In situations where a child shows the first symptoms of allergies, many parents rush to drastically change their diet. However, this approach often turns out to be more harmful than beneficial. How to properly manage allergies, how breast milk contributes to the formation of the immune system, and what complementary feeding rules can help avoid serious reactions were discussed by Shaiyrbek Sulaymanov — the director of the National Center for the Protection of Motherhood and Childhood, a pediatrician, and an allergist-pulmonologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor.
The specialist emphasizes that there is a certain practice in medicine: when allergies occur in a child, parents often start to severely restrict their food intake. This can lead to the child's body not receiving important nutrients, trace elements, and vitamins.
“Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for infants. It contains all the necessary components for the normal growth and development of a child up to 6 months. Therefore, doctors do not recommend starting complementary feeding before six months,” noted Sulaymanov.According to the doctor, one should not focus on when to introduce complementary feeding. First, it is necessary to determine whether a particular product is the culprit of the allergy. Global practice shows that breastfeeding should remain a priority for children with allergies. Breast milk contains anti-allergenic substances, promotes the formation of immunity, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
“If parents have a predisposition to allergies, or if the child already shows symptoms, complementary feeding should begin with hypoallergenic products. Products such as eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, nuts, honey, and seafood should be approached with particular caution. Despite their nutritional value, they should be introduced into the diet gradually, carefully monitoring the child's body’s reaction,” added Shaiyrbek Sulaymanov.It is important to remember: allergies are not a sentence and do not warrant strict dietary restrictions for the child. The key to the child's health lies in a balanced approach that includes continuing breastfeeding and cautiously introducing new products into the diet.
