Given that infant, children and kids are regularly taking formula milk powder for their protein source and growing up. It's important that the food that they are taking are very safe. Galacto-Oligosaccharide (GOS) is a common ingredient that has been added in formula milk, according to news it easily cause allergic reaction in those who already have allergies such as eczema and asthma
Where we can see them?
Look at one of the ingredient label in most common formula milk.
What is GOS GOS is a carbohydrate added in foods to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. GOS is a permitted food ingredient in many countries and can be added to any foods including infant formula. What are GOS Allergy Symptoms?
GOS allergy symptoms can show up in the respiratory system, skin or in the stomach and intestines. The symptoms are sneezing, runny nose/ blocked nose, cough, throat and chest tightness, wheezing, hives and itch - including itchy eyes - and diarrhoea.
It's important that we need to be wiser consumer, to choose the food which is safe.
Looking the ingredient label, can you read and understand most of them?
Looking at both ingredient label which gives protein source, which one do you understand? Which one is natural source? Which one is synthetic?
For me, I will choose the above which contain Soybean, Banana, Grape, Brocolli etc. As they are wholesome food, than synthetic ingredient.
I will not choose the one below, given that I don't understand most of them - Such as L-Carnitine, Zinc Sulfate, Cyanocabalamin???
One of the most valuable lesson that I learnt from ingredient label is that, they are being arranged in Most used ingredients, until the least used ingredients
For example, look at ingredient label below, another popular brand of formula milk.
First ingredient is Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, following by Sucrose - both are high in sugar content and food thickening which give sweetness in the milk powder.
Lately came across of many cases related to eczema and allergy, that is bothering kids and adult. Some are even lasting for more than 20 years!
Look at how this is affecting my friend's baby girl!
Let's look at what's Eczema, and how it relates toImmune System
We have the best doctor within us, which is our Immune System, some of the immune organs in above picture
Eczema an auto-immune disease
Immune system malfunction in 3 ways. Weaken immune system - weak immune system leaves us prone to highly infectious disease likeSARS, frequent flu and cold, hand foot mouth disease or even cancer. Hypersensitivity of immune system- The immune system can malefaction by OVER-REACTING towards non-threatening agents. When this happens, we get an allergic reaction. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that allergies can strike at any time. Blind-folded immune system - Our immune system is programmed to distinguish between enemy cells and the body's own cells. Autoimmune happen when our immune system can't differentiate both
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Inflammation lead to auto-immune disease (Eczema)
Inflammation leads to Leaky Gut Syndrome -> Auto-Immune disease -> Eczema
Inline with the article above, A gut which has become inflamed will become very porous, (much more porous than it should be), and will allow large food proteins, bacteria, fungi, metals and toxic substances straight into our blood stream.
This is called Increased Intestinal Permeability
Consuming Meat and Dairy actually increase the risk of auto-immune disease, read up below to know why
To further add on:
Read up more in following articles as well
Worst is that, using it for long term will lead to Tropical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome. Which is worst.
"The product was advertised on various online platforms supported by numerous testimonials, claiming to be a “superior alternative to cure skin disorders” when other medical treatments fail. It also claimed to be “100 per cent safe and natural” and “tested to be steroids-free” on its website.
The mother of the patient was advised to stop using the product immediately when HSA’s tests revealed the product to contain very high levels of arsenic.
Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal and can cause skin irritations, rashes and blisters, HSA said. Widespread, prolonged application and accidental ingestion may cause arsenic poisoning, with symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, heart-related problems, breathing difficulties and numbness of the limbs
How Oxyginberry helps in Eczema? Oxyginberry is made from Cactus, Cactus Fruits, Ginseng Berry, Seaweed, Grape Seed and Rose. All are high in phytochemicals and antioxidants which are immune strengthen nutrients that nourish our immune system.
Ginseng berry in Oxyginberry is great in keeping the skin moisture as it's very high in antioxidant. Often, when we have eczema, skin tends to be very dry or even cracked. Cactus and cactus fruits helps to speed up wound healing, internally and externally, especially when we have eczema, we tends to keep scratching due to itch all over the skin. Besides, it has great anti-inflammatory property. Thus, reducing inflammation naturally, unlike steroid cream. Rose and grape seed, both are good in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria Besides, eczema is an auto-immune diseases. In order to balance our immune system, we need food which is high in antioxidant, phytochemicals and polysacharrides. Oxyginberry helps in balancing immune system, thus won't fall sick easily. Read: why Parents love oxyginberry?
