First of all, let's clear the difference between what an allergy or a food intolerance is.
A true food allergy is extremely hard on the immune system, can affect several different organs and can even be life-threatening if not treated immediately. A food intolerance on the other hand, while still very uncomfortable, is less severe and often limited to causing digestive discomfort.
Seasonal allergies seem to have been around forever, you know the kind of allergies that make your nose runny, your skin itchy and your eyes red. While this is something almost normal due to the body’s reaction to pollen or other natural allergens, food allergies or intolerances seem to have become more common in the past two decades or so. It is almost an etiquette to ask your dinner guests if they or their plus one have any food intolerance before organizing your dinner party. Imagine this back in the day, when food was something holy. Are people overreacting? Has it somehow become hip to not tolerate Gluten, Lactose, Nuts and so on? Unfortunately not so. Research estimate that over 15 million Americans actually suffer from real diagnosed food allergies and even worse, food allergies and intolerance in children has increased approximately by 50 % in the last 15 years.
That is scary! Very scary! So, what happened? Why have our grandparents never heard about gluten, soy or lactose intolerance? Well, scientists don't seem to be 100% sure. Some say it's a genetic disorder, still others blame the environment, which to us makes a lot of sense given the number of toxins we are exposed to everyday. Either way, allergies and intolerance in children are a real thing that should not be taken lightly.
There are many different foods that your baby can be allergic to or not tolerate. As our babies are mainly exposed, especially in the early stages, to breast milk and/or formula it can be easier to pinpoint what your baby is having a reaction too.
Though rare, babies may not tolerate or be allergic to your breastmilk. American Academy of Pediatrics actually states that breast milk might prevent your baby developing any allergies in the future. Though babies are rarely intolerant to their mommy’s breastmilk per se, their mother’s diet can have a big influence on this. Sometimes, if the baby was born with an intolerance or allergy to a specific food and their mother eats it, it can be passed through the breastmilk to the baby causing a reaction.
General signs that your baby is not tolerating your breast milk usually are: severe colic, vomiting, diarrhoea or even skin rash. If you are exclusively feeding your baby breastmilk and see any of the above-mentioned signs, seek your pediatrician’s advice. Make sure to bring a list of everything you usually eat, and if possible keep a diary of what you have eaten 24-48 hours before your baby experienced a reaction.
A baby’s intolerance to breast milk is extremely rare, but a baby’s intolerance to formula is not! There are so many reasons why your baby may be reacting to formula. It might simply not tolerate lactose, which usually shows in diarrhea, gas, bloating and discomfort. Another reason why your baby is acting up when being fed formula is that it might not tolerate one of the many questionable ingredients that are found in even so-called organic formulas.
The good news is, once you have found out the reason behind your baby reacting to the formula there is a wide range of real organic formulas that will not only reduce and eliminate these reactions but also boost health benefits overall. For instance, should your baby be intolerant to cow milk we offer a wide range of alternatives, like Holle Goat. All of our formulas already exclude most of the allergens that are found in other formulas, such as: peanuts, soy, gluten, artificial chemicals or flavoring, no sugar, GMO, steroids or hormones. We have heard hundreds of success stories from our customers that had a baby with a food allergy and intolerance which made the switch to one of our formulas and never had to look back.
Feel free to reach out to us, we are happy to help you find the best formula for your baby!
Hi! My 9 month old has been on Holle goat 2 for a month and half and is so itchy! She is leaving scratches on her neck and abdomen. She does not have a visible rash or eczema. I’m wondering if it’s the formula? Thoughts?
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Larissa
September 14, 2023
Hi Stephanie,
We are so sorry to hear that your baby is not feeling well. It could be but there are many possible reasons. Please reach out to our customer service support@organicbabyfood.shop. They will get back to you asap. Hope you’re little one is doing better soon!