Category Archives: Diet And Food

How unhealthy are those fad diets? Michael Pollan, Professor of Journalism at UC Berkley, goes into depth about fad diets and gives some very succinct advice about nutrition in his article, Unhappy Meals.

Clearly, different diets are better for different people. In this easy-to-read worksheet, University of Kentuckys College of Agriculture explains the nature of fad diets and tables the disadvantages of common regimes, with everything ranging from expense to flatulence. If youre interested inhow individualized diets can be, check out this NY Times article discussingthe idea of personalized nutrition.

Whats the deal with detox? Kidshealth.org lays out the basics and how you can flag a detox fad diet. Feel like you can discern between a healthyand a fad diet? For a little more help, they also have this short article with some simple tips on spotting a fad diet.

Click here to wet your taste-buds with more information about the Chew and Spit Diet, the Tapeworm Diet or the Arsenic Diet.Have you heard of any fad diets yourself?

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How to spot a fad diet - Mia Nacamulli | TED-Ed

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Aside from going paleo or tossing out carbs with Adkins, there are a number of lifestyle and diet changes people can make to live healthier, more energetic existences, says Charlotte Cervantes, instructor of dietetics at Southeast Missouri State University.

Cervantes says a popular trend over the last several years sees people looking to cut down on or eliminate meat altogether. That's a trend with a lot of benefits, not only to people's health, but to their budgets and even the environment.

"Most vegetarian diets are completely sustainable and nutrient dense," Cervantes says. "Fad diets like wheat barley or paleo" aren't necessarily as beneficial, she says, but some nutrient replacement options are more sustainable.

"Vegetarian diets certainly fit in that category," she says.

Cervantes says the most liberal vegetarian diet is a semivegetarian or "flexatarian," whose diet isn't restricted other than excluding red meat.

Happy man sitting at the restaurant and having salad for lunch.

Lactovegetarians will consume dairy, Cervantes says, but no other animal flesh or products or by-products.

Ovovegetarians will eat eggs but no other.

Cervantes says she thinks most vegetarians in American culture are lacto-ovo-vegetarians, who consume dairy and eggs but no animal flesh.

The most restrictive in terms of food intake, Cervantes says, is vegan.

"The vegan lifestyle is a complete lifestyle," she says, "with no animal products consumed at all, even honey."

"Certainly lots of people are able to make that work, although we do find in vegan diets there are some nutrients missing."

Vitamin B12, for instance, is often lacking in a strict vegan diet, but it's often replaced by supplements or eating fortified foods.

Another vitamin not as prevalent in vegan diets is Vitamin D, which should be gotten from sunlight, Cervantes says, but if a vegan has cut out dairy milk, it might be best to seek supplements.

Bioavailability, or the extent to which a human gastrointestinal tract can digest, absorb and use a nutrient, plays into this as well, Cervantes says.

"With iron, calcium, for instance, they're more bioavailable when they come from animal sources. Not to say they're not in good amounts, but not as available as we'd find in an animal source," Cervantes says.

Even protein needs can be different for vegans than for someone consuming animal products, Cervantes says. "Vegans' protein needs might increase, not because their needs are really that much higher but because bioavailability in animal products is higher," she says.

Cervantes says fortified foods need to be researched as well, if one is considering a vegan lifestyle.

"Vitamin D is sometimes sourced from sheep's wool," Cervantes says, which excludes it from the vegan distinction, since it's an animal product.

Vitamin B12, though, is often synthesized in a lab, but these are considerations, Cervantes says.

As to benefits of a meat-free diet, Cervantes says, as with any diet or lifestyle change, it's important to check with a doctor first.

"Sometimes when people switch to a vegetarian diet, to lose weight for instance, there's a new focus on nutrient density and a healthier lifestyle, so it does result in changes. How much is tied directly to animal products, I couldn't say."

Cervantes says in nutrition, studies conducted are attempting to build correlations, not a causative relationship, so it's a little difficult to say one change is the reason for another change.

