Food and milk allergies in babies and toddlers

​Food allergies are such a big struggle for our babies and toddlers lately. So many babies are allergic to formula milk and even sensitive to breast milk. And then when the child has to start a solid diet, it becomes even more complex.
 
Dealing with food allergies or sensitivities can be incredibly challenging. While allergic reactions are often immediate and can be severe, symptoms of food sensitivities tend to be delayed, making it difficult to pinpoint the problematic food.

Imbalances in the gut bacteria can weaken the gut barrier, making it more "leaky" to harmful substances. This disruption can cause the immune system to react aggressively to certain foods, leading to inflammation and allergy symptoms. It has been shown that children with food allergies like egg, peanut, soy, wheat, and milk often have gut microbiome imbalances.

So many factors are at play, but the gut plays a crucial role in the immune system's overreaction and the development of food allergies.  Here are a few factors to consider when an unbalanced gut causes or contributes to the development of allergies.

First factor to consider:1. Bifidobacterium are beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, modulating the immune system, and preventing disruptive microbes from growing unchecked. These bacteria are crucial for a baby's gut during the initial months, particularly those Bifidobacterium species that  break down breastmilk sugars. A lack of these essential bacteria can allow harmful microbes to thrive, compromise the gut barrier, or trigger inflammation.

2. Secondly opportunistic pathogens need to be considered as a potential cause. When present at high levels, opportunistic pathogens may cause trouble by promoting inflammation and disrupting the gut barrier. A weakened gut barrier is more permeable, something that has been detected in those with food allergies. Also, one study found that 3-month-old babies with higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae were at increased risk of developing food sensitivities at 12 months of age. 

3. An overabundance of a single species is not ideal for gut health. High levels of unfriendly or variable species can cause problems. Even an excess of one beneficial species isn’t optimal, as it can occupy too much space and contribute to allergy symptoms.
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In conclusion, addressing the gut as part of the treatment for food allergies and any other atopic disease is very important. Your healthcare practitioner will be able to identify and assist with treatment according to your child's history and symptoms.