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Real Food for Babies Reduces Allergies

Allergies to food, including peanuts but but not limited to them, are an increasing problem among young children. Pediatricians have been concerned that introducing potentially allergenic foods too early might predispose babies to develop allergies later. Up until now, however, there have been few studies to show whether such caution is justified.

Research from the UK suggests that babies who are exposed to a wide range of fresh foods including plenty of fruits and vegetables are less likely to develop food allergies in childhood. Those whose parents stuck with commercially prepared or packaged baby foods were at higher risk. The researchers encourage parents to feed their babies home-made meals and avoid highly processed foods to reduce the risk of allergies later in life. This practice will also set a child’s taste and expectations for healthy eating throughout life.

[Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, online July 25, 2013]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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