"Just paying attention, trying to eat better, it doesn't really matter what the change is so long as it's not harmful," Cervantes says.

Some research does indicate people who live a vegetarian lifestyle have a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with greater risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Cervantes says, "but then again, it's hard to nail down exactly why."

Healthy lifestyle practices, exercising regularly, meditation, relaxation or other factors besides choosing to follow the diet could be at play, she says.

Read more:
Alternative lifestyle and diet changes may help lead to a healthier, more energetic life - Southeast Missourian

In my recent article, Using Herbs as Medicine, I said that herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine on the planet.

Because the art of herbal medicine is a lost art in many countries, most people dont know how to prepare and administer herbs. The only way most people take herbs these days is by taking them in pill or capsule form, courtesy of a supplement they bought at a health food or drug store.

But the potency of an herb in pill or capsule form is not strong. To get the true healing benefits of an herb, its best to start with the herb in whole form and make a preparation from that.

There are many forms in which herbs can be administered. Here is a list of some of the most common ways:

Tinctures Alcoholic extracts of herbs such as echinacea extract. Usually obtained by combining 100% pure ethanol (or a mixture of 100% ethanol with water) with the herb. A completed tincture has an ethanol percentage of at least 40-60% (sometimes up to 90%).

Herbal wine and elixirs These are alcoholic extract of herbs; usually with an ethanol percentage of 12-38%. Herbal wine is a maceration of herbs in wine, while an elixir is a maceration of herbs in spirits (e.g., vodka, grappa, etc.)

Tisanes Hot water extracts of herbs, such as chamomile.

Decoctions Long-term boiled extract of usually roots or bark.

Macerates Cold infusion of plants with high mucilage-content as sage, thyme, etc. Plants are chopped and added to cold water. They are then left to stand for 7 to 12 hours (depending on herb used). For most macerates 10 hours is used.

Vinegars Prepared at the same way as tinctures, except using a solution of acetic acid as the solvent.

Topicals:

1) Essential oils Application of essential oil extracts, usually diluted in a carrier oil (many essential oils can burn the skin or are simply too high dose used straight diluting in olive oil or another food grade oil can allow these to be used safely as a topical).

2) Salves, oils, balms, creams and lotions Most topical applications are oil extractions of herbs. Taking a food grade oil and soaking herbs in it for anywhere from weeks to months allows certainphytochemicals to be extracted into the oil. This oil can then be made into salves, creams, lotions, or simply used as an oil for topical application. Any massage oils, antibacterial salves and wound healing compounds are made this way.

3) Poultices and compresses One can also make a poultice or compress using whole herbs (or theappropriate part of the plant) usually crushed or dried and re-hydrated with a small amount ofwater and then applied directly in a bandage, cloth or just as is. Whole herb consumption This can occur in either dried form (herbal powder), or fresh juice (fresh leaves and other plant parts). Just as Hippocrates said Let food be thy medicine, it has become clear that eating vegetables also easily fits within this category of getting health through consumables (besides medicinal herbs). All of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are phytochemicals that we are accessing through our diet.

There are clearly some whole herbs consumed that are more powerful than others. Shiitake mushrooms boost the immune system and are also tasty, and they are enjoyed in soups or other food preparations for the cold and flu season. Alfalfa is also considered a health food. Garlic lowers cholesterol, improves blood flow, fights bacteria, viruses and yeast.

Syrups Extracts of herbs made with syrup or honey. Sixty-five parts of sugar are mixed with 35 parts of water and herb. The whole is then boiled and macerated for three weeks.

Herbal syrup

Extracts Includes liquid extracts, dry extracts and nebulisates. Liquid extracts are liquids with a lower ethanol percentage than tinctures. They can (and are usually) made by vacuum distilling tinctures. Dry extracts are extracts of plant material which are evaporated into a dry mass. They can then be further refined to a capsule or tablet. A nebulisate is a dry extract created by freeze-drying.

