(NaturalNews) Due to the overwhelming burden of toxins in the world and a largely monotonous diet rooted in grains and sugars, allergies have become commonplace. This has created a weakness in our genetic profile that is being passed down from one generation to the next, causing allergies to pop up in the very early stages of life. To counteract this trend, one must focus on optimal immune building strategies and the external environment in which children live. Here are 4 key factors to consider.

Breastfeed your baby

According to most alternative health care practitioners, one of the best ways to reduce allergies in childhood is to feed an infant mother's milk. Breastfeeding builds a strong immune system that is armed to deal with infections, toxins, and food allergens.

Lendon Smith, M.D., author of numerous books on children's health, emphasizes that feeding baby mother's milk contributes to children having fewer allergies. He states, "If babies are given anything other than breast milk in the first few months of life, food sensitivities may develop. Their intestines are not meant to digest anything other than breast milk."

Introduce solid foods later on

Postponing solid foods and breast-feeding longer gives the infant's immune system more time to properlu mature. Studies suggest that introducing solid foods later, in particular peanuts, eggs, wheat, and fish, may reduce the incidence of allergies.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that children who were started on solid foods before four months of age were much more likely to experience chronic or recurrent episodes of eczema than children who were not introduced to solid foods at such an early age.

After 6 months, when a child is ready to eat solid foods, parent can introduce fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, and low fat protein sources like chicken and fish. No processed food is advised.

Avoid early immunization

The schedule of recommended vaccines has become heavy and onerous to an infants newly developing immune system. Immunization now begin in the U.S. with a Hepatitis B shot at birth, and culminates with more than 21 shots over the course of the first 18 months. It is well documented that certain vaccines can cause allergic reactions in some children, ranging from temporary discomfort to death.

If a parent would like to refuse immunizations, they must obtain an exemption form (religious, medical, or philosophical) to place their children in school, since immunizations are compulsory in many states in the U.S.

Allergy-proof your home

Exposing your child early on to indoor environmental factors such as molds, smoke, dust mites, and formaldehyde in housing materials, can have a direct effect on blocking airways and can indirectly cause sensitivities to allergens. Being able to reduce exposure to air pollutants, reduces the likelihood of developing sensitivities or chronic allergic reactions.

To reduce household allergens substantially:

• Wash blankets, pillows, and other bedding monthly in hot water.
• Remove old stuffed animals from the bed.
• Remove carpet from bedrooms, or treat it with tannic acid, which denatures allergens.
• Restrict access for pets to the child's bedroom.
• Keep windows closed during allergy season.
• Avoid tobacco smoke.
• Keep humidity at an optimum level to avoid the development of mold, or too dry of an environment.
• Use air filters to remove particulate matter and odors from the air.

Of course, there is a risk of keeping things too clean as well which could also cause allergies, so balance is important.

To find out how gut bacteria protects against food allergies, and how to make appropriate dietary changes to optimize it, visit the first source below. Checkout the second link for vaccination information. And if you're looking to get rid of your allergies, also checkout Allergy Free in Five Days.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.healingthebody.ca

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.cdc.gov

Trivieri, Larry. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Ed. John W. Anderson. 2nd ed. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2002.

About the author:
Derek Henry took a deadly health challenge that conventional medicine couldn't solve and self-directed a one-in-a-million health journey that found him happier and healthier than he had been in his entire life. As a result of this rewarding journey, he now spends his time writing, coaching, and educating thousands of people each month who want to enjoy similar results under their own direction.

Find out how you can reverse disease and thrive with a holistic approach.