Oxyginberry is effective!
Mild Eczema and serious eczema
One of my friend who has eczema for more than 10 years, especially on face and hand. She was on steroid cream for long period of time.
Prolong using of steroid cream lead to skin thinning, and whenever she walk under the sun, she feels the burning sensation.
I am great that with oxyginberry, her immune system is nourished and she is able to perform normal life, without suffering from itch and multiple series of sleepless night.
Another lady who suffer from eczema for more than 20 years. And with the right nourishment, she gain back her health and confident
Sharing from another friend who has eczema.
"I was diagnosed with discoid eczema sometime around Sept 2011. It started with a tiny sore on the leg without any rhyme or reason. It was incredibly itchy. I thought nothing of it but that was the start of my suffering. It soon spread throughout my whole body except my face. I went to the National Skin Centre to seek treatment but all the consultant could do for me is to prescribe creams, steriods and put me under ultraviolet lighting. It got to a point where I could not eat anymore antibiotics and steorids because it would cause me liver damage. It was a very distressing experience as I see my once perfect skin to that of a body filled with itchy and weepy sores. I could not go out wearing bermudas or short sleeved shirts as I get strange stares around me. Kids would avoid me and ask stay closer to their mothers. I began seeking alternative medication e.g. acupuncture, TCM but there was no avail even though I had spent thousands of dollars on trying to cure the condition. I dreaded the nights because it was so itchy I cannot sleep well and it took everything out of me just to try not to scratch. It was useless. I still scratched and the condition became worsen. I didnt have any energy in the morning as I would sleep late after being exhausted fighting with myself and blood and fluid from the scratches would just stain the bed, evident of my failure to control. There was no end to the suffering, no end to the itchiness, no end in the the dark tunnel. My work suffered to a point I had to leave, as I felt I could not deliver what I wanted to do. My friend knew of my condition and told me of the Oxyginberry product from E. Excel. Thinking that I had spent so much on finding a cure, what's one more product to buy hope? After a few months of taking , I realised that my sores started to dry up. That was an incredible start for eczema sufferers because once the sores dry, it will reduce the itchiness. Once that itchiness is controlled, then there is a chance for it to heal better as it stops the itch scratch cycle. It wasn't overnight but over a period of 2-3 months there was significant improvements. My scalp, ears, hands, arms started to heal until there was only a dark patch after 6 months of taking the product. I could'nt believe it! I started to sleep better too and I began to live each day with more hope of controlling the disease which had totally wrecked my life. The loss of control over my life was devastating but with Oxyginberry, I was able to regain control of my life and health. And that made all the difference." - Justin
Sharing from a friend who has discoid lupus - an auto-immune disease, similar to eczema
As advocated by Nutritional Immunology, being natural and wholesome is important to strengthen our immune system.
However, there are a lot of advertisements to encourage mummies to get the baby milk powder fortified with DHA and EPA. Do you know how does those DHA and EPA made from?
How Did Unapproved Ingredients Make it into Baby Food?
Martek's DHA and ARA products are synthetic attempts at omega-3 fats that have been in the U.S. marketplace since 2002, and in organic products since 2006. They are chemically extracted from certain types of algae and fungi that have never before been part of the human diet, and have never been approved by the USDA. Yet they have made their way into your baby's bottle.
GMOs, Lies, and Petrochemicals
Martek's synthetic oils are extracted using a toxic petrochemical solvent called hexane – a process that's just about as NON-organic as you can get
Undisclosed synthetic ingredients, prohibited for use in organics (including the sugar alcohol mannitol, modified starch, glucose syrup solids, and "other" undisclosed ingredients)
Recombinant DNA techniques and other forms of genetic modification of organisms; mutagenesis; use of GMO corn as a fermentation medium
Heavily processed ingredients that are far from "natural"
Your Body Knows These "Nutrients" are Fake
Although DHA and ARA from real foods are indeed important nutrients, the synthetic versions are not even remotely the same. They are foreign to your body, and to your infant's body, which is why many babies are having terrible adverse reactions.
The Perfect Formula for Diarrhea, Vomiting and Gastrointestinal Pain
The Cornucopia Institute has compiled a summary2 of hundreds of adverse reports submitted to the FDA about possible intolerance to DHA/ARA-supplemented infant formula. Including,
Severe gas
Diarrhea and vomiting
Gastric reflux
Constipation and bowel obstruction
Agitation, fussiness, crying, and severe distress
Given a choice, which will you choose? and which you think it's Natural?
