The Facts About Food Allergy
For someone with a food allergy, eating or swallowing even a tiny amount of a particular food can cause symptoms such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea.
Because the body is reacting to something that is otherwise harmless, this type of allergic reaction is often called a hypersensitivity reaction. Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can cause a life-threatening set of symptoms called anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.
Although about 25% of people believe they have a food allergy, only about 2.5% of adults and about 6-8% of children, mainly younger than 6 years, have true food allergies. The rest have what is known as food intolerance an undesirable reaction to a food that does not involve the immune system.
It is easy to confuse food intolerance with food allergy because they can have similar symptoms. With food intolerance, however, you usually get only mild symptoms such as an upset stomach.
A common example of food intolerance is lactose intolerance a condition in which a person is missing a certain enzyme necessary to digest dairy proteins. The result is loose stools, gas, and nausea after consuming dairy products such as milk or cheese.
Another example of food intolerance is reaction to MSG. MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a white-colored additive used to enhance the flavor of food. It is a fermented mixture of glutamic acid, sodium, and water and is used mainly in Asian cooking. Over the last 30 years, side effects from MSG have been related to its use in Chinese food and referred to as the Chinese restaurant syndrome.
In this syndrome, MSG was suggested as the cause of the symptoms following a Chinese meal. In 1995, a new term was coined, the MSG symptom complex, to include all the reactions that were reported to be related to MSG. These reactions are not a true food allergy, and the exact cause of the reactions is unknown.
An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen, in this case a food protein.
The white blood cells produce an antibody to this allergen, called immunoglobulin E or IgE. When this antibody comes in contact with the particular food protein, it promotes production and release of certain chemicals called “mediators.” Histamine is an example of a mediator. These mediators act on various parts of the body, mainly the skin, throat, airways, intestines, and heart.
The effects of the mediators on organs and other cells cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Any food has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction, but a few foods account for most food allergies.
Generally, people who have allergies react to only a few foods. Occasionally a person who is allergic to one food also may be allergic to other related foods. This is called cross-reaction. People who have a history of other allergies, such as eczema or asthma, are particularly prone to having a reaction to a food. They are also more likely to have a more severe reaction.
By: Alisha Dhamani
About the Author:
Because the body is reacting to something that is otherwise harmless, this type of allergic reaction is often called a hypersensitivity reaction. Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can cause a life-threatening set of symptoms called anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.
Although about 25% of people believe they have a food allergy, only about 2.5% of adults and about 6-8% of children, mainly younger than 6 years, have true food allergies. The rest have what is known as food intolerance an undesirable reaction to a food that does not involve the immune system.
It is easy to confuse food intolerance with food allergy because they can have similar symptoms. With food intolerance, however, you usually get only mild symptoms such as an upset stomach.
A common example of food intolerance is lactose intolerance a condition in which a person is missing a certain enzyme necessary to digest dairy proteins. The result is loose stools, gas, and nausea after consuming dairy products such as milk or cheese.
Another example of food intolerance is reaction to MSG. MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a white-colored additive used to enhance the flavor of food. It is a fermented mixture of glutamic acid, sodium, and water and is used mainly in Asian cooking. Over the last 30 years, side effects from MSG have been related to its use in Chinese food and referred to as the Chinese restaurant syndrome.
In this syndrome, MSG was suggested as the cause of the symptoms following a Chinese meal. In 1995, a new term was coined, the MSG symptom complex, to include all the reactions that were reported to be related to MSG. These reactions are not a true food allergy, and the exact cause of the reactions is unknown.
An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen, in this case a food protein.
The white blood cells produce an antibody to this allergen, called immunoglobulin E or IgE. When this antibody comes in contact with the particular food protein, it promotes production and release of certain chemicals called “mediators.” Histamine is an example of a mediator. These mediators act on various parts of the body, mainly the skin, throat, airways, intestines, and heart.
The effects of the mediators on organs and other cells cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Any food has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction, but a few foods account for most food allergies.
