In response to allergic reactions in children, many parents strive to significantly reduce the variety of their diet. However, such a strategy often leads to negative consequences. Shaiyrbek Sulaymanov, the director of the National Center for Maternal and Child Health and a pediatric pulmonologist, explained why dietary restrictions can be harmful, how breast milk contributes to the formation of the immune system, and what complementary feeding rules can help avoid serious allergic reactions.
The doctor noted that there is a persistent trend in medicine: when a child develops allergies, parents begin to restrict their food intake. This leads to the child's body losing important trace elements, vitamins, and nutrients.
“Breast milk is the primary food for an infant, as it contains all the necessary elements for growth and development up to six months. Therefore, introducing complementary foods before this age is not recommended,” emphasizes Sulaymanov.
According to the doctor, it is important not to ask when to start complementary feeding, but to determine whether a specific product causes an allergy. Breastfeeding should be a priority for children with allergic predispositions, as breast milk is rich in anti-allergenic substances that promote the formation of immunity and a healthy intestinal microflora.“If parents have allergies or the child already shows signs of them, complementary feeding should start with hypoallergenic products. Special caution should be exercised with products such as eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, nuts, honey, and seafood. Although they are beneficial, they should be introduced gradually and in small amounts, monitoring the body's reaction,” added Shaiyrbek Sulaymanov.
Parents should remember that allergies are not a sentence and do not warrant strict dietary restrictions. The key to a child's health lies in a balanced approach that includes continuing breastfeeding and cautiously introducing new foods into the diet.
