Mistake #1 Feeding grains, especially wheat, too early.
Feeding grains to infants is a “proceed with caution” zone. The enzymes that digest grains only begin to develop in children at about six months of age and are not fully developed until the age of two. This means that the child can’t fully digest the grain, so it’s possible for undigested molecules to enter the bloodstream. When this happens, the immune system may consider the molecules to be foreign proteins and will mount a defense against them which leads to food allergies and digestion problems…
Young children’s intestines are quite permeable, allowing for easier absorption of nutrients. This makes the problem worse and increases the likelihood that undigested food molecules will indeed pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
When there is a family history of gastrointestinal problems it’s essential that every precaution be taken to avoid stressing the child’s digestive system to prevent childhood Crohn’s or Colitis.
Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged for six months or longer. Consider pureed vegetables as the first solid foods to be fed to the child. Mashed or pureed squash, sweet potato, carrots and peas are good choices. Delaying the use of wheat and other grains in the diet until the age of 24 months is helpful for children with a family history of digestive problems.
Go to Mistake #2 Infant Colic & Temper Tantrums from Fabric Softener Folly
Can you please cite your sources for the following two statements?
1. The enzymes that digest grains only begin to develop in children at about six months of age and are not fully developed until the age of two.
2. When this happens, the immune system may consider the molecules to be foreign proteins and will mount a defense against them which leads to food allergies and digestion problems
Hi Carly,
Thanks for your question. The first piece of information is something Kathy learned during one of Dr. David Rowland’s nutrition courses several years ago. Most holistic nutritionists are aware of the development of enzymes in children and you can find information about it in many sources. You might find this article interesting, from nutritionist Kim Corrigan-Oliver:
http://yourgreenbaby.ca/?tag=infant-digestion
The second piece of information you asked about is fairly common knowledge and can be found in any book that talks about food allergies and intolerances, leaky gut syndrome, or problems with grains and gluten; for example, books by Loren Cordain, or Dangerous Grains by James Braly MD.