The Right Diet for Allergic People

If you are a person prone to allergies, then maybe this article may interest you.

Allergies to food are common conditions. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakes an ingredient in food—usually a protein—as harmful and creates a defense system (special compounds called antibodies) to fight it. An allergic reaction occurs when the antibodies are battling an "invading" food protein.

So, what does this mean? This only means that you have to be careful about what you are eating. Common food allergies occur with milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts such as cashews and walnuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat.

So what should you do if you have allergies to these types of food?

First of all, you should have yourself tested for food allergies. An allergologist (a medical doctor who specializes in allergy) can do this. Once you have determined the foods to which you are allergic to, you should be determined to avoid these foods.

If you have allergy to milk, you should remove milk and other dairy products made with milk from your diet. Dairy products are a good source of calcium and Vitamin D, so it’s important that you eat other foods rich in these nutrients, such as broccoli, spinach and soy products.

Before you use a product, you should check the label for milk ingredients. You should avoid the following in those products: milk and milk solids, on-fat, skim milk or powdered milk and milk solids, buttermilk , evaporated milk, yogurt, cream, cream cheese, sour cream, cheese, cheese powder or cheese sauce, butter, butter fat, artificial butter flavor, curds, whey and whey products,  and cottage cheese. Other milk foods include au gratin foods, chocolate and cream candy, coffee creamers, creamed or scalloped foods, custard, nougat, ice cream, malted milk, margarines (some, check the label), many puddings  and white sauces.

You should try to substitute milk with soy, rice or almond milk for cow’s milk. In addition, many non-dairy products are now available including some margarines (check the label), non-dairy ice cream, non-dairy chocolate, non-dairy cheese and non-dairy yogurt.

Another common allergy is that with eggs. Egg allergies are very common in infants, young children and adults. An egg-free diet eliminates eggs and products that may contain eggs. Read food labels carefully and avoid any egg products or egg-related ingredients, as well as foods that may be made with eggs.

You should avoid eggs, egg whites, egg yolks, dried eggs or egg powder, egg solids, eggnog, Bavarian creams, breaded foods (some), cake, candy (some), cookies, creamed foods, cream pies, cream puffs, custard, doughnuts, egg rolls, egg noodles, frosting, hollandaise sauce, ice cream, mayonnaise, marshmallows, meat or fish cooked in batter, meringue, muffins, pretzels, pudding, simplesse (fat substitute), soufflés, tartar sauce and waffles.

Peanuts are also one of the most common food allergens. They also are among the most serious—and potentially fatal—of the food allergies. If you have peanut allergy, you should avoid cold-pressed or expressed peanut oil, peanut butter, peanut flour, ground nuts, mixed nuts, artificial nuts, nougat, African, Chinese, Thai and other ethnic dishes, cookies, pastries and other baked goods, candy, egg rolls and Marzipan .

The next most common allergies are those to fish and seafoods. The proteins in various species of fish can be very similar, so you may need to stay away from all types of fish, unless your allergist is able to determine which species of fish triggers your allergies. Examples of foods containing fish are Worcestershire sauce (may contain anchovy), caesar salad, caviar, roe (fish eggs) and imitation seafood.

As with fish, different types of shellfish have similar proteins. You may wish to avoid all types of shellfish, unless your allergist is able to determine which species of shellfish triggers your allergies. Examples of shellfish are abalone, clams, crab, crawfish, crayfish, lobster, oysters, scallops, shrimp, cockle, sea urchin, and mussels.

Your Child and Pinkeye

What is pinkeye?

Pinkeye is a generic term for conjunctivitis which is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the covering that lines the inside of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes.

There are three usual causes of conjunctivitis. One is infection, cause by either bacteria or viruses. The other cause is allergy due to airborne pollen or dust or something put into the eye, such as contact lens solutions. The third cause is chemical exposure to sprays, perfumes, deodorants, household cleaners, can irritate the conjunctiva.

