Junk Food Causes Childhood Asthma and Other Allergic Reactions

01/22/2013

Researchers believe that foods high in saturated fats lower a child’s immunity, specifically with regards to allergic reactions.

Looking at data from 50 countries, they found that teenagers that ate junk food more than three times per week were 39 percent more likely to get severe asthma while younger kids were 27 percent more likely.

Just three portions of fruits and vegetables a day cut that risk by 14 percent in the younger group and 11 percent in teens, according to The Telegraph.

They were also more likely to get the allergic eye condition rhinoconjunctivitis caused by hay fever. The allergy causes redness, swelling, and itching of the eyes. 

Researchers in Auckland looked at the diets of 181,000 young children, ages six to seven and 319,000 ages 13 to 14. They wrote in the journal Thorax, where the study is published: "Fast food may be contributing to increasing asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema."

According to the study: 

If the association between fast foods and the symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema is causal, then the findings have major public health significance owing to the rising consumption of fast foods globally.

The reaction could be due in large part to the way these foods impact the immune system, which influences allergic reactions. Your immune system is the barrier that protects your body against impurities and when it's broken down the body is less able to protect against allergens and infections.

Asthma impacts 9 million children and since they have smaller airways, it may be more serious for them. Children may experience wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing especially early in the morning and late at night. 

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Comments

[Svetlana]

nice post,thanks for share.