You Can Help Prevent Allergies from Developing at a Young Age

Preventing Allergies from Developing

Because you can't control whether or not you develop allergies, the line between uncontrollable risks (which are out of your control) and controllable factors is grey. It's not possible for adults to decrease their risk of developing allergies, because allergy development isn't related to lifestyle habits. Intervention needs to occur early--during infancy and childhood. The following risk factors are considered uncontrollable for adults, but you can keep them in mind if you want to intervene to help prevent your child (and future generations) from developing allergies.
Infancy Exposure to Breastfeeding. Exclusively breastfeeding a baby for at least six months can greatly reduce her risk of developing food allergies later in life.
Childhood Exposure to Bacteria. Early exposure to common household microbes, environmental bacteria, fermented foods, and probiotics may reduce a child's risk of developing allergies as she gets older.
Childhood Exposure to Antibiotics. Early exposure to antibiotics seems to disrupt the balance between harmful and helpful bacteria in the body, confusing the immune system and therefore increasing a child's risk of developing environmental and food allergies.
Childhood Exposure to Allergens. When a child is exposed to common allergens (such as dust mites and mold) early in life, she has a lower chance of developing allergies to these substances.
Childhood Exposure to Pets. The presence of an animal in the home, especially during the first year of life when the immune system is still developing, has been associated with a decreased risk of allergies to pet dander, as well as to other allergens such as molds and dust mites.
Childhood Exposure to Secondhand Smoke. Children are at special risk of lung damage and illness from inhaled secondhand smoke.