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A very small proportion of people (less than 2%) have problems
with allergies. Common symptoms include digestive problems (diarrhea,
vomiting), eczema and respiratory problems. The only treatment is avoiding
eating the food that causes allergy. If in doubt, contact your GP or
Health Visitor.
The most common food allergies are caused by 6 foods: eggs,
wheat, peanuts, shellfish, milk, and soya.
Other commonly known allergens are: cereals containing
gluten, fish, nuts, mustard and sesame seeds.
It may useful to adopt the following measures, that may
help reduce prevent or reduce allergies in babies:
- Breastfeed your baby for at least 4-6 months. This recommendation
applies to all babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive
breastfeeding for six months for all populations.
- Where one or both parents are allergic, and breastfeeding is not
possible, try asking your doctor about hypoallergenic baby-milk.
- If one or both parents are allergic, you could try avoiding milk
products, eggs, fish, peanuts and peanuts products, nuts, biscuits containing
eggs and/or milk and mustard (watch mayonnaise that can contain mustard)
until the baby is at least one years old.
- Introduce new foods one at a time so you can spot any food causing
problems.
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