Childhood allergies are all too common these days. The symptoms of allergies range from uncomfortable side effects to very serious health risks like anaphylactic shock. Some of the symptoms of food allergies are; acne asthma colitis fatigue food cravings headaches insomnia obesity sinus problems unexplained dramatic weight gain or loss anemia bed-wetting diarrhea dizzy spells excessive drooling dark, puffy eyes hearing loss or noises in the ear hyperactivity learning disabilities chronic runny nose eczema phobias red circles on the cheeks repeated colds or ear infections

If your child has any of these symptoms you may want to check and see if they are allergic to any of the foods they get on a regular basis. This can be done by giving them an allergy test or proceeding with a rotation and elimination diet. It is strongly advised that you do see a competent health care advisor as all children are unique and their allergies can be quite specific. In addition allergies tend to get worse if not addressed.

Generally however there are things that can be done. The most important is that the family improves their diet and in most cases changes their diet so that dairy foods, wheat, processed foods, refined flours and sugars are drastically reduced or eliminated from the diet. This is the hardest step to take as a parent, as feeding ones family is already a struggle! But the benefits of moving ones diet, for the child and the rest of the family, in this direction is twofold. Not only are you eliminating the source of the allergy for the child and improving their health, you are also improving the health of your entire family. The benefits include more energy, strength, better complexion, nails and hair, more focus and motivation, improved memory, less of a dependence on over-the-counter medications, better sleep, less colds and flus and you also reduce your risk of inherited disease tendencies.

New research suggests that giving children repeated rounds of antibiotics may play a role in the formation of allergies. Another reason to keep ones family healthy by supplying nutritious meals to keep them strong and able to fight off infection.

In general it’s focusing on a “clean” diet that is so important.

Allergies are the result of an over loaded system. To help reduce this “load” choosing lots of organic fruits and vegetables as well as organic meats (to help reduce the intake of pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics and hormones), lots of purified water and fresh air and sunshine are the best remedy.

Vanessa Riddell is a practicing Nutrition Consultant in the Ottawa area. She can be reached for private consultation at (613) 866-6604.