Food Allergy - Long Valley,NJ

When my daughter had a milk-protein allergy as an infant, the doctor told me that if they don't outgrow it by 5, than it most likely is a long-term allergy. It may not be an allergy, but an intolorance. I would have him tested just to confirm so you know what you are dealing with. My nephews are allergic to peanuts. Even at 3 they would tell you that peanuts make them sick. They didn't have anymore details than that. If it is an allergy just start telling him now so he knows and can have some control of it. Especially if he goes to school and starts food sharing with other kids. The adults may know, but they may not always see the kids sharing.

I experienced that when I removed foods from MY diet! Anyone who tells you that food allergies couldn't possibly cause all that reaction are lying!

My allergies have changed as I got older, and your son's may too. There are so many kids out there who have food allergies or intolerances that other people are getting used to it. I automatically ask my daughter's friends if they have allergies before they come over so I can have appropriate snacks. Schools are getting good at it too, so I think your son may have an easier time than you think if the allergy/intolerance continues.

Hi there. We have had almost identical experiences with my son, though he tends toward the weepy/depressive rather than angry when he has milk. Not to mention the constant and severe ear infections, speech delay, diarrhea, etc., etc.

What I really wanted to tell you about, though, was the way my son has taken responsibility for his own intolerance. When he was 2 1/2, we told him he couldn't have "moo milk." By the time he was 3, he was taking total responsibility for his own diet, asking about all foods, "does that have dairy?" I just make sure to provide yummy alternatives for him, so he doesn't see dairy issues as a source of deprivation. Believe it or not, kids this age can have a great time doing "detective hunts" for food they like that's safe for them. My son just turned 5, and I asked him if he wanted to experiment with dairy. He told me, definitively, no, so I didn't push it. He could have all kinds of reactions, and I think it'd really violate his trust if I experiment on him w/o his consent. I do have a few strategies in mind for when and if he IS ready to try. I'm already writing a novel here, but send me a message if you want me to share those, plus strategies for Halloween, birthday parties, etc.

Mira

Yes, I did with dairy and with gluten. People all thought I was nuts and doctors just wanted to medicate my children. It wasn't as common in the 90's when I discovered this with my children. All five of my children had this problem with dairy and gluten. They had other food allergies but it didn't effect their behavior like dairy and gluten did. Dairy made them cry, scream and angry, just like you said, and gluten made them act hyper and drunk. I've dealt with this for several years and I just recently found a doctor who treats food allergies. So now only one of mine is allergic to dairy and 4 of mine still allergic to gluten. But all of there other allergies were successfully treated. =)

B,
Chances are he is pasteurized intolerant. Maybe truly dairy intolerant (protein allergy). A chance of gluten free necessary? maybe. Try it.

Forever? maybe. Maybe not.

As far as him being careful? From other's experience, all it takes is you pointing out cause and effect - he eats something he shouldn't, you point out to him - how do you feel - this is how you feel when you eat ___ or ___ or both. Remind him on odd occasions how he felt. Sometimes growth spurts cover up the memory of it.

good luck,
M.

My daughter was allergic to dairy and corn. Whenever she would have either she was a bear to handle. I am sure it just made her feel awful. She couldn't have anything that had milk in it. She out grew her milk allergy in highschool. If she over does it she will have a small reaction still but she can now eat ice cream etc. just not to many days in a roll. As for corn she would also break out with a rash around her eyes and mouth. She out grew that by 3 or 4 grade. As my daughter got older I did let her choose if she wanted to chance it and eat something with milk or corn since she did not have a life threatening reaction. She knew the consequences.