Nutritional Management of Childhood Asthma, Allergies, and Atopic Eczema

Dr. Brian J. Abelson D.C.
Kinetic Health
www.drabelson.com

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Asthma, Allergies, or Atopic Eczema are common problems that are seen in all clinical practices. The occurrence of these problems has escalated with each passing year. What is the cause, and what is a feasible solution?

There is considerable literature to support the concept that environmental toxicity is the underlying and major cause of these conditions. For the first time in human history, we face daily exposure to a vast arsenal of antibiotics, chemical byproducts, and environmental pollutants. Our homes are full of toxic chemicals. Even our hospitals have been identified as toxic environments for those suffering from environmental sensitivities.

Toxins can affect a variety of sites within the body, and are not always site specific. Toxins may effect everything from enzyme systems to active transport mechanisms, and even the metabolism of nucleic acids.(1) This is why a similar cause (the toxin) can manifest as multiple syndromes.

To manage these problems on a long term basis we must address the following areas:

• The elimination of allergenic foods from the child’s diet
• Recommendation of effective nutritional support to ensure tissue repair of all affected areas.
• Elimination of all allergens from the child’s environment.

Elimination diets...

Most elimination diets start by excluding products containing milk, gluten, citrus fruits, nuts, seafood, and eggs. Complete avoidance is often necessary for many children. Even low levels of these substances can cause severe problems. In fact, it has been found that intermittent exposure to the above substances is often more allergenic than taking the substance on a regular bases (5)

After two to four weeks, depending on the reaction of the child, foods of a questionable allergenic nature can be reintroduced on a rotational basis. Leave at least four days between each food before reintroducing the next possible reactive substance. This gives the patient the opportunity to monitor the reaction or lack of reaction to each food. It is advisable to eliminate foods that cause a re-occurrence of symptoms since this may indicate a possible source of allergen.

Effective nutritional support...

Each child is a unique individual. Due to this, it is important not to apply generic protocols in the treatment of these conditions. The diet of each child should be tailored to support growth and development but must be specific to the child’s individual allergenic reactions.

The dietary management of conditions such as childhood Asthma, Allergies, and Atopic Eczema must include the addition of essential nutrients. The integrity of the child’s gastro-intestinal tract must also be considered a critical element in all treatment protocols. Nutritional supplementation is essential for the mucosal repair of leaky gut syndrome (closely linked as a cause of many auto-immune conditions).(1)

For protein supplements...

While the child is on an elimination diet, it is important for him or her to receive an adequate and appropriate source of protein. This protein ensures effective restoration of all affected organs and tissues. In most elimination diets, rice is most commonly used as a source of protein since it is generally non-reactive. An adequate supply of fruits and vegetable is also critical in this phase of treatment.

Note: Although rice is an excellent source of protein, it must be supplemented with two amino acids : L-threonine and L-lysine.

For fatty acids supplementation...

The standard Canadian diet is very low in the Omega 3 fatty acids, especially GLA (gamma linolienic acid), EPA (eiscoapentoaenic acid), and DHA (docosahexenoic acid). These fatty acids are a fundamental constituent of all cell membranes. Since the absorptive capabilities of any cell is dependent on its structural integrity, a deficiency in these essential fatty acid directly impacts the functionality of the gastrointestinal mucosal cell walls. (1)

Supplementation with Evening Primrose Oil (which is high in GLA) has been found to be especially useful in cases of atopic eczema. (1)

Asthmatic children have been found to have a high predominance of hypocholorhydia. These same children have shown clinical improvement after the administration of Betain Hydrochloride (7). Vitamin B6, and B12 have also been shown to have significant therapeutic value in treatment of Asthma. (7).Several studies have found significant reductions in asthmatic symptoms by increasing the dietary magnesium. (8) Therefore, the following supplementation protocol should provide considerable relief from asthma:

Vitamin B12 (As directed in conjunction with a multiple b vitamin)

Vitamin B6 (50-100mg per day)

Magnesium (100-300mg per day)

Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride(as directed) or Betain (as directed)(7).

It is also interesting to note that after supplementation of these factors, there is a reported decrease in the emotional agitation that is often linked to Asthma, Allergies, and Atopic Eczema.

About elimination of allergens from the environment...

Allergenic sources in the child’s environment should be checked, and if possible, eliminated. Common causes of sensitivity include mold, spores, dust, dust mites, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and household chemical products with aerosol.

The list of common allergenic sources found in the home are substantial and include detergent, soap products, fabric softeners, perfume ingredients, certain fabric or fibers, and chemicals associated with synthetic petro-chemicals.

