Food Allergy
Description
A Food Allergy is an abnormal reaction to foods, or food ingredients, normally tolerated by most people.
Types of food allergies
There are two types of allergic reactions: "variable" and "fixed". A person with a fixed allergic response reacts to even a small amount of food every time it is encountered. Extremely sensitive people need only smell or touch the food to react. The reaction can be very severe; producing immediate symptoms such as asthma, hives or shock.
People with fixed allergic responses never seem to outgrow their allergies or develop a tolerance to the food(s). These individuals may have to avoid all contact with the food - never handling it, or even being in the same areas when it is cooked.
The more common type of allergic response is the variable or cyclical response. This reaction is more difficult to diagnose, but less severe than the fixed response. Since the variable response is dose-dependent, a tolerance for the food(s) can be elicited by avoiding it for a period of time (i.e. 2 to 12 months), and then eating small amounts of the food on rare occasion.
Food allergy reactions can also be classified as either "immediate" or "delayed". An immediate food allergy reaction is dramatic and easy to diagnose because it occurs within minutes or an hour after ingesting an allergen. The reaction can be acute and life-threatening. Upon ingesting an allergen, an individual's mouth and throat may swell suddenly and obstruct the airways.
The delayed type of food allergy is more common and often the cause of frequent vague and chronic symptoms, including dull, chronic headaches, migraines, joint pains, fevers of unknown origin, abdominal pains, etc. These symptoms can last a few hours, or may continue for one to two days, up to a week or more.
Food allergy onset
Food allergies can appear at any age and continue indefinitely. Allergies may develop at an early age only to disappear with advancing age. Adults may suddenly develop new allergies, or may discover that symptoms once attributed to other causes are actually food related.
Most people believe food allergies occur mostly in children. However, according to some studies, food allergies occur more often in adults, in almost direct proportion to age. Perhaps this can be attributed to the poor nutrient absorption that occurs as one gets older.
Causes
Personal factors
An individual has nearly a 75% chance of being allergic if both parents have allergies. A child does not necessarily inherit the particular allergy or sensitivity of his parents; rather, he may develop a different type of reaction. For example, a woman who develops eczema after eating fish may bear a son who develops asthma after eating milk and eggs.
General health and food allergies
Tolerance to allergens is affected by one's physical condition at the time of exposure to the food(s). For instance, whereas milk may not provoke an allergic reaction under normal circumstances, a sensitivity to it may be noticed while nursing a cold or infection. Other factors such as emotional distress, malnutrition, altitude, and stressful situations may lower the tolerance threshold and aggravate an existing allergy.
Other factors
The allergenicity of a any food may be due to the nature of the food itself. Citrus fruits are more potent allergens than apples. Peas are more allergenic than carrots. Cow's milk is more potent than soybean milk.
Sometimes a food's allergenicity is affected by the manner of preparation, or the amount consumed. Cooked foods are less potent allergens than raw, and stale foods are less potent than fresh. A person may be unaffected by the small amount of milk in a cup of coffee, but severely allergic to a whole glass of milk.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of food allergy vary according to the organ systems affected. Most symptoms affect the gastrointestinal tract; however other systems, such as the respiratory, urinary tract, or nervous systems, can also be affected. Symptoms may be localized (as in a skin rash) or they may be generalized and nonspecific (in the form of a headache, abdominal pain or changed behavior).
