The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports this month on a study showing peanut allergies in American children have more than tripled over 11 years, from 1997 to 2008. Peanut allergies are one of the few allergies that children do not grow out of, and are also one of the most dangerous.

“Our research shows that more than 3 million Americans report peanut and or tree nut allergies, representing a significant health burden,” researcher Scott Sicherer, MD, of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City says in the news release. “The data also emphasize the importance of developing better prevention and treatment strategies.”

Its increase could be attributable to the “hygiene hypothesis” — the idea that less exposure to allergens and bacteria in childhood leave the immune system underdeveloped and vulnerable, the researchers speculated.

Or it could be the timing of when the food is introduced, or how the food is prepared, the researchers said. Roasted peanuts, for instance, have increased allergenicity because cooking changes the nature of the proteins in the nut.

This increase in allergic response is despite the American Academy of Pediatrics’ original recommendation of delaying a child’s introduction to peanuts until the age of three, which was later rescinded in January 2008.  They now recommend that solid foods not be introduced before four to six months of age, but that the timing of introducing common allergens (such as dairy, eggs, and nuts) is no longer believed to have an impact on a child’s later probability of developing allergic diseases.  In fact, a study involving Jewish children in the United Kingdom and Israel found that the Israeli children who were exposed to peanuts frequently during infancy were 10 times LESS likely to develop a peanut allergy than their UK counterparts.

“The most obvious difference in the diet of infants in both populations occurs in the introduction of peanut. Israeli infants are introduced to peanut during early weaning and continue to eat peanut more frequently and in higher amounts than UK infants, who avoid peanut, as per Department of Health recommendations.  The observed differences in Peanut Allergies between the UK and Israel are unlikely to be explained by genetic differences. Our findings raise the question of whether early and frequent ingestion of high-dose peanut protein during infancy might prevent the development of Peanut Allergies through tolerance induction. Paradoxically, past recommendations in the United States and current recommendations in the UK and Australia might be promoting the development of Peanut Allergies and could explain the continued increase in the prevalence of Peanut Allergies observed in these countries.”

Food allergies such as nut allergies are on the rise and have become a significant health burden.  There are many alternative and holistic options for dealing with allergies such as a peanut allergy.  Contact a BioVeda Health and Wellness Center near you to learn more.

Dr. Andrea Dobrich, D.C. discusses a study showing Hepatitis B vaccine more than triples an infant boy’s risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in her BioVeda of Harrisburg, NC blog:

A new study has shown that giving Hepatitis B vaccine to newborn baby boys more than triples their risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder. An abstract of the study was published in the September, 2009 issue of the respected journal Annals of Epidemiology. In it, Carolyn Gallagher and Melody Goodman of the Graduate Program in Public Health at Stony Brook University Medical Center, NY, wrote that, “Boys who received the hepatitis B vaccine during the first month of life had 2.94 greater odds for ASD compared to later- or unvaccinated boys.” The authors used U.S. probability samples obtained from National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 1997–2002 datasets.  The conclusion states that: “Findings suggest that U.S. male neonates vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine had a 3-fold greater risk of ASD.” The authors also noted that an earlier study by them found that hepatitis B vaccination was associated with receipt of early intervention and special education services. The new study used a different database than their earlier study, and they found same results, suggesting a validation of their findings.

Dr. Andrea Dobrich of Bioveda of Harrisburg (just outside of Charlotte, NC) comments:

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder that affects how a child develops (see previous article on the autism basics).  According to WebMD:

• Autism isn’t a disease, it’s a symptom. It ranges in severity from a handicap that limits an otherwise normal life to a devastating disability that may require institutional care.
• Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities. Including the milder form of autism known as pervasive developmental disorder or PDD, autism affects six to eight out of every 1,000 children.
• Children with autism have trouble communicating. They have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it very hard for them to express themselves either with words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch.
• A child with autism who is very sensitive may be greatly troubled — sometimes even pained — by sounds, touches, smells, or sights that seem normal to others.

Theories of the cause of Autism include toxic overload or attack from vaccines, food sensitivities/allergies, heavy metals, etc. Essentially, when the body is overloaded with toxic substances, it must compensate by protecting itself from other stressors (ie sensory stimulation). This being said, I would suggest taking a holistic approach to help children affected with autism. Begin with the removal of nerve interference using alternative techniques such as chiropractic, and Neurological Stress Reduction Therapy. Then incorporate a gentle, yet effective detoxification program, and proper nutrition and diet under the instruction of your health care provider.

