CNN: Food Allergies on the Rise
Why are Food Allergies on the Rise?
Earlier, I posted a Mayo Clinic article stating that much of their research revolves around finding reasons why celiac disease is on the rise. The two possible theories given were that our hybrid grains are difficult for our systems to handle, and that perhaps our environment is too clean and our immune system is only left to attack itself.
A few hours later, CNN posted this article questioning why food allergies are on a drastic rise. Several of the theories posed behind the rise of allergies are the same as those asked by the celiac researchers.
According to the article, the number of kids with food allergies went up 18 percent from 1997 to 2007, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 3 million children younger than 18 had a food or digestive allergy in 2007, the CDC said.
Dr. Susan Rudders, pediatric allergist-immunologist in Providence, Rhode Island, says that based on a 10 year old study, for all adults and children in the U.S., there are 30,000 ER visits because of food allergies each year. This figure is likely higher now, Rudders said.
Could vaccines, less exposure to a variety of bacteria, and exposure to more processed foods also be contributing to the rise of food allergies?
“Another theory is that children need to get exposed to common allergens, such as nuts and shellfish, from a much earlier age, to avoid developing allergies. Some doctors have been recommending waiting until 2 or 3, but Ferdman at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a proponent of giving kids nuts very early.”
Click here to read the entire CNN.com article Why are Food Allergies on the Rise, by Elizabeth Landau
I believe things like caramel coloring & other things like vanilla extract are also thing with hidden gluten that gluten bloggers talk about–EAT THIS–good lord, no wonder, nobody’s better or smarter…no body had heard peppercorns in factorys were kept rolling in/on the lines with white/wheat flour…don’t they read/study??
so they say it’s ok– but not so much, I’ve not had luck…
How about breastfeeding? I’m sure in African countries (as the full allergy article referenced) breastfeeding is widespread, compared to western civilization and in the UK. Babies possess what is often referred to as an “open gut.” This means that the spaces between the cells of the small intestines will readily allow intact macromolecules, including whole proteins and pathogens, to pass directly into the bloodstream.This is great for a breastfed baby as it allows beneficial antibodies in breastmilk to pass more directly into baby’s bloodstream, but it also means that large proteins from other foods (which may predispose baby to allergies) and disease-causing pathogens can pass right through, too. Why not do a study based on breastfeeding??