Some of the possible food allergic reactions are as follows:
Headache
| Migraine | Tension |
Ophthalmic
| Itching eyes | Tearing |
| Puffy eyelids | Dark circles under eyes |
| Red, congested blood vessels |
Psychological
| Depression | Hyperactivity |
Otological
| Fluid in the ears | Hearing loss |
| Dizziness | Tinnitus |
| Excessive ear wax |
Respiratory
| Laryngeal edema | Asthma |
| Post nasal discharge | Night cough |
| Allergic tracheitis | Allergic laryngitis |
| Allergic bronchitis |
Cardiovascular
| Tachycardia | Generalized angio-edema |
| Flushing, chilling | Hot flashes, pallor |
| Skipped heart beats | Chest pains |
| Fainting | Night Sweats |
Gastrointestinal
| Cheilitis | Diarrhea |
| Nervous stomach | Repeating a taste |
| Vomiting | Spastic Colon |
| Air swallowing, belching | Cramps |
| Indigestion | Anal itching |
| Nausea | Excessive salivation |
| Heartburn | Flatulence |
| Bloating | Abdominal pain |
Dermatological
| Hives or welts | Eczema |
| Adult acne | Skin lesions |
Muscular
| Muscle spasm or cramps | Muscle pain |
| Muscle weakness | Undue fatigue |
| Backache | Arthritis |
| Sluggishness |
Urological and Gynecological
| Urination at night | Frequent urination |
| Painful urination | Urgency |
| Poor bladder control | Bed wetting |
| Genital itching or pain | Pre menstrual Syndrome |
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Immune System Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Aloe vera* | ||
| Fish oils | 6 - 10 g | 2 - 3 g |
| Garlic* | ||
| EPO | 2 - 3 g | 1 - 2 g |
| B-complex* | ||
| Vitamin B-12 | 500 - 1,000 mcg | 200 - 500 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 - 6,000 mg | 500 - 1,000 mg |
| Zinc | 20 - 50 mg | 10 - 30 mg |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Discussion:-
Each person should be evaluated individually to see if any essential nutrients are lacking. Hypo allergenic supplements should be taken as needed.
In particular, a vitamin C deficiency seems to occur with many food allergy sufferers. Some doctors recommend high doses of parenteral vitamin C which seemingly relieve many food-allergy induced symptoms. Vitamin C is also maintains immunologic stability. Vitamin B-complex vitamins should also be provided during the elimination diet.
Some people find that drinking aloe vera, either as a juice or even the gel, helps their digestive system.
It may even be more severe than an allergy, food poisoning, in which case garlic can be helpful.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
An allergy-free diet has two components: the elimination diet and the maintenance diet.
Because of the inaccuracies inherent in skin tests food allergies, the elimination diet is an important diagnostic tool. To begin the this diet, avoid the following common allergens for a period of two weeks: milk, eggs, wheat, sugar (from sugarcane and beets), corn, citrus, chocolate, coffee, plus additives, preservatives and colorings. Don't think this is impossible; many hypoallergenic recipes, menus and cooking suggestions are provided in Allergy-Free Cooking and Allergy-Free Recipes sections.
If symptoms decrease or disappear by eliminating all of these items, one can begin to add foods back one allergen at a time. A food diary should be kept, for noting which foods (if any) cause a recurrence of symptoms upon reintroduction into the diet. If symptoms persist in spite of avoiding all the above food items, then some further detective work is warranted. Once the offending foods have been identified through the elimination diet, the maintenance diet can be undertaken.
In the Allergy-Free Recipes section there are recipes which omit one or two common allergens. These recipes can be adapted to an individual's requirements; many ingredients can easily be adjusted by substituting an equal amount of another acceptable ingredient. For example, nut milk can be used in place of cow's milk. This will work with most of the recipes; however, the quantities of some ingredients such as flours and sweeteners might need adjustment.
As many different substitutes as possible should be used. For example, if allergic to wheat, do not use only rice flour. Try buckwheat, amaranth, tapioca flour, nut flour, etc. so as to prevent an additional allergy (to rice flour) from developing. Many cooking suggestions and nonallergenic food substitutes are provided in the Allergy-free Cooking section.
Homeopathic Remedy
| 1. Nux vomica | - 15C |
| 2. Phosphorus tinct. | - 15C |
| 3. Pulsatilla nigricans | - 30C |
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Aloe vera
Echinacea
Ginger
Ginseng
Licorice root
Milk thistle (Silymarin)
Peppermint oil
Turmeric
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Aloe vera is soothing for the digestive tract, as are Ginger, Peppermint oil
and Turmeric.
Echinacea boosts the immune system.
Ginseng is a tonic, especially when combined with Licorice root, that supports the adrenal glands, which tend to become overstressed, thereby compromising the immune system...leading to increased sensitivity etc.
Milk thistle detoxifies the liver.
References:
Jones, V et al., Food intolerance: a major factor in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet, 1982(ii):115-118.
Petitpierre, M et al., Irritable bowel syndrome and hypersensitivity to food. Ann. All. 1985, 84:538-540.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Related Health Conditions
Arthritis
Asthma
Bedwetting
Chronic or recurrent upper respiratory infections
Colitis
Duodenal ulcer
Eczema
Migraine headache
Pneumonitis
Cerebral allergy
Hives
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