Food Allergies

When most people think of food allergies, they think of someone in a restaurant choking or clutching their throat, unable to breathe after eating shellfish or peanuts. What most people don't realize is that there are not only true food allergies, but also food sensitivities and food intolerances. Below you will find the facts on food sensitivities to help you understand how we can help you feel better. With the help of a simple blood test, our team of doctors can help to determine which foods your system is sensitive to. Our staff will then help teach you how to avoid these sensitive foods and replace them with foods that will help you feel better.

 

Delayed food sensitivities can cause the following problems

  • Gastroenterological (IBS, Diarrhea, GERD, Crohn’s Disease)
  • Neurological (Headaches, Migraines, ADD, ADHD)
  • Lung/Chest (asthma, wheezing, bronchitis)
  • Dermatological (psoriasis, eczema, rashes)
  • Ear, Nose and Throat (chronic sinus problems, ear aches and infections)
  • Musculoskeletal (generalized aches and pains, fibromyalgia, arthritis)
  • Genitourinary (urinary incontinence)
  • Cardiovascular (high blood pressure)
  • Endocrine (hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, weight gain, thyroid)

 

Many people suffer from one or some of the above chronic ailments, whether it be stomach flare-ups, aches and pains, or chronic health problems. Your internist can’t quite put their finger on your ailment.

 

If this sounds like you, you may be suffering from delayed food sensitivities.

 

Symptoms of Food Sensitivities:

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Blood in the stool

Eczema

Hives

Skin rashes

Wheezing

Runny nose

Fatigue

Gas and bloating

Mood swings

Migraines

Eating disorders

Unexplained weight gain or weight loss

 

Symptoms can vary depending upon a number of variables including age, the type of allergen (antigen), and the amount of food consumed. It may be difficult to associate the symptoms of an allergic reaction to a particular food because the response time can be highly variable. For example, an allergic response to eating fish will usually occur within minutes after consumption in the form of a rash, hives or asthma or a combination of these symptoms. However, the symptoms of an allergic reaction to cow's milk may be delayed for 24 to 48 hours after consuming the milk; these symptoms may also be low-grade and last for several days. If this does not make diagnosis difficult enough, reactions to foods made from cow's milk may also vary depending on how it was produced and the portion of the milk to which you are allergic. Delayed allergic reactions to foods are difficult to identify without eliminating the food from your diet for at least several weeks and slowly reintroducing it while taking note of any physical, emotional or mental changes as it is being reintroduced.

 

Click here for Information on Gluten Free Foods and Lactose and Dairy Intolerance

 

What Causes Food Allergies?

Food sensitivities are caused by the body's immunological response to food. The tendency to be sensitive to foods is either genetic or due to the constant and repeated exposure of the same foods. Over time our bodies begin to tolerate this repeated exposure. At a certain point our body’s immune system becomes overwhelmed and begins attacking weaknesses in our bodies. These manifestations present themselves as migraines, arthritis, asthma or numerous other chronic ailments. Over the years, we learn to live with our ailments. The good news is you don't have to suffer any more. A simple blood test will help determine which foods you are sensitive to. Our clinic uses Alletess Medical Laboratory. Alletess has been a leader in the field of allergy and immunology testing for almost 30 years. The doctor will review you test results with you. You will receive a list of all foods you are sensitive to, which foods to avoid and which foods you can eat. Our helpful staff will be on hand to help you every step of the way - from helping you find alternate food choices to shopping and menu planning.

 

What Are Food Sensitivities?

Food sensitivities include many different types of sensitivities to food which may arise for a wide variety of reasons making it a complex, oftentimes confusing and not easily defined area of study. Diagnosis can also be difficult because symptoms may be delayed for up to two days after a food has been consumed. In general, food sensitivities are the result of toxic responses to food and are divided into two categories: allergic response and food intolerances.

 

Food Allergies Involve the Immune System

Food allergies are defined as toxic clinical reactions to food or food additives that involve the immune system. The immune system is a complex system whose cells and molecules are found throughout your body to protect it from potentially harmful foreign molecules. It is most active in the areas of the body which have some direct contact with the outside world such as the skin, lungs, nose and gastrointestinal tract. The majority of potentially harmful molecules enter your body through your intestinal tract. Therefore, it is not surprising that over 60% of immune activity occurs in this area. The immune system is made up of a team of different types of cells that, while each having their own specific function, work together to protect the body from foreign invaders; B-cells produce antibodies; T-cells conduct surveillance for potentially dangerous molecules and kill dangerous cells such as disease-causing bacteria; and macrophages are the scavenger cells of your body acting like garbage trucks, cleaning up residue and removing potentially dangerous substances.

 

A surveillance team of cells determines whether newly introduced molecules pose a threat to your system. New molecules are constantly being introduced into the intestinal tract by the food we eat. An allergic reaction occurs when your body identifies molecules as potentially harmful and toxic; these molecules are called antigens. The surveillance cells bind to the antigens activating the immune cells to release histamine and other chemicals, which then signals the scavenger macrophages to come to the site and destroy them. Allergic reactions involving excessive histamine release can cause anaphylactic reactions (difficulty in breathing) which are responsible for 29,000 people in the United States ending up in the emergency ward each year. When the surveillance immune cells bind to an antigen and send out chemical messengers, they also communicate to other immune cells, the B-cells, which are instructed to make antibodies to the antigen.