods contain it carry a warning on the label – not a good sign for consuming it during pregnancy.

Aspartame is a controversial sweetener; some say it is ok in moderation, but there have been studies linking it to various diseases, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. Sucralose is generally considered to be safe; however it has not been around long enough or tested well enough in pregnant women to be certain.

Other Additives to Avoid

Watch out for any food that contains BHA or BHT, Heptylparaben, Mannitol and Disodium Guanylate, Propyl Gallate, and Sodium Aluminum Silicate. All of these additives have been linked with fetal harm and should be avoided completely during pregnancy.

Safe Additives

There are some food additives that might sound dangerous but actually aren’t. Many of these are vitamins being added to fortify food. Folic acid, an important B vitamin during pregnancy, is a healthy additive in your food. Ascorbic acid is also ok, although it sounds a bit scary! It’s actually vitamin C. Natural additives such as pectin or citric acid are also safe during pregnancy.

The best way to avoid getting any of the dangerous additives is to eat fresh, home made foods and avoid processed foods as much as possible. When you do pick up a can or jar off the shelf, read the label carefully. If you aren’t sure what something is, look it up before consuming it. Look for foods labeled “all-natural” “no preservatives” and “no additives”. These foods may be more expensive and less convenient, but when your baby’s health is on the line, it is worth the extra time and expense.

Is All Cheese Safe During Pregnancy?

Is All Cheese Safe During Pregnancy?

July 1st, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Cheese is a great source of calcium and a healthy snack for pregnant women. However, there are some cheeses that should be approached with caution to avoid potentially harmful bacteria. You may have heard that you should avoid “soft” cheese such as Brie, as well as Feta cheese. Not all of these cheeses are dangerous, you just have to check for one important word: pasteurized.

What Is Pasteurization?

Created by (and named for) chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur in the mid 1800s, the process of pasteurization is intended to kill dangerous bacteria, or pathogens in foods. It is most often used on milk, and involves heating the milk to a temperature high enough to kill the bacteria. The term flash pasteurization simply means the product is heated very quickly and then cooled again. This process is often used on eggs and is believed to improve the taste.

Milk sold in US grocery stores today has been pasteurized. It not only makes the milk safer for consumption, but also extends shelf life. You can also purchase eggs that have been pasteurized, which allows the consumption of them in recipes where they are not cooked to be safe.

Pasteurization And Cheese

The reason that some cheeses have been on the unsafe list for consumption by pregnant women is that they are made with unpasteurized milk. This means that they can contain listeria, a bacteria known to be very harmful or even deadly to a developing fetus. This is the same reason pregnant women are advised against eating deli meats, which can often contain listeria as well.

Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and blue cheeses as well as Feta cheese are often made with unpasteurized milk. The reason for choosing this less-safe option is generally the flavor. These cheeses depend on bacteria for their unique taste, and pasteurized milk can affect the flavor, so many manufacturers continue to make their cheese with raw milk. However, not all of these cheeses are made with unpasteurized milk. Read the label – if it states that pasteurized milk was used, the cheese is safe for consumption during pregnancy.

With more companies producing pasteurized cheeses, Brie, Feta, and the rest of the once-banned soft cheeses can make reappearance in a healthy pregnancy diet.

What About Other Cheeses?

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, are safe to consume during pregnancy. With all cheeses, however, make sure to follow safe handling instructions. Keep the cheese refrigerated, and don’t eat it past the best by date on the package. If you are purchasing your cheese from a deli, try to choose one that is busy and thus has a high turn-around for the cheese on their shelves. Even cheese made with pasteurized milk can be re-contaminated if not handled properly.

Processed cheeses such as American, ricotta, cream cheese and cottage cheese are also considered safe for consumption during pregnancy, but follow the same warnings listed above to ensure food safety. The rule of thumb is to refrigerate and consume promptly.

If you aren’t sure about a cheese, simply don’t eat it. That tantalizing cheese tray at the party may look delicious, but unless you are sure of what is on it and how long it has been sitting out, skip it. It’s not worth your baby’s health.

By taking some precautions, you can make all kinds of cheeses a healthy part of your pregnancy diet, and enjoy some you might have thought were off limits.