Article content
We are encountering the term food allergies more and more often, which are a common problem today, especially in children. Are you wondering why our older generations did not suffer from these allergies, while today they are becoming increasingly common? There are several reasons, ranging from changes in diet to environmental pollution and chemicals found in our food.
Occurrence of food allergies in recent decades
Food allergies are currently a more common problem than they used to be. According to a study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of food allergies among children increased by more than 50% between 1997 and 2011. Added to that is an alarming statistic from the U.S., where more than 200,000 people end up in emergency departments every day due to allergic reactions to food. This trend is disturbing and shows how the modern way of eating affects our health.
What causes food allergies?
The main factor that has led to the increase in food allergies is the massive presence of chemical substances in our foods. Highly processed foods contain various chemicals, such as colorings, flavorings, preservatives, and other additives that can increase the risk of allergic reactions. In addition, foods often contain genetically modified proteins that may have long-term negative effects on human health.
Genetic modification of foods
In the mid-1990s the food industry began using genetically modified proteins, especially in milk, which led to a higher incidence of milk allergies. In 1994 dairies in the U.S. began using the genetically modified growth hormone rBGH, which was intended to increase milk production. This hormone, together with the frequent use of antibiotics on farms, caused not only a change in the composition of milk but also an increase in health problems in livestock, which transferred to the human population. Milk thus became one of the most common allergens in Western countries.
Diet and lifestyle of our ancestors
So why didn’t our ancestors suffer from food allergies? The answer is simple. Their diet did not contain the chemicals, genetically modified proteins, and processes that we commonly consume today. Our ancestors ate fresh foods that were not chemically processed. Their food came from local farms, was not full of artificial additives, and their meals were prepared from fresh, natural ingredients.
In addition, children were raised on breast milk, which provided all the necessary nutrients for healthy development. They had access to fresh fruit and vegetables, and their diet included natural broths and soups, which were not only tasty but also healthy.
Changes in lifestyle
The lifestyle of our ancestors was very different. Children spent more time outdoors, in the fresh air, playing, running around gardens and fields. They were not dependent on modern technology that would keep them confined at home. This healthy activity and contact with nature, together with a quality diet, helped ensure a strong immune system.
Our grandparents also did not suffer from excessive consumption of foods that contain chemicals, stabilizers, and various synthetic substances. Many of today’s problems, such as allergies or obesity, are directly related to these modern foods found in stores.
What effect does today’s diet have on our health?
Today we consume large amounts of foods that are not natural and contain many chemical substances that our bodies cannot properly process. These substances disrupt the functioning of our immune system and lead to an increase in allergic reactions. Changes in diet and lifestyle are therefore one of the main factors leading to the rise in food allergies in contemporary society.
What awaits us in the future?
Given that foods continue to contain more chemicals and genetically modified substances, it can be expected that the prevalence of food allergies will continue to grow. This raises the question of what our diet will look like in the future if this trend does not change. Many experts warn that it is necessary to return to natural and clean foods that are better and safer for our bodies.
Conclusion
Food allergies, which were once an almost unknown concept, are now a common problem of the modern world. Many factors influence them, including chemical additives in foods, genetic modifications, and changes in diet and lifestyle. Added to all this is environmental pollution, which negatively affects our health. To prevent these problems, it is necessary to return to the natural and healthy diet that our ancestors consumed.