Inhalation as in aromatherapy can be used as a mood changing treatment to fight a sinus infection or cough, or to cleanse the skin on a deeper level (steam rather than direct inhalation here).

I have a new free six-day email course that I am offering, entitled Enlightened Living: 6 Ways to Build an Authentic, Serene and Healthy Life. Read more about it here: The Enlightened Living Course.

Michael Wayne, Ph.D., L.Ac., is a practitioner of Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Integrative Medicine, with offices in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park. He is also the author of three books, the founder of the Saratoga Integrative Medicine Education Network or SIMEN, the producer/host of the online video interview series Interviews with the Leading Edge at http://www.LeadingEdgeInterviews.com, and Director of the Center for Quantum Revolution at http://www.QuantumRevolution.net. His new book is The Quantum Revolution: The Power to Transform. He can be reached at (518) 210-1557, his email is mwayne2@mac.com and his website is http://www.DrMichaelWayne.com.

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The Fine Art of Herbal Preparation - Albany Times Union (blog)

The Fourth of July means picnics, barbeques, fireworks and gatherings of friends. All of this is a great deal of fun for everybody except your pets. Pets dont consider the noise, flashes and burning smell with a good time. They are terrified of fireworks and often panic. According to statistics, more pets are lost around the Fourth of July than any other time of the year. There are steps you can take to keep your pets safe and happy.

Keep your pets away from the fireworks on July 4th and the days before the holiday. Some people start their celebrating early. Bring your pet indoors at dusk. You can close the windows, shut the curtains. A radio or tv turned on will help to cover up the noise of the fireworks. Pets who usually stay outside should be brought inside. Even if your outside pet has been fine with the fireworks in previous years, you never know when someone will set off fireworks close enough to frighten him into running away. If you have to go somewhere and you absolutely cant leave your pet home alone, keep him on his leash and under your control at all times.

Make your pet feel safe. Ideally, someone should stay home with him, especially if he is very frightened by the fireworks. Pet him. Hug him, talk to him in a soothing voice. Be sure he has access to his crate or safe place. Talk to your vet about calming products, medications, anxiety wraps and anything else that can help him cope with the holiday.

Another reason to keep your pet at home during the July Fourth festivities is the heat. Never leave a pet in the car, even if it doesnt seem that warm. The temperature in a parked car can become deadly to a pet very quickly. When your pet is outside be sure he has shade and plenty of water. Dont leave him alone outside for long periods. If you see signs of heat stroke, such as excessive drooling, panting, trembling or limited urine output, take him to your vet immediately.

Dont put insect repellant or sunscreen on your pet unless it is recommended for use on animals. Something that isnt harmful to people can be toxic to pets.

No matter how much he begs, dont feed him scraps from your barbeque or picnic. A change in diet could give him severe indigestion and diarrhea. Some foods including onions, chocolate, avocadoes and raisins can be toxic to pets. Dont leave alcoholic drinks where your pet can reach them. Those drinks can poison him. He can also become intoxicated, weak, depressed or go into a coma. Drinking too much could cause death.

After the celebration is over, remove all fireworks debris from your yard before you let your pet out. Check your house and yard for skewers, napkins or anything else he might be tempted to eat.

Prepare in advance in case your pet does get out and run away. Make sure he is wearing a collar with an up to date identification tag. If you havent done so already, have him microchipped. Take a current photo of him. These procedures can help in getting him safely back to you.

The Pittsburg County Animal Shelter is located at 1206 N. West St. in McAlester. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.on Saturday. The phone number is 918-423-7803. The cost to adopt a dog is $20 and $15 for a cat. All have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

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Your pet on the Fourth of July - Mcalester News Capital

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BALTIMORE Replacing foods high in saturated fats with those that have unsaturated fats can reduce a persons chance of developing heart disease as much as cholesterol lowering drugs known as statins, according to new advice from the American Heart Association.

This would mean, for instance, swapping that steak for a healthier avocado, using canola oil instead of butter, and not eating carb-filled junk food.