You will know if your child has conjunctivitis if he or she has, of course, red or pink eye. You child may also experience eye itchiness or irritation (like feeling "sand" in the eye), watery eyes, or eye pain. In some instances, a thick, sticky, yellowish discharge may be present, like that in bacterial conjunctivitis. If it is viral conjunctivitis, the discharge is usually clear.

Infectious conjunctivitis is certainly contagious, or it can spread from one person to another. It happens when the responsible bacteria or virus spreads on a child's hands if he or she rubs or wipes his or her infected eyes. It is important that children not share towels or washcloths and that they should wash before and after meals or touching their facial area. The same goes for parents or caretakers after they have contacted the facial or eye area of a child with infectious conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is usually treated depending on the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics, either eye drops or ointment. With certain types of bacteria, oral antibiotics may be needed. Gentle eye compresses using clean cotton ball or washcloths soaked in warm water may help, especially before applying any prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment. Ask your doctor when your child can return to school.

Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with antibiotics effectively, but it usually clears up on its own after a few days. Viral conjunctivitis is also contagious, so follow your doctor's advice about when your child can return to school. Warm compresses may help too.

Allergic conjunctivitis is usually treated with oral antihistamines and decongestants or with antihistamine eye drops. Cold compresses may also help.

You should contact your doctor if the following happens: if your child has unusually red, itchy, or watery eyes, if he or she has puffy or swollen eyes or thick, sticky, yellowish discharge from the eyes or if the eyelids that look crusty or stick together when your child awakens. You should also contact your doctor ASAP if your child complains that the vision is not normal and the area under the lower eyelid is red or swollen.

You can treat conjunctivitis at home if it is not serious. Home treatment for pink eye should not be a substitute for seeking the advice of a health-care practitioner, and it is important to take all medications as prescribed and to follow your health-care practitioner's instructions for managing your condition. However, there are steps you can take at home to help relieve the symptoms of pink eye. Moist warm compresses applied to the eyes can help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter artificial tears (eyedrops) can also bring relief.

You or your child should not wear contact lenses until the pink eye has resolved. Your health-care practitioner can offer guidance about when it is safe to resume the use of contact lenses.

You need to wash your hands frequently, particularly after applying medications to the eye area. Never share towels or handkerchiefs, and throw away tissues after each use. Disinfecting surfaces like countertops, sinks, and doorknobs can also help prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.

Are Your Kids Having Enough Nutrients?

You may be saying that you are aware of your child’s nutrition, but are you sure that you are giving the right nutrients for your child’s needs?

 

If you are in doubt, here are the nutrients which are indispensable to your child’s diet.

First, your child should have adequate calcium. This is because your child is in a stage of life when he or she is most active and it is during this stage that bone strength is determined for the body’s framework to be viable all throughout life. Calcium is found in some foods and is also available as a dietary supplement. Calcium is required for bone development, heartbeat normalcy, blood clotting, and muscle function. 

Your child has daily calcium needs according to age. Daily calcium intake should be 500 milligrams during 1 to 3 years old, 800 milligrams during 4 to 8 years old and 1,300 milligrams during 9 to 18 years old. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich natural sources of calcium. Nondairy sources include vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage, kale, and broccoli.

Another essential nutrient to your child is protein. It not only contains calories but it also contains amino acids that serve as building blocks for new cells and tissues, and are, as well, the vital ingredient in other physiological compounds like enzymes and hormones. 

Protein needs to be taken daily at 13 grams  during 1 to 3 years old, 19 grams during 4 to 8 years old, 34 grams during 9 to 13 years old, 46 grams for females during 14 to 18 years old and 52 grams for males during 14 to 18 years old. 

Common protein rich foods includes milk, soy milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, lean meats, fish, and poultry, beans, tofu, lentils, and other legumes, grains, including bread and pasta and nuts and seeds.

