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)

SOCHI, Russia (AP) With his lung-bursting runs, shrewd vision on the ball and versatility linking up play, Leon Goretzkas reputation as Germanys midfield dynamo is growing by the game.

Thanks in no small part to a change in diet.

Once lethargic and injury prone, Goretzka eradicated dairy, pork and nuts from his menu and hes never looked back.

A debilitating bowel inflammation that used to slow his recovery from ailments has been soothed by the nutritional changes and the 22-year-old midfielder is now one of the in-demand players in Europe.

I have changed my diet in the extreme, Goretzka said Saturday at the Confederations Cup. Its been the case for a year now.

Having been denied a part in Germanys World Cup-winning campaign in Brazil in 2014 due to injury, Goretzka has been making a resounding case for inclusion in the squad for the title defense in Russia next year.

Goretzka has excelled as a midfielder fulcrum in an inexperienced squad brought to Russia this month for the Confederations Cup by coach Joachim Loew. After playing a role in all the goals in the opening 3-2 victory over Australia in Group B, Goretzka went one better by opening his international account to force a 1-1 draw with Chile on Thursday.

To perform at this level and do to well at this level requires more than a match, Goretzka said through a translator. I am certainly not the kind of player who always scores two goals in a single match. People should get used to that and not expect that of me.

Goretzka is trying to downplay the hype, shutting out the plaudits from pundits in the same way he tells younger players to ignore bad ratings in newspapers.

I am not someone who is impressed by media reports and the hype that is generated about how I play and what kind of player I am, he said ahead of Sundays game against Cameroon. I do know that my performance at the moment is high and is not influenced by what the newspapers write about me. I am certainly going to keep level-headed and keep my feet on the ground no matter what.

Loew has no qualms about talking up Goretzkas influence on the team as he prepares to make only his eighth international appearance.

He has delivered, Loew said. He has played very well in both matches. Given his youth he is already quite a personality in this team and it seems to be clear that he is carefully planning the next steps in his career.

That could involve a move from Schalke, with German champion Bayern Munich and FA Cup holder Arsenal linked with a move for Goretzka in the summer transfer window.

Loew has been offering guidance to a player who is already displaying maturity beyond his 22 years.

We had long conversations and talked about different possible scenarios because I wanted to know what he was thinking and what kind of opportunities he envisaged, Loew said through a translator in the Fisht Stadium. I certainly spoke my mind but it was a personal, intimate conversation. He said he wouldnt focus on his future on clubs right now but he is intelligent enough to come up with the right solution for his career.

Though Goretzka rails against the commercialization of soccer, his technique, pace and flexibility across midfield has made him a valuable commodity.

Peter Neururer, who coached Goretzka at boyhood club Bochum four years ago, has called his former pupil a once in a century talent.

There is no one comparable in Germany who is endowed with these qualities, Neururer told Germanys Sport1 television this week.

In 41 appearances last season, Goretzka scored eight goals and provided eight assists for Schalke. In a year, Goretzka could leave for free when his contract expires. The motivation for moving in this off-season could be to play in a European competition ahead of the World Cup, with Schalke missing out on a return to the Europa League after a disappointing 10th-place finish.

I wont talk on possible switches to a different club (during the Confederations Cup), Goretzka said. As soon as there are facts I will be providing them and publicizing them on what my decision is. But now there is no news in that respect.

___

Rob Harris is at http://www.twitter.com/RobHarris and http://www.facebook.com/RobHarrisReports

More AP Confederations Cup coverage: http://www.apnews.com/tag/ConfederationsCup

Continued here:
Germany's Goretzka in demand after new diet-aided healing - The Seattle Times

The phrase "chewing the fat" has a literal meaning when you're on the keto diet. You are expected to chew the fat - and lots of it.

Although I haven't been living in a remote cave in the wilds, I'd never heard of the keto diet until a few weeks ago. Sure, I knew about low-carb diets, though I never paid much attention to them until I was diagnosed with diabetes in January 2015. And with several exceptions, Type 2 diabetes is largely of our own making, developed through years of poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.