Sources:

Yesterday evening, about a dozen parents met at the Bioveda Health and Wellness Center of  Tyler, Texas to hear a presentation by Dr. Garland D. Glenn. Most of the parents belong to a support group who are concerned about their children’s severe peanut allergies.

Children suffering from peanut allergies or other sensitivities that result in analphylaxis present serious challenges for their parents. In many cases parents have few alternatives for caring for their allergic children. One example is the need for home schooling to ensure that these highly allergic children avoid exposure to peanuts and other known allergens.  Anaphylaxis  can be life threatening and accidental exposure could result in death.

During the Allergy Group Meeting, Dr. Glenn spoke about allergies and the impact of stress on the body. He also discussed how BAX 3000 Neurological Stress Reduction Therapy can help improve overall health and wellness by alleviating stress on the nervous system and by strengthening the immune system.

Contact a Bioveda Health and Wellness Center near you to learn more!

Dr. Eric Herman, D.C. with BioVeda of Bethlehem, recently wrote about the importance of diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children on his BioVeda of Bethlehem Blog:

Many studies have shown positive outcomes in reducing the symptoms of ADHD simply by changing your child’s diet. In my practice I have observed drastic positive changes in children’s behavior by adding essential nutrition and removing toxic and empty caloric consumption from a persons eating habits.

The following are what I have observed to be the most important dietary modifications if you want to improve your attention, focus and emotional stability.

ADD THESE TO YOUR DIET:

1. Essential fatty acids(EFA’s) – studies have shown that children with learning disorders, including attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, often have an EFA deficiency. The right kinds of fats are super important to ingest on a daily basis. among many other functions good fats are needed for proper brain function. That is why they are called essential fatty acids because your body can not make them and without them we would die!

The following are foods that are good sources of EFA. Cold water fish such as salmon, tuna and trout, flax seeds, nuts, dark leafy green vegetables, and grass fed meats and eggs. Good oils to use are Molecularly Distilled (gets rid of toxic mercury) fish oil, olive oil, krill oil, sunflower oil and flax seed oil.

2. Vitamin B complex – the B Vitamins improve neural activity and are great at helping the body cope with stress. Good food sources of Vitamin B are meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cereal grains, milk, legumes & fresh vegetables.

3. Protein – eating small portions of protein throughout the day evens out your energy. Here are some helpful tips for protein snacks for you children. String cheese wrapped in whole grain bread, a hard boiled egg, plain whole fat yogurt blended with a ripe banana for sweetness or simply mixing some protein powder in your child’s favorite smoothly.

4. Calcium and Magnesium – calcium in addition to building strong bones also supports a healthy nervous system which could improve a child’s behavior. Magnesium also has a calming effect on the nervous system helping to maintain normal muscle and nerve function and is involved in energy metabolism. Many studies have shown children with ADHD who supplement with calcium and magnesium have responded positively. Foods that are good sources of calcium and magnesium are, green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and collard greens as well as whole grains. Spinach, beans, peas, nuts and seeds are great sources of magnesium.

5. Trace minerals – trace minerals are micronutrients that are needed by the body every day, but in small amounts. Trace minerals that would help an ADHD child include zinc and iron. Studies have shown that children with ADHD have low levels of zinc in their bodies compared to children without ADHD. Iron helps regulate the neurotransmitter dopamine and may help children with ADHD. Trace minerals are found in organic fruits and vegetables. I recommend taking a good mineral supplement every day.

6. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. The brain is about 80% water, and increasing your water intake to 7 to 10 glasses per day might be very helpful all by itself. Sodas, Gatorade, teas, icees, etc., do not count as water. Only water counts as water.

THINGS TO AVOID

1. NO DAIRY PRODUCTS, especially cow’s milk. Instead try Almond milk, Rice milk, or Better Than Milk.

2. NO JUNK FOODS.

3. NO FRUIT JUICES.

4. CUT SUGAR INTAKE

5. AVOID NUTRASWEET.

6. NO PROCESSED MEATS and NO MSG.

7. AVOID FOOD COLORINGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

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This video (as posted by Dr. Eric Herman on BioVedaofBethlehem.com) is a must watch for parents who struggle to find the source of their child’s extreme misbehavior and violent outbursts. Dr. Doris Rapp has dedicated her life to identifying and providing simple solutions for behavior problems in kids and specifically targets the affects of allergies, food sensitivities and toxins on children.  In the video below, she offers insight into how to help a child who suffers from allergy induced behavior problems. While Dr. Rapp is not affiliated with BioVeda Health and Wellness Centers, we feel this information will help parents better understand that some children with bi-polar and ADHD symptoms can be helped without the use of dangerous off-label drugs.