Familial history is also a significant factor. Modification of the maternal diet is recommended when infants are expected in families with a strong history of Asthma, Allergies, or Atopic Eczema. Studies have shown that allergens from food can cross the placental barrier and stimulate IgE by the fetus.(5) This also applies during breast feeding. Susceptible infants should avoid cows milk, citrus, seafood, and nuts (especially peanuts) for the first two years. Foods that are generally considered safe in these early stages are cassava, tapioca, and yams. (4)

It is important to ensure that children on therapeutic elimination diets do not suffer from malnutrition due to a lack of essential nutrients. You can use the following guidelines (as documented by Canada’s Guidelines for Healthy Eating (2)) to ensure that child maintains a healthy constitution during the treatment protocol.

The following table itemizes the nutritional requirements for children, categorized by age and weight of the child.

Age	Weight (Kg)	Protein (g/day)	Vitamin A (RE/day)	Vitamin D (ug/day)	Vitamin E (mg/day)	Vitamin C (mg/day)	Folate (ug/day)
0-4 months	6	12	400	10	3	20	25
5-12 months	9	12	400	10	3	20	40
1 year	11	13	400	10	3	20	40
2-3 years	14	16	400	5	4	20	50
4-6 years	18	19	500	5	5	25	70
7-9 years	25	26	700	2.5	7	25	90
10-12 years	34	26	700	2.5	6	25	90
13-15 years	50	34	800	2.5	8	25	120
16-18 years	62	36	800	5	7	25	130

Age	Weight(Kg)	Vitamin B12 (ug/day)	Calcium (mg/day)	Phosphorus (ug/day)	Magnesium (mg/day)	Iron (mg/day)	Zinc (ug/day)
0-4 months	6	0.3	250	150	20	0.3	2
5-12 months	9	0.4	400	200	32	7	3
1 year	11	0.5	500	300	40	6	4
2-3 years	14	0.6	550	350	50	6	4
4-6 years	18	0.8	600	400	65	8	5
7-9 years	25	1	700	500	100	8	7
10-12 years	34	1	700	500	100	8	7
13-15 years	50	1	900	700	130	8	9
16-18 years	62	1	1100	800	135	8	9

All the best in health.

Brian Abelson

References

1. Jeffrey S. Bland,Ph.D., "Applying New Essential in Nutritional Medicine" Health Comm Seminars 1995
2. Hamilton, Whitney, "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies, Rev. ed. of :Nutrition/Eva May Nunnelly Hamilton 5th ed. 1991
3. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious disease. "Avoidance of Specific Foods, Prior to Know Sensitization, in Potentially Susceptible Infants, " Chapter VIII in American Academy of Allergy and Immunology Committee on Adverse Reaction to Food, US Department of Health and Human Services. 1984: p175-1879
4. Atkins FM. "The Multiple Etiology of food hypersensitivity," Nutrition Review. 1983;41(8):245
5. Jarrett EE, and HallE. "The development of IgE Suppressive immuno competence in Young Animals: Influence of Exposure to Antigen in the Presence of Maternal Immunity," Immunology. 1984:53: 365-373
6. Kaufman R.E. "Effect of Vitamin B12 in Asthma." Annals of Allergy 1951;9:517
7. Wright JV. "Treatment of Childhood Asthma with Parental Vitamin B12, Gastric Reacidification, and Attention to Food Allergy, Magnesium and Pyroxidine: Three Case Reports with Background and an Integrated Hypothesis," Journal of Nutritional Medicine 1990;1; 277-282
8. Magnesium and Asthma," Journal of American Dietetic Association 1993;93;674

Dr. Brian Abelson graduated in 1992 with an award for clinical excellence from the Palmer College of Chiropractic West, California. He presently practices in Calgary, Alberta. He regularly teaches courses in nutrition and alternative and complementary medicine for the Calgary School Board and the Rocky Mountain School of Massage Therapy. He is also Chairman of the Wellness Community for the Alberta Chiropractic Association. He can be contacted through his Internet site: abelsonb@cadvision.com.

Author: Dr. Brian Abelson
Co-author and Editor: Kamali Abelson, Rowan Tree Books Ltd.
Kinetic Health®
Bay #10, 34 Edgedale Drive N.W.
Calgary, Alberta, T3A-2R4
For more information, please call our clinic or send an E-mail to the following address.

Phone: 403-241-3772
Internet: abelsonb@home.com