While nuts generally receive top marks for being a healthy addition to your diet, there are a few factors to consider. Peanuts — which despite the name are not actually a nut but a legume — are among the most allergenic of foods. In 1999, less than 0.5% of American children had a peanut allergy. A decade later, that number had risen to 2%. This despite the fact that during that time, parents were warned to avoid all peanut products before the age of 3. Research now suggests that exposing children to peanuts — and other food allergens — early on can help reduce their risk of developing an allergy, and contrary to popular belief, strict avoidance actually heightens the risk.
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The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases issued new guidelines in 2017 to recommend introducing pureed food or finger food that contains peanut powder or peanut extract at or before the age of 6 months, but it seems the recommendation may just now be gaining popularity. On January 19th, a company focused on all-natural food allergy prevention products for babies made a pitch on the popular show Shark Tank, that gained the attention of billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban. Cuban ended up investing $350,000 in the company, called Ready, Set, Food!
Developed by a team of physicians and experts in allergy research, the program gradually introduces infants to the top three childhood food allergies — peanuts, eggs and milk. According to the company website, a daily organic, non-GMO supplement packet with no added sugar or additives is mixed with breast milk, formula or food to gently introduce the potential allergens. Research has shown that early exposure to these foods may cut the risk of allergies by 80% or more.
No discussion about food allergies is complete without addressing general gut health. Without a well-functioning gastrointestinal tract, your baby will be more vulnerable to pathogens, allergens and a number of immune-related diseases, so getting your baby’s gut up and running efficiently is crucial.
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should address their own gut health as early as possible to give their child the best start possible in this regard. Research has shown that women who take probiotics during pregnancy reduce their child’s risk of developing allergies. That said, it’s never too late to address your gut health, or your child’s.