That assertion, though accurate, will tick some folks off. Last month, Jimmy Kimmel gave a monologue in which he made a case for covering pre-existing conditions, which is son has. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., dubbed it the "Jimmy Kimmel test" in terms of evolving health care policy. President Trump's budget chief, Mick Mulvaney, was hoisted on a cross after he said: "That doesn't mean we should take care of the person who sits at home, eats poorly and gets diabetes. Is that the same thing as Jimmy Kimmel's kid? I don't think it is."

Though Mulvaney's comment sounded callous, it has some merit - except people of faith who would deny care even for the most slothful diabetic aren't paying much attention to Scripture. Turns out we ARE our brothers' keepers. The Gospels don't specify such care should come from taxpayer funds, as Libertarians often point out. But in my opinion, the inherently selfish nature of many folks would preclude even the truly needy from getting that care without governmental assistance.

I don't want to become a burden on society myself, so I've renewed my efforts at keeping the carbs down. When I had a publisher who was a diabetic, if I even tried to consume so much as a banana, he would stand over my shoulder until I'd dropped it into the trash can. But in the ensuing two years without anyone to police me, I'd fallen off the wagon, and when another medical issue surfaced a few weeks ago, I decided enough was enough.

I can't remember who first mentioned the keto diet on a Facebook thread, but it evolved from Leon Briggs' comments about fasting. Leon is an artist who years ago worked for the Press, and later was editor of the weekly Times-Journal. It may have been David Rain or Lisa Pinnick - two other Press alums - who said something; both have had huge success with the keto diet. They say they're shedding pounds at breakneck speed, and they feel more energized and focused than they have in years.

The keto diet is extremely low-carb, but the idea is to achieve a perfect balance with carbohydrate, fat and protein consumption. If the body isn't able to get enough carbs to burn for energy, it will opt for stored fats (they call this state of being "in ketosis"), but evidently one must train the body to do this by adding a bit more fat to the diet initially. Proteins are important because without them, you'll lose muscle mass.

I've been doing this for almost two weeks now, and I can report two observations. First, I believe I've dispensed with that 8 pounds I've gained since late 2015, because I can get back into the one skirt the gain had precluded me from wearing. Second, though I haven't had the promised burst of energy, I'm not as famished as I normally am during the day. And it's long been the case that if I eat during the day, I feel sluggish afterward.

This diet is "husband-friendly," at least in my case. You have to pretty much give up all grains (bread, rice, corn tortillas, oatmeal, etc.), starches (potatoes), high-carb fruits (especially tropical, but limit yourself to berries), anything sugary (cookies, candy, doughnuts) and stick with veggies that mainly grow above ground (lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.). On the other hand, you can throw caution to the wind when it comes to meats and cheese, and other dairy - except, strangely, milk. When my husband realized eggs and bacon were still on the menu, he capitulated.

Now, my mission is finding substitute recipes for things I like. Mashed potatoes are now mashed cauliflower (which my son makes, anyway, and it's quite good). I've made an incredible pizza dough that contains no grain or yeast, and rolled out very thin, it turns into a passable tortilla chip substitute. I've designed a revamped recipe for my famous strawberries-and-cream pie and plan to try that this weekend, thanks to Teddye Snell's arrival at the office last week with a flat of Stilwell berries. Also on tap are strawberry cake, various casseroles, and a brown butter pecan ice cream that looks to be the work of the devil.

As I write this, I'm enjoying what the keto crowd calls a "bullet-proof coffee." It contains 20 ounces of the stout stuff, plus 2 tablespoons of cream and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and a few drops of liquid stevia. You're supposed to add a couple of tablespoons of melted butter, and while I tried it once and it's not half-bad, it's a tough sell - sort of like, for some people, pineapple on pizza.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

More:
Keto diet might just be the answer to your carbs - Tahlequah Daily Press

Have you ever wanted to have a body like a Kardashian sister? Whether or not youd actually admit it, you probably have. They have curves for days! And if youve ever wondered how they got that way, theyll tell you its through diet and exercise (though most suspect that plastic surgery plays a significant role).

So, when Khlo Kardashians nutritionist Dr. Philip Goglia detailed her diet in an interview with Healthista earlier this month, I decided to give it a whirl and see just how these ladies live. Honestly, reading through it, it didnt seem that insane.

After losing 40 pounds last year and then sort of falling off the weight-loss wagon, I figured eating like Khlo could be a decent way to jumpstart my healthy eating habits once again. I mean, what could go wrong?! Sure, eating a cup of celery and 12 almonds for a meal is downright sad, but when you think of it as a snack, its fine or so I thought.

