Recent studies provide new insights into the role that diet might play to combat allergies and asthma, especially in children. These studies were conducted because the incidence of allergic diseases has increased over the past few decades, especially in children. One child out of three is allergic today and one in two people are likely to be suffering from at least one allergy by 2015.
Studies suggest that the way in which children are fed early in life may have a direct effect on the subsequent development of allergies and asthma. The three main key findings were the benefits of breastfeeding, intake of certain nutrients, and probiotics.
Breastfeeding a baby exclusively, without providing any other liquid or food is effective in reducing the risk of allergies later in life. Exclusive breastfeeding for four months protects the child, reduces the likelihood of dermatitis (skin allergy) and reduces the risk of recurrent wheeze (or asthma).
The second area of importance is the components of the diet. A diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium, from fruit and vegetables sources, may have a protective effect. And it appears that reducing sodium intake, increasing magnesium intake, eating apples and avoiding margarine might help some asthmatics.
The role of probiotics and prebiotics in the diet is also important. Probiotics protect against the development of allergies by producing changes in the gut that can stimulate the immune system.
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