Generally, people who have allergies react to only a few foods. Occasionally a person who is allergic to one food also may be allergic to other related foods. This is called cross-reaction. People who have a history of other allergies, such as eczema or asthma, are particularly prone to having a reaction to a food. They are also more likely to have a more severe reaction.
By: Alisha Dhamani
About the Author:
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Food Intolerances and Allergies – is it Just in your Head
Food intolerance has become a major health issue today, dividing conventional and alternative medicine.
1. Are we a bunch of hypochondriacs?
“An astonishing 45% of us believe we are allergic to basic foodstuffs such as wheat and dairy – causing anything from headaches to bloating and insomnia.” (1) So how do we get to a stage of leaky gut?
It is believed that through one of the most common digestive problems the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) arise.
It is believed by many health practitioners Leaky gut is associated with one of the most common digestive problems; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Definitions
Food allergy – Is a genetic condition that affects about 2% of the population. The reaction to the food can range from a rash to something very severe including anaphylactic shock. The RAST test confirms this by detecting the antibody (like IgE). Common foods associated with a genetic inherited allergy are: cows milk, soy, tree nuts, eggs, strawberries, bananas, chocolate, wheat, peanuts, fish, shell fish, beans and oranges. Those with a true food allergy if ever exposed to that food more than once will know about it. (2)
Food intolerance/sensitivity – Involves any adverse reaction to foods, but whereby the immune system’s roll is uncertain because the standard tests appear negative. There are other tests including the ones outlined in the Daily Mail but the validity of many is questionable. (2)
So where does this leave the 45% who experience real problems like abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhoea after eating a particular food? Furthermore, according to the Allergy Clinic scientific studies have suggested that intolerance may trigger or worsen the symptoms of a range of common conditions including asthma, joint and muscle pains, headaches, migraines, sinusitis, hyperactivity, ADHD, chronic fatigue, and Crohn’s Disease. (3)
Possible sources of food intolerance
There is a strong suggestion that the increased permeability of the gut wall, known as leaky gut syndrome (LGS), is behind food intolerance. The basic premise behind LGS is that large molecules pass through the weak (leaky) gut wall and enter into the bloodstream. This results in calling to arms the body’s defensive mechanisms like white blood cells that produce antibodies to destroy the invaders.
So how do we get to a stage of leaky gut?
It is believed that through one of the most common digestive problems the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) arise.
According to Dr. Dan Rutherford, GP, IBS is the commonest condition seen by doctors and some estimates suggest that as many as one in five of the adult population in the UK suffer from it at any one time. (4)
So what is the source of IBS?
Experts give a range of probable causes including:
• Poor diet (including eating foods our bodies are not accustomed to)
• Toxins
• Lack of stomach acid or digestive enzymes
• Drugs (antibiotics, cortisone)
• Dysbiosis (leading to a bad bug overgrowth, e.g. Candida)
• Stress
• Inadequate chewing
As you can see this is a controversial topic because of the lack of hard evidence.
The Daily Mail (Tuesday, March 7th, 2006) contained an article called “The Allergy Fraud” from the reporter Charlotte Dovey. After receiving a RAST test (a blood test indicating an allergy) from a Harley Street doctor she was told she suffered from no food allergies. Then Ms Dovey compared the RAST result with other various methods of allergy detection from alternate medicine practitioners. Or as the reporter put it: entered the “wacky world of food intolerance testing”.
Now Ms Dovey, who was told by various alternate practitioners that she was intolerant to a range of foods like wheat, dairy and citrus (when the RAST test showed no allergies) concludes: “if I took this advice, my diet could be dangerous. Basics such as wheat, gluten, sugar and lactose are staples”. (However this I believe is an incorrect statement as I have personally seen amazing transformations from people giving up two commonly considered intolerances; wheat and dairy.)
What is interesting to note is the health columnist for the Daily Mail is Dr. John Briffa, author of Bodywise. Dr. Briffa is widely regarded as one of Britain’s foremost experts in the field of natural health. His book is an excellent source on the various causes of excess weight including food intolerance.
