Introduction:
Starting solids for the baby is an exciting time for the parents. But, it does not come without its share of panic moments and confusion. Food intolerance typically means the body finds it difficult to digest a particular food, causing a reaction and series of unpleasant symptoms. This reaction can occur because the body cannot properly break down the food or because the body is irritated by a chemical in the food.
How Is Food Intolerance Different From a Food Allergy?
Food intolerance is different from a food allergy because no immune system reaction occurs in food intolerance. A food allergy typically occurs when the body's immune system, which usually fights infections, considers the food an invader, leading to an allergic reaction. Food allergies are often more severe and present with more symptoms than food intolerances.
What Are the Symptoms of Food Intolerance?
If the baby eats foods they are intolerant to, they are likely to react badly to it, and the severity is based on the quantity of the food taken. Although some babies can digest minor portions of the food in question, few babies react even to tiny amounts of the food. Therefore, it is best to use a trial and error method to determine how much of it the baby can handle, if at all.
Symptoms can sometimes appear between half an hour and two hours after eating the food. However, compared with food allergies, a larger amount of food is required to trigger symptoms; these are never life-threatening. The symptoms associated with food intolerance differ from those of allergies and may include repeated episodes of:
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Abdominal pain.
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Skin rashes and itching.
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Bloating.
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Excessive burps.
What Are the Common Food Intolerances?
Most food intolerances include intolerance to:
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Lactose (sugar in cow's milk and dairy products).
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Wheat.
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Food additives, such as artificial preservatives and flavor enhancers.
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Fructose (sugar in fruits).
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Whole eggs.
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Salt.
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Honey.
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Naturally occurring food chemicals, including salicylates and amines.
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Some types of fish.
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Nuts.
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Soy.
Does Mother's Diet Affect Babies?
There is a lack of research to prove that what mothers eat affects babies directly. But, it is believed that there is an association between some foods they ate and the intensity of discomfort and crying in the baby. So, if any food allergies or sensitivities are suspected, one must maintain a journal of the foods one ate and the baby's symptoms. This gives a fair idea of what might be causing the response. Although it is impossible to treat this intolerance, the mothers can eliminate the discomfort by avoiding the food driving this response. And in the case of babies who have started solids, one can entirely avoid giving those foods to the baby.
How Is Food Intolerance Evaluated?
Food intolerance is evaluated based on the following:
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Elimination Diets: Elimination diets are the commonly performed test for food intolerance. An elimination diet involves removing all those foods that might cause intolerance from the child's diet. The food is removed for a while, usually a few weeks, and then reintroduced one at a time to determine which food is causing the intolerance. One may maintain a food diary to work out which food is causing the child's symptoms. Therefore, it is best to speak to a dietitian or a medical professional before initiating the child on an elimination diet. A dietician can help ensure that the child's diet continues to provide the nutrition needed for growth and development, even while a few things are eliminated.
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Breath Test: Doctors can also use a breath test for suspected fructose or lactose intolerance cases. This test involves making a child drink a standard amount of lactose and measuring the amount of hydrogen gas in the child's breath. Lactose-intolerant children typically have higher levels of hydrogen in their breath.
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Allergy testing does not assist with diagnosing food intolerance. So, it is a good idea to see a medical professional or dietician if the child has a food intolerance. They can explain the most suitable test for the child.
How to Deal With Food Intolerance in Infants?
If food intolerance is diagnosed in a child, the doctor may recommend that the child:
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Avoid eating the food altogether.
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Eats less of the food that is causing the intolerance
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If the child consumes something you know they are intolerant to and get intolerance symptoms, the symptoms usually disappear by themselves over time. The child should not need urgent medical attention.
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If the child's symptoms include diarrhea, one must ensure they get plenty of water or fluids to avoid dehydration.
Early Nutrition in an Infant:
From 0 to 6 months: At this stage, the baby's digestive system is still developing. It is the age to breastfeed exclusively, or one may supplement with infant formula milk in case of insufficient supply or inability to feed.
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From 6 months to 1 Year: This is the time to introduce complementary feeding to meet the growing baby's demands. It is suggested to introduce one new food every week from six months onwards (and look for adverse reactions). This gives an idea of what suits the baby and what does not.
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From 1 Year Onwards: At this age, the baby is ready to eat most foods we eat, but in smaller portions. The significant calories come from solids, while breastmilk (or formula milk) is a supplement. One can choose to breastfeed for as long as mutually desired, but ensure solids form the basis of nutrition.
How Long Does Food Intolerances Last?
How long a food intolerance stays typically depends on the food and the reason the baby's body reacts to it. If the baby has grown out of food intolerance, it is best to discuss it with a dietitian or medical professional. They can suggest carefully reintroducing the food into the baby's diet at home to check whether food intolerance has gone.
Conclusion:
Food intolerance in babies is a reaction that they have after eating. Although both food allergy and intolerance are believed to be the same, they are entirely different. Food intolerances do not involve the immune system. Food intolerance symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain. These symptoms generally clear up by themselves over time. Consult a medical professional or dietician if the child has a food intolerance to get the proper assessment.