By Judy Davie
**”My child keeps getting eczema and nasal congestion. Some people have suggested it’s because of milk but I don’t want to cut milk from her diet — what do you suggest?”
— Debbie**
Only about 10 percent of children with eczema have proven allergies to diet. Removing certain food groups from a child’s diet is often a drastic measure and could result in a lack of important vitamins and minerals. Instead, try eliminating particular products from the diet for a few weeks at a time to see if symptoms improve. Keep a detailed food diary and write down any changes in behaviour, skin condition and nasal congestion or wheezing that occurs when certain foods are eaten. Dairy and wheat are common offenders, so when people suggest milk as a problem, they may be right. It’s not usually the cause of eczema or a stuffy nose, but can sometimes aggravate the condition.
After eliminating milk for a couple of weeks, slowly reintroduce and note any symptoms that occur. If the eczema or congestion flares up, it’s best to see a doctor or allergy specialist who can confirm an intolerance through a series of simple tests.
With regards to cutting milk from the diet — there are other options available. Goat’s milk, rice milk, oat milk and almond milk are some alternatives, but it’s always important to buy calcium-fortified products to ensure your child receives enough of this important bone-building mineral. Sheep’s milk yoghurt is delicious, and there are many varieties of non-cow’s milk cheese, such as goat’s cheese. A2 milk is a dairy milk that has been produced from Jersey cows and is seen to be less allergenic than regular milk so may also be an option. These products are available from health food stores or large supermarkets.
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