“Oh, I can’t eat that”
“I have a gluten sensitivity”
“I’m allergic to dairy”
These are all phrases you have probably heard at some point or another – maybe you’ve even used them yourself.
But what does it all mean? An allergy, vs an intolerance.
At our clinical nutrition & testing clinic, we can help you sort out the differences between food allergies and intolerances, and look at what you can do about it if you have one.
What Is A Food Allergy?
Food allergies trigger an immune system response, which can have effects on many different organs.
In the most severe cases, food allergies can have life threatening results, and even a tiny amount of the food can trigger symptoms.
With an intolerance, on the other hand, symptoms are less severe, and you may even be able to eat small amounts of foods you are intolerant to, with minimal consequences.
Although food allergies and intolerances/sensitivities are often confused, allergies are far more serious.
For those loving a bit of science;
Our bodies contain five Immunoglobulins: Immunoglobulins G, A, M, D, and E. Immunoglobulin E triggers the most significant ALLERGIC reactions. However, not all food reactions are related to our immune system and this is where the confusion arises.
For example, tyramine — found in strawberries, cured meats, and cheese — can trigger migraines in some people. This is classified as a sensitivity.
Food Allergy Symptoms
An allergic reaction may show responses such as:
● Itchiness or tingling in or around the mouth
● Hives
● Swollen lips, face, tongue, or throat
● Difficulty breathing
● Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
● Lightheadedness and fainting
The most severe food allergies can result in an anaphylactic response.
This is a life-threatening response, which causes swelling in the throat and a constriction of the airways, which makes breathing difficult or impossible.
Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
● Shock
● Severe drop in blood pressure
● Rapid pulse
● Loss of consciousness
If you suspect someone is suffering from anaphylactic shock, emergency medical intervention is critical – call 111 immediately.
People with serious known allergies may also carry an EpiPen- this provides a shot of epinephrine, which can temporarily help open airways. Check them for an EpiPen, or ask somebody with them if they know where it is.
Common Food Allergens
Although allergies can develop to literally anything, there are certain foods which seem to be more commonly the cause of allergic reactions.
Some common food allergens include:
● Fish, including shellfish
● Peanuts and tree nuts
● Eggs
● Wheat
● Soy
● Cow’s milk
What Causes Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur because your immune system mistakes specific foods or substances as being harmful.
This causes the immune system to respond by releasing the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) in an attempt to neutralise the substance it deems harmful.
On subsequent exposures to the offending food or substance, IgE antibodies send signals to your immune system to release histamine into your bloodstream, which causes allergy symptoms.
What is an intolerance
Food intolerance reactions can take up to 72 hours to become apparent after exposure, it can be very difficult to pinpoint the trigger food or substance. Another thing I typically hear from clients in my clinic is, “I know that wheat affects me, but I’ve done skin prick tests and blood tests, and they come up negative.” This makes sense, because food intolerances are not mediated by IgE as food allergies are, which means they will not be picked up via blood or skin prick testing. The latest figures show that at least 55% of the population suffers from food intolerance, and this number continues to grow.
Symptoms of food intolerance
The most common symptoms that I see in my clinic are:
Digestive problems: Abdominal bloating/pain, burping and wind, indigestion, weight gain, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), constipation/diarrhoea.
Respiratory problems: Sneezing, mucus, coughs, rhinitis/ sinusitis, itchy eyes, glue ear and ear infections.
Mental/emotional issues: Anxiety, ADHD, behavioural problems, lack of concentration, headaches/migraines, insomnia, dark circles under your eyes, depression, food cravings, irritability.
Skin and immunity issues: Aching muscles/joints, arthritis, asthma, eczema, hives, itching, psoriasis, skin rashes, sick a lot.
So prove it
So how do we prove that you are suffering from food intolerance and not allergies? This is where a lot of the controversy comes in. Because the immune system is not necessarily involved in the cause of food intolerance, medical tests such as blood tests and skin prick tests may not be helpful. Some people need no more proof than simply removing the food item from their diet. The associated symptoms simply disappear; however, for many people, as multiple foods can be involved, the ability to pinpoint the suspect food items is nothing more than a guessing game. Also, the relationship between your body, stress, and underlying dysbiosis (lack of beneficial good bacteria) in the gut can have a huge effect on your body’s sensitivity.
Testing for allergies and intolerances
Allergy and Intolerance testing can be done several ways.
These are the most common tests available:
Hair analysis test. This is a convenient, non-invasive, safe test (good for babies and children) with a high sensitivity to all kinds of reactions. It’s done in a controlled lab environment with qualified health professionals. The cost is low, and it takes two to three weeks for results.
Challenge test. There is no cost involved in this test, which is sensitive to reactions. However, it’s time-consuming, with no standard way to confirm results. It requires thorough compliance and it’s difficult to assess multiple intolerances. Also, there’s a possible danger of severe reaction.
Skin prick tests. This test is good for inhalant substances and good for IgE reactions, but it’s invasive. It also shows a poor sensitivity to food intolerances, which are not IgE reactions.
Food Detective test. This is a blood test which you can do in the comfort of your own home. This test uses 1 drop of blood from a finger prick.
ELISA IgG test. This test is sensitive to IgG reactions and there is clinical evidence that it’s useful. However, it’s very expensive
ALCAT test. This test measures white blood cell responses and changes measuring hundreds of items, food and environmental.
Naturopathic Treatments For Food Allergies
There are a number of ways to treat food allergies and intolerances naturally.
These treatments and supplements can help to boost the immune system, enhance the gut microbiome and reduce the development of food allergies and symptoms.
One such treatment is called the GEMM protocol. This gut healing protocol is specifically designed to heal the gut and reduce immune responses.
Other treatments can simply be reducing histamines in the body.
Candida or mould toxicity can be a trigger for allergies to come out. In this case we address the underlying issue.
PLEASE NOTE: every person requires a different approach as each person is unique. Thourough investigation is important with allergies.
Again, we should note if someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock, emergency medical intervention is required, and use of an EpiPen if available.
With that in mind, let’s look at some natural ways to deal with food allergies.
What Can Be Helpful In Improving Gut And Immune Health?
Below you will find the most basic things you can do to start with.
There are a multitude of things you can do dietary, supplementary and with lifestyle changes, however that will have to be an article for another day.
Avoid Your Allergens
Our bodies create new cells constantly. So most often, you do not need to stop eating your allergen foods for the rest of your life. Once your immune system and gut health is stronger, you will find that you can eat most foods again.
Eat Gut Healing Foods
While some of the foods listed above are more likely to cause allergic reactions, on the other end of the spectrum are foods which are very unlikely to cause a reaction, and can actually help to boost your immune system.
Leafy greens such as kale & spinach are among these.
These veggies are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Keeping these foods as a regular part of your diet will help to boost your immune system and can help to increase antibody response.
Eat More Probiotics
Probiotics are great for supporting the immune system and can help to repair damage to the intestinal lining.
Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut may help to reduce your sensitivity to triggers which lead to allergy symptoms.
Contact Nourished by Nature
Do you suspect you have food allergies, and want to know for sure?
Or do you know you have allergies and need help managing them?
Contact Nourished by Nature today, as we specialise in testing & analysis. We will be able to get to the bottom of your symptoms and will create a plan to manage your allergies, intolerances or underlying conditions.