Nutrition strategies for reducing atopic disease: a guide for expectant parents

Allergic diseases, including eczema, rhinitis, asthma, and food allergies, are a growing concern in the United States today. Children are often most at risk to develop such diseases due to their young immune systems. The precise origin of allergies is unknown; research has demonstrated potential theories for the increase in allergic disease. Maternal lifestyle choices and environmental conditions during pregnancy and lactation have been shown to possibly affect the development of allergic disease. The purpose of the guidebook and brochure created are to educate the expectant mother and families on ways to provide the safest environment for their offspring in order to reduce the chances of developing any allergies. The brochure and guidebook are to be available regardless of background, so that parents can be provided the most recent information on how to protect their children or expectant child from allergies