Food Allergies & Sensitivities

Something got you feeling down?
Not sure exactly what it is?
Wondering if it could be food allergies?
It is one of the most common health concerns I am asked about.
And since many people find that skin prick testing does not answer all their questions, or that the elimination diet is just not something they are willing to do, I will often use food sensitivity testing to help patients reach their health goals. I have found that, in indicated cases, removal of the triggering foods in conjunction with healing the damaged tissues can dramatically improve patient symptomatology and wellness.
 
Here is a brief breakdown to answer some of the most common questions about food allergy testing.
 
Food Allergy (IgE) – occurs immediately within minutes

• What is happening? Immune system is triggered by a food allergen and mast cells release histamine and other chemicals into the body causing vasodilation and smooth muscle contraction.
• What are the symptoms? Symptoms may include hives, eczema, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, anaphylaxis, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.

Food Sensitivity (IgG or IgA) – delayed food reactions – occur hours to days later

• What is happening? Immune system is triggered by a food antigen to make IgG antibody-antigen complexes that deposit onto tissues inside the body causing inflammation and damage.
• What are the symptoms? Symptoms may include fatigue, rashes, asthma, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, puffiness, joint stiffness, muscle pain, skin itching, mood disorders, abdominal pain, etc.
• What are some conditions related to elevated IgG levels? Atopy, ADHD, migraines, IBS, IBD, weight gain, atherosclerosis, RA.
• How are they tested for? The patient provides a small sample of blood from a finger prick. This is sent to the lab where blood sample is placed onto “ELISA” trays that are coated with specific food antigens. Then the amount of IgG antibody reaction is measured for each food antigen.
• For more information about the research, reliability and reproducibility of ELISA method food sensitivity testing, click here.

Food Intolerance – not an immune regulated reaction

• For example, lactase deficiency (dairy), alpha-galactosidase insufficiency (legumes & cruciferous veggies), histamine intolerance (fish, cheese, sauerkraut), methylxanthine intolerance (cola, coffee, chocolate, tea), tyramine intolerance (cheese, pickled herring), or food toxin reactions such as saxitoxin from shellfish, or aflatoxin from peanuts, or ergot from cereal grains.

What else could be going on?

• While food sensitivities are common, they may not always be the forefront aspect of your healthcare picture. Please allow your ND to take a comprehensive health history and physical exam in order to differentiate your symptoms to determine if allergy testing is right for you. 

For your appointment, call 604-534-9121.