Junk Food Really Got Kids Increases Risk of Allergies?

Eating  junk food  is more appealing than eating healthy foods, such as vegetables. Although tasty, these foods may negatively impact on health by excessive consumption. The study reported one of the effects  of junk food may increase the risk of allergies in children. But is it so?

Study:  junk food  increase the risk of allergies in children

Who would not be tempted by  junk food ? Food is served with a combination of swing tongue, ranging from savory, sweet, and salty. However, you need to know if consumed too frequently,  junk food  could increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Not only that,  the study  conducted by the University of Naples Federico II, recently (2019) found a sharp increase in the numbers of allergy in children who eat  junk food.

Researchers looked at children aged 6 to 12 years, which has two different types of allergies, ie food allergies and respiratory allergies. As a result, children who have food allergies allergy-related compound level higher beneath the surface of the skin, than children with respiratory allergies.

Upon deeper investigation, potential causes are compounds of  advanced glycation end products  known as AGEs. These compounds are found most widely in processed foods, which are formed when sugar molecules bind to proteins or fats which are exposed to hot temperatures.

AGEs can be found in steak baked until browned meat or potatoes fried in hot oil. AGEs levels were high in  junk food  that makes the possibility of high-risk children have food allergies.

However,  junk food  is not the only cause of allergies

Although research suggests a possible  junk foods  cause allergies in children, other health experts mentioned that it is not the sole cause.

"The cause of allergies vary, including genetics and the environment," said dr. Elliot of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, quoted from the  Health Line .

" Processed foods  are less diverse proteins, but further research is still needed to understand the role of AGEs in the development of food allergies," said Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson MBE, FAAP pediatrician at Seattle Hospital.

There are several factors that are considered contributing to the cause of food allergies in children other than  junk food , such as:

Timing of the introduction of food

Too late to introduce foods that commonly cause allergies, such as nuts or eggs could enable an increased risk of food allergy later in life.

too clean

Using antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer can indeed prevent a child from infection. However, too often can make children less tolerant immunity against pathogens (disease causing substances).

Climate change

A constantly changing temperature changes can affect the performance of the immune system and lead to an increased risk of food allergies.

Genes and environment

Exposure of pregnant women to allergens, such as pollution and chemicals can affect the health of the fetus. Unhealthy diet can also affect the bacteria living in the gut associated with the immune system.

The use of antibiotics or certain medications

Besides  junk food , early antibiotic use in children may increase a child's risk of contact allergy. Moreover, antacids are consumed by young children can also affect the pH of the stomach and intestines way to digest and absorb food nutrients that may increase risk of food allergies.

So, can prevent food allergies in children?

The occurrence of food allergies in children are caused by various factors, can be prevented. However, not all of them, such as  genetic conditions .

Parents can take precautions early, namely introducing foods such as nuts or eggs according to age. Then, help the child to adopt a healthier lifestyle, for example, reduce the consumption of  junk food  to reduce the risk of food allergies.

If you have problems, do not hesitate to consult the child's doctor. Your doctor will help you prevent the development of  food allergies  in children in the future.