Dr. John Briffa has come up with a 10 question test as a guide to whether food intolerance may be a problem for you.
The following questionnaire is designed to help you ascertain whether food sensitivity is a problem for you. Score each question as indicated, and then add up your total score.
1. Do you feel lethargic soon after eating?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
2. Do you often feel better if you don’t eat?
No 0 points
Marginally better 2 points
Much better 4 points
3. Did you have problems such as colic, glue ear, ear infections, eczema, asthma or recurrent tonsillitis as a child?
No 0 points
Yes, occasional problems 3 points
Yes, frequent and/or severe problems 5 points
4. Do you have recurrent, unexplained symptons?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
5. Do you suffer from excess mucus or catarrh formation in the throat, nose or sinuses?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
6. Do you feel particularly drawn to certain foods such as bread or cheese?
No 0 points
Occasionally 2 points
Frequently 4 points
7. Do you have dark circles under your eyes?
No 0 points
Yes 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
8. Do you suffer from fluid retention? (Tight rings, puffy face or ankles and a weight which fluctuates by two or more pounds
from day to day are classic signs.)
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
9. Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 1 points
Frequent or severe problems 2 points
10. Do you suffer from eczema, hives (urticaria) or undiagnosed rash?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
Interpreting your score 0-9:food sensitivity is unlikely10-20:food sensitivity should be considered as a possibility and testing is recommended21 and above:food sensitivity is very likely and testing is highly recommendedSo what are the options if you have food sensitivity? Apart from the various tests conducted by allergy clinics a food elimination diet is one of the most common methods practitioners use.
Your 3d Coach
Craig Burton
References
1. The Allergy Fraud, Charlotte Dovey, Daily Mail, March 7th, 2006
2. Nutrition and lifestyle coach manual, Level 2, Chek Institute, 2002
3. www.allergyclinic.co.uk
4. www.netdoctor.co.uk
5. Bodywise, Dr. John Briffa, CIMA books, 2000
By: Craig Burton
About the Author:
1. Are we a bunch of hypochondriacs?
“An astonishing 45% of us believe we are allergic to basic foodstuffs such as wheat and dairy – causing anything from headaches to bloating and insomnia.” (1) So how do we get to a stage of leaky gut?
It is believed that through one of the most common digestive problems the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) arise.
It is believed by many health practitioners Leaky gut is associated with one of the most common digestive problems; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Definitions
Food allergy – Is a genetic condition that affects about 2% of the population. The reaction to the food can range from a rash to something very severe including anaphylactic shock. The RAST test confirms this by detecting the antibody (like IgE). Common foods associated with a genetic inherited allergy are: cows milk, soy, tree nuts, eggs, strawberries, bananas, chocolate, wheat, peanuts, fish, shell fish, beans and oranges. Those with a true food allergy if ever exposed to that food more than once will know about it. (2)
Food intolerance/sensitivity – Involves any adverse reaction to foods, but whereby the immune system’s roll is uncertain because the standard tests appear negative. There are other tests including the ones outlined in the Daily Mail but the validity of many is questionable. (2)
So where does this leave the 45% who experience real problems like abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhoea after eating a particular food? Furthermore, according to the Allergy Clinic scientific studies have suggested that intolerance may trigger or worsen the symptoms of a range of common conditions including asthma, joint and muscle pains, headaches, migraines, sinusitis, hyperactivity, ADHD, chronic fatigue, and Crohn’s Disease. (3)
Possible sources of food intolerance
There is a strong suggestion that the increased permeability of the gut wall, known as leaky gut syndrome (LGS), is behind food intolerance. The basic premise behind LGS is that large molecules pass through the weak (leaky) gut wall and enter into the bloodstream. This results in calling to arms the body’s defensive mechanisms like white blood cells that produce antibodies to destroy the invaders.
So how do we get to a stage of leaky gut?
