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A Possible Link Between Infant Food Allergies and Colic |
 I have seen quite a bit in this life, but as far as I am concerned, there is nothing more precious than a baby. There is nothing more heartbreaking that to see an infant in agony from infant allergies and unable to articulate what’s wrong
No doubt many parents are familiar with the despair of watching an infant in from a baby allergies but with no obvious indications as to what is causing it. We search for ways to comfort the child but with no success. We are told, “Its colic, the baby will be fine. You just need to ride it out.” Obviously, that advice is of no comfort to anyone. Babycenter.com states an estimated 20% of all babies experience colic. But what is colic exactly? How can a parent know if it’s colic, a baby allergy or something more?
First, let’s define colic. According to the Mayo Clinic, colic is defined as, “crying more than three hours a day, three days a week for more than three weeks in an otherwise well-fed, healthy baby”. Well, that sounds ambiguous enough. So, what can be done about it? The same Mayo Clinic site suggests that, “treatment with probiotics, substances that help maintain the natural balance of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract, can soothe colic”. This would seem indicate that lactose intolerance is the cause of colic. But is followed by the disclaimer that more research is required to know how effective the treatment is.
What seems clear is that colicky babies experience discomfort in the digestive tract. And while lactose intolerance may be the case in some children, an infant milk allergy could also be the culprit. In either case, the child’s health is in question.
A child experiencing lactose intolerance can be treated by supplementing the body with natural enzymes (probiotics) that break down milk sugars. This will alleviate the associated abdominal cramps and discomfort. An infant milk allergy on the other hand, has nothing to do with digestion. It is instead a reaction to milk proteins and is far more serious than “simple” colic. If your baby has a milk allergy, that could become a dangerous condition that is far more serious than lactose intolerance. In some cases, baby milk allergies can even become life threatening.
Babies who appear colicky and who demonstrate the following symptoms should be seen by a pediatrician immediately:
· Bloody stools,
· Rashes,
· Wheezing,
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea.
If it is determined to be a milk allergy, it goes without saying, all milk products must be eliminated from the baby’s diet.
The best way to ensure your baby’s comfort, digestive health, overall well being and her ability to ward off baby allergies is through breast-feeding. However, breast-fed babies may experience allergic reactions to what mother is eating since it is being passed through the milk. Research has proven that colicky breast-fed babies improve when cow's milk proteins are eliminated from the mother’s diet. This includes yogurt, cheese and any other products that contain milk. Some researchers in Australia are of the opinion that colic in breast-fed infants could be the result of eating too many processed foods. If so, its time to minimize the chemicals and artificial sweeteners we consume.
Understandably, not all babies can be breast-fed. If it is not possible, then it is extremely important to know if the cause of your baby’s discomfort is something more than an enzyme deficiency. Formula-fed babies may improve by switching to a low-allergy formula which may help in determining if the previous formula was contributing to the baby’s allergy related colic.
At any rate as my mother used to say, “There is a reason for everything.” So, with a little digging, some patience and a calm frame of mind, it is possible to remedy your baby’s allergies and colic and reclaim peace in your home. Then you can fully enjoy the delightful and precious bundle that is your baby.
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