Food Sensitivity in Children

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Well publicised allergies such as peanut, egg or shellfish sensitivities can have a dramatic affect on many children and at worst a fatal ending. However, its the little known sensitivities which many more children live with that are of concern to parents, unable to explain the changes in their children’s behaviours or physical discomfort. These effects can range from inattention, irritability, emotional meltdowns, mood changes, rashes, spots or immature pimples, hyperactivity, restlessness, sleep disturbances, tummy pain, diarrhoea and constipation. There is no doubt that certain food substances can trigger a wide range or unpleasant effects in a large number of children; but as yet, most are undiagnosed or unrecognised. Knowledge of the types of foods which are most likely to cause issues can assist parents in making better food choices for their family, should they be concerned about allergies and sensitivities.

The food substances involved in food sensitivities are found in a wide range of foods including additive chemicals such as preservatives and colours found in most fast foods or ‘junk’ foods and in most packaged and processed foods. Additionally there are many natural chemicals such as salicylates and amines found in fruit and vegetables, certain meats, chocolate and cheeses.  In children who are particular sensitive, symptoms may also be aggravated by whole food such as wheat or milk.

Even though it’s possible to be allergic to just about any food, over 90 percent of food allergies, especially in young children, are caused by seven foods:

• dairy products
• soy
• shellfish
• wheat
• tree nuts
• peanuts
• egg whites

Blood tests and skin prick tests are useful if food allergies are suspected, but these will unfortunately not provide information about food chemical sensitivities or intolerances. The most reliable method of identifying food chemical sensitivities is through specific dietary investigation under the guidance of an accredited  dietician with experience in the area.

A general rule of thumb is that if one parent is sensitive to a food, then children will be more likely to be sensitive to that food or product. As a parent, one of the best things you can do for your growing children is to provide a variety of foods for them to experience. This has anecdotely proven to avoid the overdose effect of food sensitivity. If you suspect your child is sensitive to a certain food, the easiest option is to test it yourself, buy withdrawing that food from their diet and noting any changes. It becomes a little more complex if there are more than one food sensitivity. Below are lists of the most allergenic foods and those which have been proven to be the least allergenic foods.

Most-Allergenic Foods

• berries
• buckwheat
• chocolate
• cinnamon
• citrus fruits
• coconut
• corn
• dairy products
• egg whites
• mustard
• nuts
• peas
• peanut butter
• pork
• shellfish
• soy
• sugar
• tomatoes
• wheat
• yeast

Least-Allergenic Foods

• apples
• apricots
• asparagus
• avocados
• barley
• beets
• broccoli
• carrots
• cauliflower
• chicken
• cranberries
• dates
• grapes
• honey
• lamb
• lettuce
• mangoes
• oats
• papayas
• peaches
• pears
• poi
• raisins
• rice
• rye
• safflower oil
• salmon
• squash
• sunflower

The good news is that most children outgrow their food allergies by around three years old. The tomato- allergic toddler may become the preschooler who can safely indulge in ketchup. Most children tend to outgrow their sensitivity to milk and soy products; however, other food allergies, such as nuts and shell fish, tend to carry on throughout their lives and need particular attention by accredited medical or health providers for advice on management.

It would seem that a growing number of children are affected by sensitivity towards foods and substances. This incidence may be on the rise because more people are eating processed foods containing preservatives and additives ; or because of our fast tracked lifestyle full of stress and plastic ; which in turn triggers sensitivities. Regardless, it’s little wonder,  that the body rebels against all the foreign substances added to food in factories which weren’t there even 30 years ago. The best thing that you can do as a parent is to make your child’s diet as fresh and as additive-free as possible; especially during the early years. The fewer cans, boxes, and packages you open, the less likely your child is to be exposed to allergens.

Annie is a freelance writer and describes herself as a Thaumaturg  (what mother isn’t?). View her growing amount of Catch her growing amount of websites and blogs.

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