Check out articles on Animal Protein vs Plant Proteins!
Lately has been seeing a lot of story about bronchitis, and for the acute case it could be deadly.
Let's understand more about bronchitis.
It's a inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, which usually coming into either acute form or chronic form.
Acute bronchitis - 90% of them are due to virus infection, only 10% of them are caused by bacteria infection.
Chronic bronchitis - Chronic bronchitis usually develops due to recurrent injury to the airways caused by inhaled irritants, e.g. pollutants or smoking.
Most of the case for kids, the bronchitis occurs is acute one. But do you know how to differentiate whether it's due to bacteria or virus?
Bacteria - more complex organisms. If it's bacteria infection, the mucous we are seeing is green/yellowish, in color.
Virus - non living. If it's virus infection, the mucous we are seeing is transparent in color.
Next, mother always ask. I will get doctor to give me antibiotic and that will resolve the problem. Isn't it the case??
Antibiotic doesn't kill virus
For the case of bronchitis, do take note if it's due to virus or bacteria infection and leading to inflammation.
Do take note on the side effects of the medication used for bronchitis also.
The US FDA has warned against misuse of antibiotics, stating that "bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections are remarkably resilient and can develop ways to survive the drugs meant to kill or weaken them. This antibiotic resistance is due largely to the increasing use of antibiotics."
Some NSAIDS (non steroid anti inflammatory drug are used to stop the inflammation too.
There is nothing better than our own Immune System to fight against the root cause that cause the bronchitis and stop the inflammation.
So how to let our B cells to fight against those invaders then??
Best is to nourish our immune system with more phytochemicals, antioxidants and polysaccharides.
Read up more why I consume Nutritional Immunology food, especially Oxyginberry which provides a great convenience.
In the last decade, prevailing beliefs about timing the introduction of highly allergenic foods to babies have undergone a sea change.
For decades, parents were advised to delay introducing allergenic foods until 12 months (cow's milk dairy), 24 months (eggs) or even 36 months of age (fish, tree nuts, peanuts). Then, in 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) retracted its previous guidelines on the matter, acknowledging that there was insufficient evidence to support delayed introduction of allergens as a strategy to reduce the risk of food allergy. But beyond that, the organization did not offer specifics as to whether there was an ideal window during infancy to introduce these foods, nor did it comment on whether delaying introduction of foods might actually increase risk of developing food allergies. [
As a result, pediatricians and parents have been in limbo since 2008, lacking clear guidelines as to whether early or delayed food introduction could help prevent babies from developing food allergies. As more observational research on solid food introduction and risk of food allergy became available, the body of evidence began to point in a relatively consistent direction: Early introduction of common food allergens seemed associated with a lower risk of developing food allergies compared to delayed introduction. Some pediatricians found these studies compelling enough to start advising parents to stop delaying the introduction of allergens past 12 months. But lacking sufficient evidence that met the "gold standard" of scientific research—randomized, controlled trials—other pediatricians continued to feel it was prudent to follow the delayed introduction approach until better evidence was available or official guidelines were issued.
This past January, however, the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) released a new set of recommendations on infant feeding practices to help prevent food allergy. The recommendations are based on the available observational research to date, and are the first guidelines to state that delaying introduction of foods like wheat, cow's milk dairy, eggs, fish and nuts may actually result in an increased risk of food allergy or eczema.
The AAAAI recommendations state that once an infant over 4 months old has tolerated a few non-allergenic solid foods (think common early solids like rice cereal, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas, apples or pears), parents can proceed with introducing other more allergenic foods without delay, ideally at home rather than in day care or a restaurant. As with introducing all new solids, only one new food should be introduced every three to five days to help isolate triggers of any allergic reaction.
Importantly, the guidelines also note that exclusive breast-feeding for at least four months may be protective against cow's milk allergy in infants. Lastly, they found no significant protective benefit against food allergy when mothers avoided allergenic foods like dairy, egg and peanuts during pregnancy or lactation.
Ultimately, how to introduce allergens is a personal decision you'll make in consultation with your pediatrician. If your infant already has eczema or signs of a food allergy—or if a sibling has a peanut allergy—your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric allergist for testing and individualized guidance.
If you do decide to introduce allergens to your infant between the ages of about 5 to 12 months, I offer some texture-appropriate ideas for doing so—many of which I road-tested on my own two kids:
