Does Diet Prevent Asthma and Allergies in Children

More research studies are showing the benefits of a healthy diet. Diets high in certain nutrients with fruits and vegetables and Mediterranean-style diets may prevent asthma and allergies in children.

A recent study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology shows a possible link between diet and the potential development of asthma and allergies in children. This meta-analysis found that a child's diet as early as infancy may affect whether or not allergies or asthma develop in later years. What a mother eats while pregnant and breastfeeding may play a role as well.

The study found that what a woman eats during her pregnancy may reduce her child's risks of developing asthma and allergies. Eating nutrient rich foods with Vitamins A, D and E, fruits and vegetables and a Mediterranean diet were all found to be protective against a child developing asthma or allergies.

Other studies support the claim that diet may play a role in the future development of these conditions. A study in the UK showed that reducing children's exposure to allergens and common allergy-causing foods during breastfeeding, in their diet as they grew older and in their environment helped to prevent the later development of allergies and asthma.

What does the result of this study mean? The study was only a meta-analysis of the results of previous studies on the topic, none of which were controlled studies. Nothing has been proven yet on the effectiveness of a certain diet in the prevention of the development of asthma or allergies. But the results do give encouragement and a basis for future studies on this topic.

When over-viewing these studies, it is important to note:

-The studies do not show that once allergies or asthma develop, they can be reduced or eliminated by diet alone, although certain foods may actually trigger allergy and asthma attacks.

-The studies were done to find a possible cause or prevention for allergies and asthma in children before these conditions begin.

-If your child already has symptoms of allergy or asthma, a change in diet is no guarantee the conditions will not continue to develop.

However, there is some useful information to be gained from these studies:

-A healthy diet with foods rich in nutrients and whole foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables is beneficial to everyone.

-The increase in obesity, allergy, asthma and other disease has increased with the use of convenience foods and less emphasis on a healthy diet.

-A healthy diet is important in the prevention and even reduction of symptoms for many conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease, among others.

It's frustrating that studies always point out that further research is necessary, but with so many influencing factors, it's hard to pinpoint any one cause, prevention or treatment. On the other side, it's important not to make significant lifestyle or dietary changes on information from a single study, especially when those changes involve other health risks. In this case, a healthy diet is good advice for anyone. The fact that diet might help in the prevention of allergies and asthma in children is an extra benefit.

SOURCES:

Ulugbek Nurmatov, MD, PhD, et al.; Nutrients and foods for the primary prevention of asthma and allergy: Systematic review and meta-analysis; The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Jenny Hope; How changing children's diets can prevent them developing asthma; Daily Mail Health