Weaning to Solids: Intolerance
A food intolerance is the body's inability to digest a certain food. Unlike an allergy, it does not involve an over-reaction of the immune system. It's physical reactions are usually constipation or diarrhea, and vomiting. Sometimes it is confused with an allergy because these symptoms can also be allergic symptoms, but most allergies will include other physical symptoms as well. Also, food intolerances will not show up on a blood test or a skin prick test, which are the tests done to see if your baby is allergic to a certain substance.
The most common intolerance is a lactose intolerance. This is when the body does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Undigested lactose usually causes diarrhea, gas, and a bloated stomach. People with a lactose intolerance have to stay away from dairy products, such as cheese, milk, butter, and ice cream.
In the case of babies, lactose intolerance is not too common. However, some babies are intolerant to formula milk and cow's milk. Very rarely, babies can be intolerant to breast milk as well. If your baby is intolerant to formula milk and/or cow's milk, you may have to breastfeed a bit longer and wean your baby straight to solids. If you are breastfeeding, you may have to stop eating dairy so that your baby doesn't take in any dairy either.
Remember to check with your doctor to see if your baby is really lactose intolerant or if they have secondary lactose intolerance, which occurs because another condition reduces the production of lactose in your baby's system by injuring their gut. This injury is only temporary, however, and so is the lactose intolerance. Once the gut heals itself, your baby should be fine.
When babies start eating solids, they may be intolerant to some foods as well. Most food intolerances clear over time, and you simply have to be patient with your baby and feed them carefully. |
