Food sensitivities and environmental allergies can occur at any age, trigger many different types of symptoms and contribute to a variety of health disorders. These include skin problems, constipation, headaches, recurrent ear infections, arthritis as well as learning and behavioural disorders.
Most of us are familiar with the classic allergic food reactions. an anaphylactic reaction can range from a skin rash after eating strawberries, for example, to a more severe breathing difficulty after eating peanuts. this type of immediate response is usually caused by elevated IgE antibody levels in the blood.
There are functional tests that look at a different pattern, called an IgG reaction. with this type of allergic reaction the problem food is less easy to identify because it can take hours or days for the symptoms to arise. the “hidden” sensitivity reaction is slow to develop, less severe and the symptoms can last a longer time. this test very useful clinically, in treating children with autism, ADHD, eczema, recurring sinusitis and asthma.
Once the problematic food is isolated, we ask the patient to eliminate it from his or her diet for a period of time. when the continual stressor has been removed, the body’s immune system calm downs, breaking the cycle of intestinal permeability (leaky gut), inflammation and oxidative stress. Often specifically formulated nutritional and herbal medicines are given to reduce the patient’s symptoms and to help support the healing process of the immune system, respiratory mucosa and digestive system.
Food allergies are on the increase. “In 2007, the reported food allergy rate among all children younger than 18 years was 18% higher than in 1997″ (National Centers for Health Science 2008). “It is estimated that allergies affect up to 33% of the American population” (Parry & Davies 2010).
There are many theories and possible contributing factors as to why the incidences of food allergies are on the rise. These include, too early weaning and the introduction of solids when the digestive system is not fully developed, genetically modified food, and increased stresses on the immune system.
Also contributing to the body’s total allergen load is the air that we breathe in every day – car exhaust fumes, heavy metals, industrial and agricultural petrochemicals, as well as seasonal pollen and mold spores. These external factors can sometimes cause damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system.
Oxidative stress due to environmental toxins and a poor diet can create free radicals. a free radical is an unstable oxygen molecule that looks to steal other electrons to chemically balance itself. this process can cause tissue damage and cell death. a Formox test can help to assess free radical activity in your body.
The respiratory tract has a protective coating of fluid, including antioxidants which help to protect it against free radical damage. when there is elevated exposure to pollutants, the body can become overwhelmed and the mucus membrane lining becomes inflamed and permeable.
Allergies and food sensitivities are frequently part of the underlying cause of numerous chronic disorders. It is important not to suppress the symptoms but to support the body’s own ability to heal itself. with the correct assessment, treatment and dietary adjustments, the problem can be significantly improved and good health can be entirely restored.
Tina Horrell is a homoeopath at TRIA Integrative Wellness and Medical Institute.
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