It is believed that through one of the most common digestive problems the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) arise.
According to Dr. Dan Rutherford, GP, IBS is the commonest condition seen by doctors and some estimates suggest that as many as one in five of the adult population in the UK suffer from it at any one time. (4)
So what is the source of IBS?
Experts give a range of probable causes including:
• Poor diet (including eating foods our bodies are not accustomed to)
• Toxins
• Lack of stomach acid or digestive enzymes
• Drugs (antibiotics, cortisone)
• Dysbiosis (leading to a bad bug overgrowth, e.g. Candida)
• Stress
• Inadequate chewing
As you can see this is a controversial topic because of the lack of hard evidence.
The Daily Mail (Tuesday, March 7th, 2006) contained an article called “The Allergy Fraud” from the reporter Charlotte Dovey. After receiving a RAST test (a blood test indicating an allergy) from a Harley Street doctor she was told she suffered from no food allergies. Then Ms Dovey compared the RAST result with other various methods of allergy detection from alternate medicine practitioners. Or as the reporter put it: entered the “wacky world of food intolerance testing”.
Now Ms Dovey, who was told by various alternate practitioners that she was intolerant to a range of foods like wheat, dairy and citrus (when the RAST test showed no allergies) concludes: “if I took this advice, my diet could be dangerous. Basics such as wheat, gluten, sugar and lactose are staples”. (However this I believe is an incorrect statement as I have personally seen amazing transformations from people giving up two commonly considered intolerances; wheat and dairy.)
What is interesting to note is the health columnist for the Daily Mail is Dr. John Briffa, author of Bodywise. Dr. Briffa is widely regarded as one of Britain’s foremost experts in the field of natural health. His book is an excellent source on the various causes of excess weight including food intolerance.
Dr. John Briffa has come up with a 10 question test as a guide to whether food intolerance may be a problem for you.
The following questionnaire is designed to help you ascertain whether food sensitivity is a problem for you. Score each question as indicated, and then add up your total score.
1. Do you feel lethargic soon after eating?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
2. Do you often feel better if you don’t eat?
No 0 points
Marginally better 2 points
Much better 4 points
3. Did you have problems such as colic, glue ear, ear infections, eczema, asthma or recurrent tonsillitis as a child?
No 0 points
Yes, occasional problems 3 points
Yes, frequent and/or severe problems 5 points
4. Do you have recurrent, unexplained symptons?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
5. Do you suffer from excess mucus or catarrh formation in the throat, nose or sinuses?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
6. Do you feel particularly drawn to certain foods such as bread or cheese?
No 0 points
Occasionally 2 points
Frequently 4 points
7. Do you have dark circles under your eyes?
No 0 points
Yes 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
8. Do you suffer from fluid retention? (Tight rings, puffy face or ankles and a weight which fluctuates by two or more pounds
from day to day are classic signs.)
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
9. Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 1 points
Frequent or severe problems 2 points
10. Do you suffer from eczema, hives (urticaria) or undiagnosed rash?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
Interpreting your score 0-9:food sensitivity is unlikely10-20:food sensitivity should be considered as a possibility and testing is recommended21 and above:food sensitivity is very likely and testing is highly recommendedSo what are the options if you have food sensitivity? Apart from the various tests conducted by allergy clinics a food elimination diet is one of the most common methods practitioners use.
Your 3d Coach
Craig Burton
References
1. The Allergy Fraud, Charlotte Dovey, Daily Mail, March 7th, 2006
2. Nutrition and lifestyle coach manual, Level 2, Chek Institute, 2002
3. www.allergyclinic.co.uk
4. www.netdoctor.co.uk
5. Bodywise, Dr. John Briffa, CIMA books, 2000
By: Craig Burton
About the Author:
Article by Craig Burton. Craig is a prominent European based holistic health and fitness coach and founder of 3D Personal Training Systems. Craig is a Sports Science graduate with postgraduate accreditations in nutrition, massage, athletic training, and corrective exercise therapy.
