ASTHMA & ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Mucus is essential in our bodies, but during an infection (such as a cold), an asthma attack or allergic rhinitis (e.g. hay fever), mucus production increases and becomes irritating. Apart from cow’s milk protein allergy, which is uncommon <0.5% of adults affected worldwide), there is no scientific evidence to suggest that dairy intake increases mucus production.
In some types of alternative medicine, people with bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract, are advised not to eat so-called mucus-forming foods. Dairy products are often identified as such. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that dairy intake increases mucus production, nor does research shows that the consumption of milk exacerbates the symptoms of asthma. A relationship between milk consumption and the occurrence of asthma therefore cannot be established, although there are a few documented cases in which people with diagnosed cow’s milk allergy presented with asthma-like symptoms. Best is to work with a multi disciplinary health professional team to establish which foods need to be excluded from the diet.
Symptoms such as a runny or itchy nose – similar to what are experienced with allergic rhinitis – can occur in individuals with a cow’s milk allergy. However, cow’s milk allergy affects less than 3% of infants, and most children outgrow the allergy by the age of 5 years.
Most cases of allergic rhinitis are related to airborne allergens, e.g. dust mites, animal dander and pollen. Should a child be allergic to cow’s milk, it is best to avoid all dairy products. However, regular reintroduction is essential to avoid complete, long-term exclusion from the diet and so missing out on important nutrients. During the period that milk and dairy products are avoided, it will be wise to use a good calcium supplement. A registered dietitian will be able to assist you in the process.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, which can vary from mild to severe. The causes are not fully understood, but genetics, immune function and environmental irritants can all play a part. When considering the effect of diet on eczema, it must be borne in mind that the basic problem in this condition is a defect in the skin barrier function. Unnecessary dietary manipulation, which is not based on a proper diagnosis, can be nutritionally harmful, particularly for young children. It is essential to confirm a food allergy with the help of a doctor and a dietitian.
Acne develops when pores in the skin become clogged, often as a result of glands producing too much oily secretions. The condition can be influenced by genetics, skin type and hormones, and given this complex nature a simple explanation of acne being ‘caused by’ any single food is unlikely. While some observational studies have suggested a possible link between the consumption of dairy and an increased risk of acne, clinical studies are still lacking. To date, there is no definitive research to show that dietary intake causes acne. There is no sufficient evidence to recommend changes to the intake of dairy products to manage acne. Moreover, given that the condition is most common in the teenage years, excluding milk and dairy from the diet in this critical bone-building life stage can be nutritionally harmful. Milk also is a source of a number of nutrients that have established roles in normal skin health, such as vitamins A and B2, zinc and iodine.