What Is An Allergy?

An allergy is a response from the immune system to something that we are exposed to that is perceived as foreign or harmful to the body. Antibodies are immune cells that detect the presence of foreign substances and then initiate the process of neutralizing them and eliminating them. These antibodies trigger a cascade of events that will lead to the symptoms that we associate with allergies. The allergens can come from food, air, and water. We are exposed to them by inhaling, ingesting and absorbing them through our skin. Most allergies are to the environment, foods, and topical products.

TYPES OF ALLERGIES

There are two main types of allergies: The Type 1- Immediate Reaction and the Type IV- Delayed Reaction.  Lets explore the differences here.

Type 1- Immediate Onset Allergies

The symptoms to these allergies will develop within 20 minutes to several hours after contact with a specific food or allergen. The antibody associated with Immediate Onset allergies in IgE.  The high levels of Ig E will travel through the body combining with mast cells and basophiles. The cell membranes of the mast cells and basophiles will become leaky and release serotonin and histamine into the tissues.

Symptoms of Type 1 Allergies are hives, rashes, hayfever, runny nose, asthma, headaches, intestinal discomfort, difficult breathing.

The Type 1 Allergies are there since birth. Most people will have these for life. Testing the Ig E allergies is best for inhalant allergies and less accurate for foods.

Most people will have the Type 1 Allergies for life.  The best treatment method is avoidance.

Type IV- Delayed Onset Allergies

The symptoms from these allergies will result 12-72 hours after eating a certain food. These allergies are mediated by the antibody Ig G in response to incomplete food protein digestion in the digestive tract. These allergies are also known as food sensitivities. The delayed onset allergies are more difficult to discover and have more vague symptoms.

Symptoms of the Ig G allergies are chronic fatigue, arthritis, myalgia, headaches, flu-like symptoms, bedwetting, hyperactivity, irritability, hives, eczema, digestive issues, gas, bloating, diarrhea, IBS, sinus congestion, etc.

Food Sensitivities are usually temporary and can disappear with the elimination of certain foods.

TYPES OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Cyclic

A small or medium portion of food can be tolerated at one sitting. But if a large portion of the food is eaten 2-3 days in a row, a reaction will occur. Eighty percent of all allergies are cyclical.

Cross Sensitive

Intolerance to one member of a food or plant family will cause or predispose an individual to react to other members of that family.

Cumulative

Symptoms occur when exposed to tow or more substances at the same time, but do not occur if exposed to each substance individually.

Fixed

A few substances may exist that provoke reactions no matter how infrequent they are eaten or how much is consumed at a time. These fixed or permanent allergies cause obvious allergic reactions every time they are eaten.

CAUSES OF ALLERGIES

There are many things to consider when evaluating the causes of allergies. The cause can also lead to information on the best treatment approaches as well.

Here are some of the causes of allergies:

• Genetic predisposition
• Early exposure to allergens as an infant
• Poor food digestion
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Frequent exposure to the same foods
• Decreased sIg A in mucous membranes
• Adrenal dysfunction
• Exposure to environmental toxins

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES

• Allergic shiners/dark circles under the eyes
• Gas and bloating
• Hives and rashes
• Eczema and skin conditions
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Headaches
• Food cravings and addictions
• Chronic infection, colds and flues
• Sinusitis/congestion
• High blood pressure
• Bedwetting
• Hyperactivity/attention deficient disorder
• Chronic pain/arthritis
• Poor concentration, brain fog

ALLERGY TESTING

There is a lot o confusion and contradiction among doctors regarding allergy testing. This is a brief explanation about the different testing approaches being used.

ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

This is the most accurate and affordable testing for people with Immediate and Delayed Onset allergies. There are panels covering foods, spices and environmental allergies.  It tests both the Ig G and the Ig E antibodies. The single blood sample is needed for this test.

RAST (Radioallergsorbent Test)

This test is done in a test tube. It is good for environmental allergies, but less useful for foods. It tests only the Ig E Immediate onset allergies. The expense is pretty hefty for the limited value it gives.

CYTOTOXIC TEST

This is laboratory test that tests Ig G reactions through observation of the red cell, white cells, and platelets after food exposure. This test is highly reproducible, safe, and easy to transport. It is best used for food allergies and sensitivities.

ELECTRO-DERMAL TESTS

This recent development uses Oriental Acupuncture theory to gain information about allergies. A hand held electrode applies a weak current to the person’s body. The acupuncture points are measured and the therapist gains information about the person’s reaction to specific substances. This testing is not mainstream in the USA but is quite popular in Germany.

ELLIMINATION/CHALLENGE TEST

This test involves completely eliminating a food or group of foods thought to be allergens. The symptoms are closely watched to see if they improve. The allergen is then reintroduced and the it is observed if the symptoms return. This is used for food allergies.

SKIN SCRATCH TEST (Intradermal Testing)

A small amount of the allergic substance is injected either near the surface of the skin or between skin layers and any reaction is noted . There is a high level of false positives with this test. It also is very unpleasant for the patient.

TREATMENT FOR ALLERGIES

Treatment should follow the assessment of the allergies there are and what the cause of the allergies is. Once the underlying imbalance is determined in the history, exam and laboratory testing, the proper treatment can be determined.

Here are some things to consider in treatment for allergies.

• Eliminate or Avoid exposure to the food or allergen
• Improve digestion of food with chewing and enzymes.
• Use fiber to increase toxins released from the colon
• Treat leaky gut syndrome
• Increase probiotics
• Use an air purification system
• Use antioxidants such as vit. C, vit E. vit, A and bioflavonoids such as Quercitin, hesperidin, and cathechin