The new guidance from the heart association is not a leap from past direction, but the group sought a fresh look at the evidence in light of some newer, less scientific studies and dietary fads that officials feared were confusing the public.

How the message about diet is received by patients will largely depend on their doctors delivery.

While most physicians would agree that heart health depends on a good diet, some suggest there is a bit more wiggle room than the heart association advisory suggests. Other doctors and health care providers believe the advice does not go far enough in explaining what foods can truly protect their patients from heart disease, the nations leading cause of death.

This tries to put it all in perspective the view from 10,000 feet but sometimes food can still be controversial, said Dr. Michael Miller, director of the University of Maryland Medical Centers Center for Preventive Cardiology. He served on the heart association panel that made the recommendations published this month in the journal Circulation.

Its long been known that consuming less saturated fat lowers peoples LDL, or so-called bad cholesterol, which clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes. But the heart association finds that this is only the case when saturated fat is replaced with unsaturated fat and not refined carbohydrates that contain sugar but no fiber. Both unsaturated fat and fiber have been found to help lower cholesterol.

The group says some newer studies mucking up the healthy heart message didnt consider these dietary replacements.

The guidance should be useful to doctors in advising patients, said Miller, who is also a professor of cardiovascular medicine, epidemiology and public health in Marylands School of Medicine. But hes not a stickler on eliminating all saturated fat. He advises moderation instead.

That means a small, fist-size steak once in a while, two egg whites for every one yoke and even a bit of coconut oil, a culinary darling of late that is mostly saturated fat.

If youre good most of the time, allow yourself one unhealthy breakfast, lunch and dinner a week, he said. But dont go nuts and eat a 24-ounce steak.

He also emphasizes making lifestyle changes such as adding regular exercise and reducing stress.

Miller summed up the heart association advice this way:

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats (red meat, butter, palm oil) with polyunsaturated fats (safflower and corn oils, walnuts and salmon) reduces risk of heart disease by 50 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with monounsaturated fats (canola and olive oil, almonds and avocados) reduces risk of heart disease by 30 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans and vegetables) reduces risk of heart disease by 18 percent.

Replacing 10 percent of calories from saturated fats with simple carbohydrates (sugary foods and soft drinks) does not reduce the risk of heart disease.

Still, not all doctors think this is the right message.

Dr. Dana Simpler, an internal medicine doctor at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, said the consequences of a poor diet can be so dire that she believes the heart association report was a missed opportunity to warn people about how much all their food matters.

She joins other doctors who advocate for a whole-food, plant-based diet, for which she said there is evidence of reducing the chance of a first or recurrent heart attack close to zero.

That means eating foods that are not processed and have little to no sugar, salt or added oil.

It continues to surprise me that the AHA makes such modest diet recommendations for preventing our number one killer heart disease, she wrote in an email. Simply substituting saturated fats with unsaturated fats reduces heart attacks by 30 percent, but, what about the other 70 percent that still have life threatening heart disease?

She conceded that a plant-based diet is not easy to follow, and many people may decide it is too hard for them, but at least let the American public know that there is a diet that will prevent and reverse heart disease almost 100 percent.

Excerpt from:
Heart Association restresses healthy diet - The Columbian

Garlic is heavily associated with Italian food, grows all over the world and has a very strong and distinct smell. It makes things taste amazing, while making your breath afterward questionable at best. Cest la vie, that is what breath mints are for.

Garlic is a plant in the onion family. It grows in bulb form and then the bulbs can be separated into cloves. Cloves can be chopped, minced, or crushed to be used in your recipes. Garlic is fantastic, but today I want to tell you about the garlic scape. The scape is the flowering tendril that grows out of the ground above the bulb and these are also completely edible. Theyre green, slim and very pretty because they bend and loop sort of like a pigs tail. Theyre a more delicate garlic flavor than the bulb, without the hot bite. Even with all of these attributes, theyre not well-known, so you can buy some, add them to your pasta dish and astound your friends with your worldliness.

