I know there is so much contradicting information out there on this, but wondering if anyone here has had a child outgrow it, and if so, what do you think contributed to that? We are avoiding all nuts, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and eating foods rich in antioxidants (basically we eat a whole food, non-processed diet). Based on my research (and my own gut feeling), I think that by reducing internal inflammation (which is what leads to allergies, asthma, etc.) that we can reduce the chance of further allergies and maybe even reverse them....any thoughts? Experiences?

On Jun 25, 2008

I have been told that my dd *may* outgrow her pn allergy. She was 4 when it was diagnosed, has only had 1 reaction (vomiting, scratchy throat) despite many previous exposures. Her RAST #'s were low...so, if we are good about avoiding and not having another reaction, we were told that she has a better chance of being in the 20% of kids that do outgrow. I'm not holding my breath, but I am doing my best to keep her odds good.

All I can say with allergies...I did everything "right" and my dd still ended up with a food allergy. She nursed for over 2 years, started the right solids at the right times, etc... We eat a decent diet-avoid most processed things, eat lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, etc...not an "anti-inflammatory" diet, per se, but healthier than the Standard American Diet. I really think that her allergies are genetically based (we have no food allergies but do have seasonal & pet allergies). I have slight asthma (exercise induced, and it flares up around animals). My dad has terrible seasonal allergies, my MIL and BIL have asthma and seasonal allergies, DH has seasonal allergies. The odds were not in our favor!

Unfortunately, I don't think there's anything I can do differently to change things for us. I do think there is value in eating well, lots of antioxidants, etc... and maybe being healthy will help overall, in dealing with allergies, asthma & reactions. But I would in no way count on those things to reverse her pn allergy... I'd consider it dumb luck, if she outgrew.

On Jun 25, 2008

JenniferT-what exactly comprises the anti-inflamatory diet...I am very interested in what you said.

thanks

On Jun 25, 2008

I think genetics do hold a key to the puzzle...I had cat allergy and seasonal allergies as a child but outgrew them both....no one else on either side of our families has ANY allergy...seasonal or food...so I'm at a loss..I too breastfed until 15 months, but never realized I shouldn't give her peanuts so early (15 months was when she had a reaction). I guess all I can do is keep her health good (which it is - she's never once needed an antibiotic and the only time she ever got "sick" was after receiving a vaccine (which is a whole OTHER topic of discussion) - and pray...;)

On Jun 25, 2008

Newallergy mom - sorry, just saw your post. I'm on my way to swim lessons but will post more on the anti-inflammatory diet when the kids go to bed tonight and I have some time ;)

On Jun 25, 2008

sounds good JT

On Jun 25, 2008

Ok, the paper I have I got from a Naturopathic Doctor - she's actually the one who recommended we eliminate gluten and dairy for dd's eczema and AMEN, it worked!

Basically the anti-inflammatory diet is not long-term, but it's recommended for people in a health crisis - herbalists will recommend this diet for cancer patients for instance. In our case, eczema is a health crisis caused by internal inflammation that is exhibiting itself in the form of a skin condition. There are many causes, for my dd we believe it's food.

Here are the foods to avoid while trying to help the body heal:

All animal milks Commercial eggs (organic OK) All wheat products citrus fruits peanuts/peanut butter beef pork processed soy products animal cheeses potatoes breads fruit juices any processed food caffeine corn tomatoes white flour dried fruit fried food alcohol

Now some of those items are allergens for people anyhow so they're already avoiding them. The only other thing I would add is artificial sweeteners - they raise the acidity in the body which causes inflammation. It also recommends steaming vegetables to improve the availability of the nutrients. It goes into much greater detail, but this is essentially the jist. We're not following it 100%, but pretty close. Mostly chicken and fish for our meat, steamed or raw vegetables, fruit, and rice products.

HTH!!

On Jun 25, 2008

okay, i am at lost, what do you eat? really, please give us an example of a meal plan for the day. i am very curious about this diet. thanks.

On Jun 26, 2008

hehehe ;) Lots of whole foods :)

Breakfast: Gluten Free/Casein Free granola, rice milk, fresh fruit, turkey sausage (not all on the same day, of course)

Lunches: Grilled Chicken or Turkey burger, the kids LOVE frozen peas, carrots, cucumber, fresh fruits like blueberries, apples, pears, nectarines, etc.

Snacks: fresh fruit or vegetables, rice cakes, rice crackers, pumpkin seeds

Dinner: grilled chicken or salmon, sauteed vegetables with any number of beans (garbanzos, black, aduki), edamame, whatever vegetables are in season we just throw on the grill with our meat. Our gas grill is in use every day ;)

We're still learning too - but I try my best to keep a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables to keep things from getting too bland.

On Jun 26, 2008

Very, very interesting--thank you for sharing, JT!

To just briefly add to your original question, I have NO idea what would "qualify" a person to get into that 20% outgrow group. A couple months ago I would have said strict peanut avoidance may not get you in that group, but NOT adhering to strict adherence would keep you out. However, that all changed when I recently heard that through a friend of a friend that a 10 year old just outgew his PA. I've spoken with this mom regarding our wildly different comfort zones a couple times--she had him eat at buffets (gasp!), from the bakery (double gasp!), eat 'may contains,' etc..... and he's had *several* reactions that needed Epi. Several. As in more than one. So while her comfort level was very loose and mine very tight, it appears that it worked for her son.

I guess my point is--I think you're doing the right thing, but I wouldn't plan on outgrowing. Apparently anything goes.

On Jun 26, 2008

Jen224 - that is really interesting...I just came across this article last night which makes me wonder even more about whether or not exposure helps or hinders....heck, I honestly don't even think the doctors know...:(

[url="http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20070226/progress-against-peanut-allergies"]http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20070226/progress-against-peanut-allergies[/url]