Food Sensitivities and Allergies

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?

 

IgA, IgE and IgE refer to immunoglobulins, or antibodies. These antibodies are part of our immune system and are produced in response to things we encounter on a daily basis. 

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What is the difference between food sensitivity and a food allergy?

Our bodies make antibodies to foreign substances like bacterial and viral cells, but can also respond to things such as foods, dust, insect bites and stings, medications, animal dander and pollen. Antibodies are essentially an immune system response to fight against unwanted invaders. IgA and IgG reactions are known as delayed response reactions, these are known as food sensitivities. 

 

IgA and IgG reactions may not happen immediately; they can take hours or even days to create a symptom picture ascertained through food sensitivity test.

 

Symptoms may include:

 

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Joint pain

 

People with food intolerances may experience digestive upsets and symptoms such as: 

 

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Bloating

• Diarrhoea

• Skin irritation

• Rashes

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

 

IgE responses, on the other hand, are immediate and are considered a food allergy. IgE immediate hypersensitivity reactions are characterized by symptoms such as hives and throat swelling; accompanied by anaphylactic reactions 

some people experience when exposed to certain foods, insect stings, medicines or anaesthetic. 

 

Other symptoms can include:

 

• Wheezing

• Coughing

• Runny nose

• Vomiting

• Swelling of the lips or tongue

• Tearing or redness of the eyes

• Weak pulse

• Loss of consciousness. 

 

Common foods that trigger IgE reactions are:

 

• Peanuts

• Shellfish

• Egg 

• Dairy products

• Soy

• Tree nuts

• Wheat 

• Fish

 

 

Functional Testing: 

 

IgA, IgE and IgG (food sensitivity and food allergy) testing can be requested by your practitioner after a comprehensive case has been taken to rule out other determining causative factors for symptoms. These are typically done by blood sample and results emailed back to your practitioner within 12-14 days. 

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How Can Naturopathy Help With Food Sensitivity and Allergies?

 

Diet and lifestyle measures can be taken to better assist with reducing digestive discomfort and the assimilation of nutrients and down regulate inflammation, contributing to symptoms. Practitioner only vitamins and mineral therapy can be prescribed to assist, and herbal treatment may be given to manage symptoms whilst investigating the root cause. 

 

If you are experiencing digestive discomfort and are seeking food allergy testing near you please get in touch. I would love to work alongside you using my expertise. I am available in Melbourne CBD for a 1:1 appointment or via Telehealth.