Other than adding depth and delicious taste to your pizza, garlic is also something you should seek out for health purposes. People have actually been using garlic for its health benefits for millennia. Garlic is so good for you that some people now take it in supplement form. Im a firm believer that if you can get the same benefits from adding something tasty to your diet, then that is the way to go, and garlic is pretty darn tasty. Anyway, you can acquire the same benefits from both the bulb and the scape part of the plant. Garlic is low in calories while also being highly nutritious. It contains manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium and fiber, as well as decent amounts of iron, potassium, copper and calcium. Many benefits are also derived from the chemical compound called allicin, which is an antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral. There have been many studies linking garlic and allicin to the reduction of high blood pressure, the lowering of bad cholesterol, support of the immune system and increased bone strength.

So if youve been won over and want to try and add more garlicky goodness to your diet, try the following recipe, adapted from Healthy Gourmet. Impress your friends, improve your health and keep the Altoids handy.

SUMMER E-SCAPE SKINNY DIP

Ingredients:

3 cups green peas, fresh or thawed

1 tbsp. yellow mustard

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 cup garlic scapes, chopped

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup water

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth. Serve with fresh veggies.

Makes three cups.

Miranda Beverly-Gill is the front-end manager and marketing coordinator at Maple City Market in downtown Goshen.

Continue reading here:
CLEAN PLATE: Add more garlicky goodness to your diet - Goshen News

by Cassidy Williams, WSBT 22 Reporter

M-139 near Berrien Springs // WSBT 22 photo

Changes are likely coming to a road in Berrien Springs with a history of crashes.

Plans are in the works for M-139 around the US 31 interchange to be reduced from five lanes to three.

MDOT is calling it a road diet. They hope that slimming down that stretch of M-139 will make the area safer.

Driving involves decisions: When to merge, when to turn, when to slow down. Drivers along that stretch of M-139 will soon involve fewer decisions.

"If you're making a left-hand turn from -- we'll say a ramp off of US 31 to M-139 -- currently you have to cross three lanes of traffic: Two through-lanes and one turn lane to merge into traffic to make a left hand turn, says Nick Shirripa, MDOT spokesperson. By eliminating one lane in each direction, we're making that turn shorter. You have to look for fewer gaps instead of looking for two gaps."

MDOT says this stretch of road has a crash history and something needed to be changed. Those who live nearby agree.

It's always interesting because you have multiple lanes pulling in and people speed -- never within the speed limit," says Beth Perrone, who lives in Berrien Springs.

Some community members say they've been asking for a traffic light, but MDOT says reducing the lanes is the best option.

MDOT will be holding a public meeting Monday to get more input.

"This is a chance for folks to tell us what they think, says Schirripa. If they have some feedback. If they have some different ideas they'd like to see implemented. Maybe if we've missed something in a local context, to let us know."

And those who drive the road every day are hoping this "road diet" is a healthy diet.

"Will it be safer or will it not? It will be interesting," says Perrone.

MDOT says construction on the project could begin by the end of the summer. Mondays public meeting is at the Oronoko Township Hall from 4-6 p.m.

Read more here:
MDOT hopes 'road diet' will improve M-139 safety - WSBT-TV

It is crucial for all of us to understand that what we put in our bodies affects much more than our outward physical appearance. In fact, in recent years, even medical professionals are adamant that what we eat can have a significant impact on disease outcomes and our overall health.

Regularly consuming foods that are known to cause chronic inflammation has been linked to the onset and acceleration of major illnesses including cancer, Alzheimers, heart diseases, diabetes and depression. Conversely, consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties can aid in the prevention and intervention of such diseases.

"Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects," says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Below you will find a list of foods that cause inflammation and foods that decrease inflammation. It is important to be mindful of how you feed your body day in and day out. Just like you would care for your car to keep it running better and longer, you must think of your body as a well-oiled machine that needs to be maintained in the same way to avoid breaking down.

Red meat Many meat products contain high amounts of saturated fat, and epidemiological studies suggest that diets rich in this type of fat tend to promote inflammation.