He is the author of “The 21 Day Roadmap to Health” available at http://www.21dayroadmap.com.
Receive your FREE 3d pts tools including the 7 Part Series: Success Strategies for transforming the body, mind and spirit, our FREE monthly Peak Performance Newsletter and our FREE questionnaire to find out more about your current health status at http://www.3dpts.com/freetools.
For more information and articles on health and fitness visit http://www.3dpts.com/articles.
Determine The Difference Between A Food Allergy And A Food Intolerance
You will need to find out if you are having a food intolerance versus a food allergy, if eating a specific food causes you to suffer from some symptoms. It is easy to confuse the two together. However, if there is confusion, you may not be aware about the severity of your ailment and what appropriate action can best help you reduce your symptoms. Finding out the difference between the two can help you determine the best treatment option.
With a food allergy, your immune system response is triggered, leading to an allergic response. Only 2 percent of adults and 6 percent of children have a true food allergy that can be dangerous to their health. Mostly food allergens include peanuts, shellfish, soy and wheat. You do not need to consume a whole plateful of your food allergen for it to be fatal. Just a small amount can endanger your life.
With this, having a food allergy is considered more severe than having a food intolerance alone. Some of the most common symptoms of a food allergy include hives, eczema, wheezing, swelling of the throat, abdominal pain, and headaches. However, if your allergic reactions are severe, you can also suffer from shock, airway constriction, loss of consciousness and rapid pulse. This can mean death if you are not given the required treatment in a timely manner.
On the other hand, if you experience a tummy ache or diarrhea due to eating certain foods, you may be having a food intolerance. You still can eat these foods and yet suffer no symptoms if these are taken in small portions. This factor also distinguishes it from a true food allergy.
Obviously, for a food allergy, you would have to avoid eating that specific food. Severe food allergy symptoms require serious medical treatment. To keep you from going into anaphylectic shock, your doctor may give you a shot of epinephrine. You may also need to be warded in a hopsital for emergency treatment and observation.
To know for sure if you are having a true food allergy, some medical testings can help. Your doctor may also recommend that you keep a food diary so that you can note down the symptoms that you suffer from in response to the food that you just ate. With a better understanding, it is possible to reduce your symptoms whether allergic or otherwise.
By: Evelyn Lim
About the Author:
With a food allergy, your immune system response is triggered, leading to an allergic response. Only 2 percent of adults and 6 percent of children have a true food allergy that can be dangerous to their health. Mostly food allergens include peanuts, shellfish, soy and wheat. You do not need to consume a whole plateful of your food allergen for it to be fatal. Just a small amount can endanger your life.
With this, having a food allergy is considered more severe than having a food intolerance alone. Some of the most common symptoms of a food allergy include hives, eczema, wheezing, swelling of the throat, abdominal pain, and headaches. However, if your allergic reactions are severe, you can also suffer from shock, airway constriction, loss of consciousness and rapid pulse. This can mean death if you are not given the required treatment in a timely manner.
On the other hand, if you experience a tummy ache or diarrhea due to eating certain foods, you may be having a food intolerance. You still can eat these foods and yet suffer no symptoms if these are taken in small portions. This factor also distinguishes it from a true food allergy.
Obviously, for a food allergy, you would have to avoid eating that specific food. Severe food allergy symptoms require serious medical treatment. To keep you from going into anaphylectic shock, your doctor may give you a shot of epinephrine. You may also need to be warded in a hopsital for emergency treatment and observation.
To know for sure if you are having a true food allergy, some medical testings can help. Your doctor may also recommend that you keep a food diary so that you can note down the symptoms that you suffer from in response to the food that you just ate. With a better understanding, it is possible to reduce your symptoms whether allergic or otherwise.
By: Evelyn Lim
About the Author:
Evelyn Lim has been an allergy sufferer for many years. She now publishes tips on food allergy, something that she has to keep a watch on. For more information, please visit http://www.Allergy-Attacks.com.