How to Detect a Food Allergy
The most common allergy by far is to dairy products. The allergic reaction appears to be due to the high protein content of cow’s milk (cow’s milk derives 15% of its calories from protein, whereas human milk derives only 5%). Specifically, a protein in cow’s milk called casein appears to be the main irritant. Other common food allergies are wheat, gluten, corn, soy, eggs, citrus fruits, chocolate and tomatoes.

Detecting a food allergy may feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. To the surprise of most parents, the common scratch test performed in most doctors’ offices does not test for food allergies or sensitivities. There is, however, a blood analysis measurement called the ELISA test that can be used to detect the reactions of white blood cells to certain foods. This test is useful for measuring immediate or delayed responses. The drawback of the ELISA test is that it is quite costly ($120 to $1,200) and is, therefore, not routinely ordered. For more information on the ELISA test, visit Great Smokies Laboratory at www.gsdl.com.

Another effective way to detect food allergies is to have your child follow an elimination or rotation diet. This type of diet eliminates the food in question (e.g. dairy) for a recommended period of time (a minimum of two to four weeks) while symptoms are monitored. It is best to eliminate potential allergens one at a time to accurately detect the irritating food. It is not uncommon for a child’s symptoms to temporarily worsen during the initial stages of an elimination diet. To help alleviate this phase, be sure to flush your child’s system with plenty of fresh, clean water.

After an elimination diet you may be able to reintegrate the irritating food into your child’s diet on a rotational basis. Prior to doing so, it is best to strengthen your child’s system with nourishing food and supportive supplements.

When reintroducing the food, give only a small amount. If no reaction occurs, the food may be reintroduced on a rotational basis (once every four days). In other words, if the child consumes dairy on Monday, he or she should not consume it again until Friday. If the food is eaten in excess, it is likely that the undesirable symptoms will recur. If a reaction does occur following the reintroduction of a certain food, it is possible that the child may have to eliminate the food entirely or wait longer prior to re-testing.  Although rotation and elimination diets are tedious and take dedication on behalf of both parent and child, they are well worth the effort.

Consider the following additional tips to help prevent or ward off allergic responses:
1. Breast-feed. Research clearly demonstrates that children who are breast-fed have far greater protection against allergies.
2. Supplement with fish oils daily.
3. Include a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet.
4. Try incorporating dairy-free milks and cheeses into your child’s diet. If you choose to include dairy products, do not do so until after the age of two years and start with a high quality yogurt. If symptoms appear such as runny nose, ear infections or eczema, remove dairy from the diet to see if symptoms subside.
5. Pay attention to your child’s digestive health. Digestion and a poor immune/allergic response can go hand in hand. For more information, visit healthy digestion.

References