#155 - Did I Cause My Child's Food Allergy?

When a child is diagnosed with a food allergy, one of the first things many parents wonder is, "Did I do something wrong?" and "Did I cause my child's food allergy?" You question if it was something you ate or didn't eat during pregnancy, whether you breastfed long enough, or if you introduced foods too late. The guilt is real, and it is incredibly common. Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta sit down with Dr. Joanne Moreau, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, to unpack exactly how food allergies develop, and why no parent should carry the weight of blame. What we cover in this episode about food allergy development and parent guilt How food allergies develop. The immune system, genetics, and environment all play a role, and science is still uncovering why. Food allergy genetics and family history. A parent with asthma, eczema, or hay fever raises a child's risk, even without a food allergy themselves. Pregnancy diet, breastfeeding, and food allergy. No conclusive evidence links what a mother eats during pregnancy, or whether she breastfeeds, to whether a child develops food allergies. Eczema and food allergy. Cracked or inflamed skin lets food proteins in before the gut can build tolerance, which can trigger sensitization. Early allergen introduction. Introducing allergenic foods between 4 and 6 months of age, and keeping them in the diet consistently, is one of the best tools we have. *********** Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genentech and Kaléo for sponsoring today’s episode.  This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.