According to the CDC, food allergies impact about 8% of children in the U.S. That’s one in 13 kids, which means about two children per classroom in the U.S. has some type of food allergy. Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies, which leaves many parents worried about their children’s safety when they’re at school, with friends, etc.
Like any other allergy, food allergies can be quite dangerous if they aren’t handled properly. They can cause symptoms like:
- Hives/itching
- Tingling in the mouth or throat
- Swelling in the face and other parts of the body
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
Obviously, no parent wants their child to experience such dangers. Once you know some of the foods your children are allergic to, you can start to put a plan in place that will adjust their diet and keep them safe. Thankfully, you can support healthy eating habits that not only will keep your child’s allergies at bay, but can encourage them to make smart food choices throughout their lives.
So, what can you do to make sure they’re safe with what they eat without having to make drastic changes to their diet?
Set a Positive Example
Children are always watching. One of the best things you can do to support healthy eating habits in children with allergies is to set an example within your family. If one child has allergies or something like a gluten intolerance, it can help them if the whole family gets on board with their food choices.
You can make it easier on yourself (and the rest of your family) by creating a diet plan that everyone can follow. It should include foods that:
- Provide your child with enough vitamins and minerals
- Don’t have high levels of trans fats
- Don’t contain a lot of preservatives or sugar
- Are high in lean protein
By adjusting the way your whole family eats, it’s more likely for your child with allergies to be okay with those changes, too. Having to adjust your meals can spark creativity, and you might actually enjoy the
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