As nerve-wracking as they can be for parents, childhood food allergies are fairly common. It is estimated that 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, and up to 40% children can have an adverse reaction. Allergies can develop quietly, and often appear as common skin issues or digestive problems, making them tricky to detect. The Big 8 foods that account for the majority of food allergies across the globe are: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. Reactions could show up with a variety of symptoms that affect the skin, gut, and breathing sometimes immediately; often within hours of eating. Here are some signs that you should look out for, if you suspect your child may have a food allergy: The Big 8 Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish - these 8 foods account for the majority of food allergies worldwide. At Mommys Health Kitchen, we believe awareness is the first step to safer, healthier choices for families. Whether its reading labels carefully, asking the right questions when eating out, or choosing clean-label alternatives - knowing The Big 8 makes all the difference. Visible Signs of Common Food Allergies Dairy Skin: Rashes, itching/tingling around mouth, hives, swelling of lips, tongue, or throat. Gut: Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, blood or mucus in stool, irritability, excessive crying. Breathing: Wheezing, coughing, runny nose, trouble breathing. Severe reactions: Rarely, anaphylactic shock (rapid, serious allergic response). This risk is higher if there is a family history of allergies. Gluten Gut: Repeated diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, vomiting, pale and stinky stools, poor growth, malnutrition. Behaviour: Crankiness, fussiness, restlessness after feeding. Children with a family history of celiac disease or wheat allergy are at higher risk. Soy Skin: Itching, hives, eczema, swelling of lips/tongue. Gut: Vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea. Breathing: Wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing. Severe reactions: Rarely, anaphylaxispale/blue skin, weak pulse, confusion. When to See a Doctor Err on the side of caution, and always consult a doctor if you are worried. IF your child frequently has any of these symptoms after eating dairy, wheat-based foods (roti, bread, biscuits), or soy products (tofu, soya chunks), consult an allergist or paediatrician with details on symptoms and when they appear. Some Friendly Tips Read food labels carefully Keep a food diary to note what your child eats and any reactions. Avoid cross-contamination during cooking Try eliminating suspect foods for two to four weeks and observe any changes, but do so under a doctors supervision. Offer alternatives like almond milk, ragi or rice flour, and tofu made from chickpeas. With growing awareness, options like this are more easily available, especially in urban centres. Educate family and school staff about your childs allergies to keep them safe. Allergic reactions can look different for each child and may sometimes be mild or delayed, so seeking medical advice is key for proper diagnosis and safe management Sources: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/broadway/blog/food-allergies-in-children/ https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/food/story/indians-lactose-intolerant-2541589-2024-05-21 https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/more-children-have-food-allergies-now-say-paediatricians/article68606755.ece [AMF1]Will create a graphic for this
