Understanding the root of allergies and intolerances may help you keep your children healthy and ease the stress involved in preparing meals for others.

Allergies
An allergy is a response from the immune system to certain foreign substances. Common food allergies are to wheat/gluten, meat, dairy, nuts, shell fish and soy products. Food allergies can be severe in people who don’t produce sufficient digestive enzymes. Allergies can be improved by eating enzyme rich foods like raw fruit and vegetables. Overcooking food destroys the enzymes and can make digestion difficult. The lack of enzymes in the body causes a build up of undigested food in the body which leads to bacterial growth and can eventually lead to an allergy. This is why some people may have been fine with foods before but develop an allergy later in life. Allergy testing can be done by either a blood or a skin test, so speak with your doctor if you have any food concerns. In severe cases allergens may cause anaphylactic shock which requires immediate medical attention. If a severe allergy is known an epi pen should be carried around at all times and the person should wear a medic alert bracelet to let others know of their allergy.

Intolerances
Food sensitivities or intolerances cause an unpleasant reaction upon digestion but are not life threatening like allergies can be. People can be intolerant to dairy, certain meat or even the way food is cooked. For example inadequately soaked and cooked kidney beans will cause a food poisoning like illness. Food intolerances or sensitivities are harder to diagnose than allergies. One way to decipher a food intolerance is to keep a food journal. Write down everything you eat for at least two weeks and the reactions you had or how you felt after each meal. After two weeks go back and read your food journal. You might be able to find out what you’re sensitive to by reading back. If not see which days you had reactions and isolate the foods eaten on those days until you find out which food cause the negative reaction.

Allergies in Children and Babies
Introducing food to babies at the right time is very important. You have to allow the digestive and immune systems to develop fully before solid foods are introduced. Also, introduce foods one at a time so if there is a reaction you know which food to avoid feeding your child. You may want to wait 4-6 days before introducing a new food in case the reaction is delayed. Severe allergies will be obvious both some may be difficult to decipher in babies because they are unable to vocalize how they feel. Reactions to look for are diarrhoea, abdominal colic, crankiness, runny nose, mild ear infections, asthma or eczema. Keep an eye on what your child eats. Fresh fruit and vegetables and non-processed foods are best for children. Also be aware of the restrictions at your children’s school to keep other kids safe as well. When inviting people over for dinner don’t be afraid to ask if they have any allergies or intolerances. It will avoid embarrassing moments at the dinner table when they don’t eat what you’ve offered and you won’t be offended. For large parties or weddings have a buffet so guests can pick their own plates but make sure to have a variety and include some vegetarian dishes. You won’t be able to please everyone all the time but knowing dietary restrictions in advance will make the planning that much easier.