Fried foods Fried and processed foods such as French fries, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings contain high levels of inflammatory advanced glycation end products (AGEs), compounds that form when products are cooked at high temperatures, pasteurized, dried, smoked, fried, or grilled. Researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that when people cut out processed and fried foods that have high levels of AGEs, markers of inflammation in their body diminished.

Refined carbohydrates White flour and products with high glycemic indexes such as pizza, pasta, crackers, cookies, can cause blood sugar levels to spike and trigger the bodys inflammatory response. High glycemic diets also have been linked with increased blood levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker associated with heart disease.

Soda & sugar The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition warns that processed sugars found in sodas, sweet treats, and sugary beverages trigger the release of inflammatory messengers called cytokines. Sugar goes by many names so look out for any word ending in ose e.g., fructose or sucrose on ingredient labels.

Olive oil - Olive oil contains a natural anti-inflammatory agent and may be partly responsible for the low levels of heart disease among those following a Mediterranean diet. Use olive oil on salads and when you cook instead of butter or vegetable oil.

Dark leafy greens Vitamin E may be key in protecting the body against pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines. One of the best sources of this vitamin is in dark green vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, kale and broccoli.

Whole grains To maximize nutrition while minimizing inflammation, stick to whole grains such as barley, quinoa, rye, or brown rice when you shop or cook. Many of these grains are also gluten-free but be sure to check labels if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Fatty fish - Oily fish, like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation. To get the benefits, however, you need to eat fish several times a week, and it should be cooked in healthy ways.

Nuts - Another source of inflammation-fighting healthy fats is nuts particularly almonds, which are rich in fiber, calcium and vitamin E, and walnuts, which have high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fat. All nuts, though, are packed with antioxidants, which can help your body fight off and repair the damage caused by inflammation.

Other fruits & vegetables Fruits and vegetables in general are rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamins A, C and E. These antioxidants help reduce inflammation. The more brightly colored the fruit or vegetable, the richer it is likely to be in these beneficial substances. Good choices include spinach, berries, carrots and broccoli. Eat all different colors of fruits and vegetables, preferably organic and either fresh or frozen rather than canned, for the most benefits. Different colors indicate different nutrients.

For more information about the anti-inflammatory diet, Dr. Andrew Weil considered to be the father of integrative medicine, speaks volumes on the subject. Hisanti-inflammatory food pyamidillustrates in more detail the way he suggests we all eat for graceful aging and vibrant longevity.

I hope you find this information as helpful as I have. Please feel free to share your stories here. I will continue to keep you posted on my health journey.Follow me for updates@christiemandia.

Link:
Eat your way to good health: the anti-inflammatory diet decoded - PhillyVoice.com

Food allergy occurs, when the body immune system sees certain foods as harmful, thereby causing an unpleasant reaction. Food allergies can cause serious and deadly reactions in kids, if not properly handled. Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Funke Adeniyi, a paediatrician in the Department of Paediatrics, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) discussed food allergies in children, what triggers it and how to reduce the risk of kids developing it. GERALDINE AKUTU reports.

What is food allergy? Food allergy is a clinical condition, where the body makes antibodies (Immunoglobulin E (IgE)) to a specific food. The job of the bodys immune system is to identify and destroy germs, such as bacteria or viruses that make you sick. A food allergy results, when the immune system mistakenly targets a harmless food protein an allergen as a threat and attacks it. Initial exposure to the food may not produce severe reaction, but the child may become sensitised and when the food is next eaten (or sometimes just comes in contact with the skin), it triggers an immune system response, which results in the release of histamine and other substances in the body. These cause various symptoms, depending on where in the body they are released.

Signs and Symptoms of Food allergy The following are the signs and symptoms of food allergy regardless of the allergen: Skin system: swelling, itching, warmth, redness and rashes.

Respiratory system (breathing): coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain/tightness, throat tightness, hoarse voice, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms (runny itchy nose, watery eyes and sneezing), difficulty in swallowing.

