Thus far we have recommended that if you know you are allergic or sensitive to something, you avoid it. We also recommended, based on case precedent and historical recommendations from societies including the CDC and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology that you avoid exposing your children to known irritants for the first two years of life, when their immune and digestive systems are most sensitive.

Even though this is the case, of late some researchers have been trying to prove otherwise. For every scientific study recommending parents take one approach to avoiding allergies, another will surface saying something else.

While most pediatricians recommend children avoid allergenic foods until they are older than 2 years, there are other studies now suggesting exposing children to food allergens early in life may help develop their immune systems so they are more likely to ward off allergies later.

For example, one study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found children exposed to food allergens earlier in life had more tolerance for them later.

If your child demonstrates severe allergy symptoms however, including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, respiratory distress or any other alarming symptoms, talk with your doctor immediately about the possibility of food allergies. They may recommend a special diet until the source of your child’s symptoms is clearly identified.

Some children who have food sensitivities early in childhood grow into adults that do not have allergies to foods. The opposite is also true. Many adults now find that the foods they once enjoyed are causing them to have uncomfortable, allergy-like symptoms, or worse, full-blown allergies.

Why the sudden change? The jury is still out. Some theorists suggest that our bodies are so over polluted by daily exposure to environmental toxins that people in general are simply more susceptible to allergies later in life.

If someone eats too much of anything, it is possible they can develop a sensitivity to this product even if for a short time. Keep in mind that you should consider every study and tidbit of information you read, including the information in this guide, with your skeptic’s hat in place.

When in doubt, do your homework, and rely on the advice of your pediatrician or your family physician.