Before my diet even officially started, I ran into some speed bumps. It probably goes without saying, but eating like a Kardashian is insanely expensive. I followed Khlos diet plan and stocked up on fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and almonds. It cost me about $90 for five days worth of groceries, and I didnt even shop organic. Normally, I try to do my grocery shopping on a tight budget, like $50 a week for me and my husband. It may surprise you, but an online journalist doesnt make nearly as much as a socialite/Instagram advertiser/occasional TV host. (Seriously, what does Khlos business card say?)

Also, Khlo has a chef who will prep her meals for her, but once again, I dont have her money, so it was up to me to cook. Working full-time and coming home to cook is a goal I always have, but like many New Yorkers, its one I rarely achieve.

Day 1:

Meal 1: Ive never been a breakfast person. Even as a kid, getting me to eat a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch was a daily struggle for my dad. And Cinnamon Toast Crunch is delicious! So Im not looking forward to having to get up early and make myself something for breakfast especially something in which one of the main ingredients is ice. But I persist and make my smoothie. Because Ive already totally busted my grocery budget and because I hate the taste and texture, I forgo the protein powder so I have a shake of strawberries, almond butter, and ice. My husband thinks the sound of the blender in the morning is reminiscent of farts, and the taste of this shake is only slightly better than that.

Meal 2: An apple isnt typically thought of as an entre. But, for Khlo, it is a complete meal. My pomme of choice is a Golden Delicious. Granted, it is fairly delicious. But Im hungry. Eating in the morning is supposed to help fuel your day, but this just makes me ravenous.

Meal 2.5: You know what Khlo doesnt necessarily drink? Coffee. That is a big no-no in my book. I work an office job, and even the idea of forgoing coffee is exhausting. I do some journalistic research (i.e., Google it), and find that, in a former diet plan, Khlo did indulge in a cup of black coffee every morning. I think this means I didnt even make it five hours on the #KhloeDiet, but Im allowing myself this small indulgence.

I never said I was a role model.

Meal 3: I heard that Khlo will eat a Chinese chicken salad for lunch, and lucky for me, thats one of my favorite lunches too! I find a low-calorie ginger sesame salad dressing at the store and pour it on top of my salad. It tastes surprisingly good! The texture of raw spinach always makes my teeth feel weird, but its a small price to pay for a #revengebody.

Meal 4: Now I face the true test: the infamous cup of celery and 12 almonds. Its so depressing, and I am so excited to eat it because it is awful. The celery is fine, but it tastes weirdly bitter in a way that makes me think I dont know how to properly wash my vegetables. The almonds, on the other hand, are the first things that have made me feel mildly satiated all day.

Meal 5: More fresh vegetables. Since I was chopping up a bell pepper for my salad the night before, I cut some extra slices for my fifth meal. I am not going to stomach raw tomatoes. Raw tomatoes are gross, and bell peppers have tons of vitamins, too, so it balances out (in my mind). Im also a little sad because I forgot to shock my hard-boiled eggs when I made them, so theyre a little gray. I swear I know how to make perfect hard-boiled eggs. Im only human, though, and I messed up.

Meal 6: I arrive home from work tired and hungry. Normally, I would order some takeout pizza on a long Monday like this one, but I channel the strength of Khlo after her divorce from Lamar and cook a meal. Despite the blistering NYC heat, I bake a salmon steak in the oven and saut asparagus. I deviate a bit from Kardashians dairy-free lifestyle and use some butter in my dinner. (Im counting only about 900 calories for the day, which is dangerously low. I have to pad it with some lovely fats, so I go with a classic.) I pair it with another Asian salad.

Meal 7: Dinner keeps me full for like 45 minutes, but then I am famished again. Its 9 p.m. and I cut up a mango as my final meal. Its the fruit of my choice! It tastes alright, but doesnt do nearly enough to cut my hunger. Im tired, and its easiest to just go to bed at this point.

Continued here:
I Followed Khlo Kardashian's Diet for a Week and This Is What Happened - The Daily Meal

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Bacon. Its a meal, condiment, side dish, dessert and a topic of conversation. I am confident in saying there is no substitution for it.