Gastrointestinal system (stomach): nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and some children may actually pass blood in the stools.

Cardiovascular system (heart): pale/blue colour, weak pulse, passing out, dizzy/lightheaded, and shock. Others: older children may describe anxiety, feeling of impending doom, headache, and metallic taste. The most dangerous symptoms of an allergic reaction, which is usually referred to as anaphylaxis are:

Difficulty with breathing caused by swelling of the airways, including a severe asthma attack for people, who have asthma. Drop in blood pressure, causing dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint or weak, or passing out. Both can lead to death, if untreated.

Having said this, it is important to note the symptoms of classic allergy, which are rashes, wheezing, itching, severe gut symptoms and very rarely, sudden collapse i.e. anaphylaxis.

How long does it take to have allergy in children? An allergic reaction usually happens within minutes after exposure to an allergen, but sometimes it can take place several hours after exposure to the allergen. In children with the immune mediated or IgE mediated food, allergy symptoms occur within minutes up to two hours after ingestion of the food. These symptoms usually recur on exposure to the food on every occasion and may be mild or severe, associated with anaphylaxis. The symptoms of classic allergy, as such, are rashes, wheezing, itching, severe gut symptoms or (very rarely) sudden collapse.

What are the most common food allergies in children? Allergy can occur to a single food or to many foods. Allergy to many foods is a more severe form of allergy, and is referred to as multiple food allergies. The common allergenic foods i.e. food that induce allergies, include cows milk, dairy products, egg, seafood (fish and shrimps), wheat, soy and peanuts. The commonest food allergy in children is cows milk.

Is there a cure for food allergy? There is no direct cure for food allergy. The condition is best managed with elimination diet i.e. avoidance or exclusion of the offending food from the diet and subsequent substitution. For example, in a child with cows milk protein allergy, the milk should be removed from the childs diet and a substitute in the form of soya milk, or hydrolysed formula (i.e. milk that the protein has been broken down to peptides) or amino acid formula, which can readily be digested and does not cause reactions in the child.

When the child is up to six months and weaning is commenced, solids should be introduced gradually and one food at a time. This should be from the least allergenic foods, i.e. cereals, then vegetables and fruits, then chicken, eggs, fish and lastly nuts.

How can parents handle their childrens food allergies? If a severe allergy has been identified in a child, it is important the parents ensure that the child avoid even the tiniest amounts of the trigger food. Very occasionally, reactions can occur, even when the child has had skin contact with the offending food. A fish-allergic person may react by being in a kitchen, where fish is being cooked. The parents should do gradual introduction of the allergenic foods in infancy, as described earlier.

Children, parents and caregivers should be educated on common ingredients, reading food labels and how to safely avoid allergens. Children and parents should also be aware of appropriate, safe, cost-effective, freely available and nutritionally adequate substitutes for the avoided foods.

As well as avoiding the offending food, the allergic child should be provided with appropriate emergency treatment, should accidental exposure occur. Depending on the severity of the reaction, this may be adrenaline to be given by injection, antihistamines, steroids, or all of these. The exact details of such treatment will need to be decided by the doctor in charge of the child. The parents should ensure that an allergy specialist or dietician, who is experienced in food allergies and paediatric gastroenterologist, sees the child regularly.

Children affected by severe food allergy can still participate in all normal activities, school, work or leisure, but the parents should give appropriate support and understanding.

Can a child outgrow food allergies? Usually, children who have cows milk allergy become tolerant of cows milk, as they grow older and outgrow their allergy by the age of two to three years. Children are usually re-evaluated at regular intervals to see if they have developed tolerance. Generally, younger children with milk, soya and egg allergy are reviewed every six to 12 months and older children every one to two years. Tree nut, fish and shellfish allergy may be life long, but re-evaluation should be performed every two to four years to determine whether re-challenges are appropriate or exclusion needs to be continued.

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What to know about food allergies in children - Guardian (blog)