Allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to something in the environment. When these allergic reactions occur in response to a food, the results can be quite dangerous. Recent studies show that food allergies seem to be increasing in children. With this increase, greater public knowledge and information is required. Rates Rising A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology  in 2010 showed that nut allergies among children seem to be on the rise. The study, led by Scott H. Sicherer , MD, surveyed 13,534 people (5,300 household...

In recent years, the idea of a gluten-free diet has grown in popularity. As more people discuss avoiding gluten, celiac disease (which is somewhat like a severe gluten allergy) is becoming the subject of more and more research. What are the effects of this disease and just how common is it? Celiac Simply Put Celiac disease is an immune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein present in foods like wheat, rye and barley. According to an article written by Jocelyn Silvester , MD and Donald Duerksen , MD, and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal ( CMAJ ), celia...

Becoming a new parent brings with it a host of challenges, not the least of which is learning your baby’s needs and how he or she expresses those needs.