The third indispensable nutrient is fiber. Fiber can prevent type 2 diabetes in children as well as it can in adults; the same goes for its effect on lowering elevated blood cholesterol levels. Fiber can give kids a satiated feeling and ensure that they move their bowels regularly. Fiber rich foods include whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Fiber rich foods keep kids feeling fuller longer; they tend to eat lesser, keeping them away from weight problems. Fiber rich foods also pack in a healthy helping of vitamins and minerals.

Your child needs 15 grams of fiber a day starting at 10 years old. 

Who says your kids do not need antioxidants just because they are young? They do! Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and the mineral, selenium help prevent chronic conditions in adults like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants fight against the effects of free radicals which are by-products of normal metabolism and can be present during exposure to air pollution, cigarette smoke, and strong sunlight. 

Antioxidants are rich in foods such as blueberries and other berries, as well as colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in amino acids. Broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, cherries, and carrots are also rich in antioxidants.

Lastly, your kid needs iron too. Iron distributes oxygen to the cells and helps maintain normal brain development and function. Iron deficiency can cause irreversible damage to the developing brain. Iron absorption is improved by Vitamin C so that these two should be paired. Iron rich foods include liver, lean red meats, including beef, pork, lamb; seafood, such as oysters, clams, tuna, salmon, and shrimp, etc; beans, including kidney, lima, navy, black, pinto, soy beans, and lentils; iron fortified whole grains, including cereals, breads, rice, and pasta; greens, including collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens; tofu; vegetables, including broccoli, swiss chard, asparagus, parsley, watercress, brussel sprouts; chicken and turkey; blackstrap molasses; nuts; egg yolks; dried fruits, such as raisins, prunes, dates and apricots.

Fever in Children

If you’re a parent, then fever is one of the most common causes of your anxiety more often. But, before jumping into conclusions, we have to find out first what fever really is.

Fever is defined as a rectal temperature over 100.4 F or 38.0 C. Temperatures measured at other sites are usually lower. There is no need to panic except when fever is extremely and persistently high, such as greater than 107 F (41.6 C) when measured rectally.

So, how does fever occur? Fever results when the part of the brain called the hypothalamus controls body temperature by increasing it as a way to fight infection or because of other underlying illnesses.

In children, the most common causes of fever are bacterial and viral infections, medications, heat exposure and in older children and teenagers, illicit drug use.

So, how does one take temperature in the right way? One can take a child’s temperature from his or her mouth or armpit using a digital, glass or ear thermometer. However, these methods are not as accurate as measurement of rectal temperature. However, they are easy to perform.

You may find it easier to take the temperature from the armpit as it may be difficult for your child to keep a thermometer in his or her mouth. However, bear in mind that these measurements are less accurate as the armpit is slightly cooler. To take your child’s temperature this way, place the thermometer under his or her armpit, directly against the skin, and hold his or her arm gently against the chest. To take your child’s temperature by mouth, place the thermometer under his or her tongue for two to three minutes.

If your child has a temperature of over 38°C and you’re concerned, you should contact your doctor. Your doctor may order a panel of tests to know the causes of fever.

If your child’s fever is non serious according to these tests, you can treat fever at home. You should at least reduce temperature, prevent dehydration and monitor for serious illnesses.

Your goal should be to keep your child’s temperature under 102°F (38.9°C). To do this, you should dress your child appropriately. In general, your child should not be overdressed. You should dress the child in a single layer of clothing and cover the child with a sheet or light blanket. Give a sponge batch in warm water by placing the child in a few inches of warm water and use a sponge or washcloth to wet the skin of the body and arms and legs. The water itself does not cool the child. The evaporation of the water off the skin does, so do not cover the child with wet towels. Also, do not using rubbing alcohol in sponge baths as it is poisonous to children.

One way to know whether your child well hydrated or not is to monitor his or her urine. Your child should be able to urinate light-colored urine at least every four hours if well hydrated.

To prevent your child from being dehydrated, you should let him or her drink clear fluids such as non-carbonated drinks without caffeine or juice (not water). Water does not contain the necessary electrolytes and glucose. Other clear fluids are chicken soup, Pedialyte, and other rehydrating drinks available at your grocery or drug store.