This is an isolated scenario, however, as many other food swaps and substitutions exist that can help boost health, prevent disease, and what we all want to read help you lose weight. Here are ten of the easiest food swaps you can make.

Riced vegetables are trending right now and for a few good reasons. They not only provide a way to get more vegetables in our diets, but a creative way to reduce carbohydrates. Choosing riced cauliflower instead of rice in your bowls and burritos saves you calories (almost 200) and carbs, and increases the nutrient density of your meal. Think cauliflower rice is too plain? Try a fried rice version by sauteing the rice with green onions, a scrambled egg, soy sauce and some olive oil.

Watermelon gets a bad rap sometimes due to its high sugar content. Many of my patients comment they dont like the high glycemic index (the extent to which blood sugar rises with a particular food) of watermelon and so choose to avoid it. As it turns out, watermelon has a low glycemic load (less impact on blood sugar than bananas). It also has sky high water content, so having it as a snack is not the blood sugar and insulin disaster you might think.

A boost in whole-food ingredients (such as whole beans) and fiber make bean-based chips a game changer from the old standbys of potato chips and pretzels. For example, a popular black bean chip boasts 5 grams of protein, only 85 mg of sodium and only 10 digestible carbohydrates (carbohydrates minus fiber). Choose plain and baked versions. Try pairing with hummus or guacamole.

I often teach my patients there are no healthy sugars. However, many of them think agave is a healthy option. Theres not a lot of evidence to support this concept. Agave is a big carrier of fructose, a sugar that may be linked in some ways to an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Honey has a little less fructose. Its also a more natural source (made by bees). While both sugar sources contribute calories and could lead to weight gain and increases in disease risk, honey may be a better choice when youre craving something sweet.

Beans rule yet again. Bean-based options have taken over the pasta aisles. Theyre creating competition for other healthy options like 100 percent whole-wheat versions. However, the numbers significantly favor the bean options. In addition to being gluten-free, bean-based pastas, on average, contain about 20 grams more protein and 8 or more grams of fiber.

As an added bonus, they might fill you up quicker than the traditional whole-wheat options and are a great source of plant-based protein. Look for versions that have the least amount of ingredients.

The benefits of swapping ground poultry over beef equate to less saturated fat. Thats important if you want to maintain your waistline. A 2017 study found too many saturated fats in the diet could lead to more fat gain in the middle. Choose breast meat to eat the least amount of saturated fat. Add soaked chia seeds (which swell in liquid and cause added moisture) to avoid dryness.

Full disclosure: Its much easier to go to the store and buy cheese than it is to make cashew cheese, but should that matter? Sometimes an extra step may make all the difference. In this case, the difference is extremely significant. I make cashew cheese all the time. This option is especially beneficial for individuals looking to either cut or eliminate dairy without having to rely on more processed alternative cheese options.

Salads are a wonderful way to consume low-calorie nutrients. There are numerous ways to ruin a salad, though. Adding refined grains, like croutons, is one of them.

Instead, opt for roasted chick peas that you can either make or buy. The addition will help add fiber, which increases your satiety, as well as some healthy fats to help metabolize all the glorious fat soluble vitamins youll be consuming in your colorful bowl. Just dont blow it by adding on a sugar-laden, fat-free dressing.

In the world of food allergens, there are specific foods that are more prevalent than others. Many of my patients avoid soy, gluten, dairy nuts, eggs or corn. For these individuals, it can be difficult to find wraps or breads to meet their needs. Plantain wraps may be the next best thing to make at home, or may even be available at your local store. They will also help add in another vegetable into your day!

Sweet potatoes are flowing with antioxidants. Vitamin A and C, potassium and fiber are staples of this orange delight, and swapping this veggie for bread can go a long way towards reducing grains in your diet and helping you lose weight. Cut a raw sweet potato in thin slices (keep that delicious and fiber-rich skin on), toast until brown and then top as you would toast (think avocado, banana and nut butter, eggs, fruit).

Making some simple swaps can make all the difference in helping you to stay full, satisfied, and happy, without sacrificing taste. Sorry about the bacon.

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, R.D., is the manager of wellness nutrition services at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, and the author of "Skinny Liver." Follow her on Twitter @KristinKirkpat. For more diet and fitness advice, sign up for our One Small Thing newsletter.

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10 food swaps to add taste and nutrients to your diet - Today.com