Fever is a simple ailment however it can have serious consequences. Do not make the common mistake of not paying proper attention to it, as it is also a sign of a serious illness.

Diarrhea in Children: Things You Must Know

If you are a parent, this is often a common cause of your worry: diarrhea. Thus you need to equip yourself with adequate knowledge to help your kid get through this hard time.

But what is the definition of diarrhea? Diarrhea is Diarrhea is defined by the World Health Organization as having 3 or more loose or liquid stools per day, or as having more stools than is normal for that person. It may be caused by infections on the gut such as viruses, bacteria or parasites.

The most common cause of diarrhea is viral gastroenteritis and the most common virus involved is the rotavirus.  Diarrhea caused by a rotavirus is often explosive and watery and occurs durung the winter and early spring months. During the summer, another virus, the coxsackie virus causes diarrhea.

Diarrhea can also be caused by bacteria and parasites. One common bacteria type is E. Coli.  Most E. coli infections are spread through contaminated food or water, such as undercooked hamburgers or unwashed fruit that came into contact with animal manure. Another is Salmonella enteritidis bacteria which are found in contaminated raw or undercooked chicken and eggs and are a major cause of food poisoning, especially during summer.

Campylobacter bacteria causes diarrhea in infants and young adults are most commonly affected by these infections, especially during the summer. These bacteria are often found in raw and undercooked chicken.

 Shigella infection often causes diarrhea in kids 2 to 4 years old.

Some of the parasites which cause diarhea are Giardia parasite and Cryptosporidium parasite. Infection with Giardia (called giardiasis) is easily spread through child-care settings and contaminated water supplies, especially water parks and pools (the bacteria are resistant to chlorine treatment), children's "touch tanks" in aquariums and museums, and contaminated streams or lakes.

Cryptosporidium parasite is found in drinking and recreational water and often causes watery diarrhea that can last for 2 weeks or more.

So, what should we do to prevent diarrhea among our children?

First, we should practice good hygiene. Kids should wash their hands well and often, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent diarrheal infections that are passed from person to person. Dirty hands carry infectious germs into the body when kids bite their nails, suck their thumbs, eat with their fingers, or put any part of their hands into their mouths.

We should keep bathroom surfaces clean to help prevent the spread of infectious germs. Also, we should wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, since food and water also can carry infectious germs. We should also wash kitchen counters and cooking utensils thoroughly after they've been in contact with raw meat, especially poultry.

Keeping food well is also an important process. We should refrigerate meats as soon as possible after bringing them home from the supermarket, and cook them until they're no longer pink. After meals, refrigerate all leftovers as soon as possible.

One should never drink from streams, springs, or lakes unless local health authorities have certified that the water is safe for drinking.

You should call your doctor if your child has diarrhea and is younger than 6 months old or has  severe or prolonged episodes of diarrhea, fever of 102°F or higher, repeated vomiting, or refusal to drink fluids, severe abdominal pain and/ or diarrhea that contains blood or mucus. You should also call our doctor for signs of dehydration such as  dry or sticky mouth, few or no tears when crying, eyes that look sunken into the head, soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head that looks sunken, lack of urine or wet diapers for 6 to 8 hours in an infant (or only a very small amount of dark yellow urine), lack of urine for 12 hours in an older child (or only a very small amount of dark yellow urine), dry, cool skin, lethargy or irritability and / or fatigue or dizziness in an older child.

If your child has mild diarrhea, don’t panic. Mild diarrhea is usually no cause for concern as long as your child is acting normally and drinking and eating enough. Mild diarrhea usually passes within a few days and kids recover completely with care at home, rest, and plenty of fluids.

You should give more liquids to replace those lost while the diarrhea continues if there are no signs of dehydration. You should also offer additional breastmilk or formula to infants. Use an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace lost fluids in non-dehydrated children. In some cases, kids with severe diarrhea may need to receive IV fluids at the hospital for a few hours to help combat dehydration.