Food Intolerances can be Cured with IGG – Mediated Testing and Natural Medicine
Allergy (food and environmental)
An allergy is an adverse reaction (hypersensitivity) resulting from exposure to a normally harmless substance (allergen). This substance may be a drug, a food, or some other environmental agent such as dust, dust-mites, pets, or pollens. The reaction may manifest itself in various ways including skin rashes, sneezing, swelling of the tissue or mucous membranes, and a number of very violent reactions that can result in anaphylactic shock or death. Adverse reactions to food can cause a range of symptoms throughout the body. Some of these reactions are mediated through the immune system by IgE, and some by IgG.
Food Allergies / Intolerances
An Overview (IgG and IgE)
Allergy – General
An allergy is an adverse reaction (hypersensitivity) resulting from exposure to a normally harmless substance (allergen). This substance may be a drug, a food, or some other environmental agent such as dust, dust-mites, pets, or pollens. The reaction may manifest itself in various ways including skin rashes, sneezing, swelling of the tissue or mucous membranes, and a number of very violent reactions that can result in anaphylactic shock or death. Adverse reactions to food can cause a range of symptoms throughout the body. Some of these reactions are mediated through the immune system by IgE, and some by IgG.
Classical Food Allergies (immediate Onset, IgE-Mediated)
Severe IgE-mediated food reactions affect approximately 1.5% of the population. These can be extremely serious, and may be life threatening. IgE-mediated food allergy reactions appear almost immediately (within 2 hours) after ingestion of an offending food. Symptoms may take the form of swelling of lips or throat, sudden and violent skin rashes, vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems, sudden asthmatic breathing, and anaphylactic shock. Shellfish and peanuts are the most common allergens that can result in severe reactions in adults. In young children, the most common offending food allergens are egg white, cow’s milk, wheat, peanuts and soy. In the US alone, about 3 million Americans suffer from peanut allergies, and of the 150 children who die every year from food allergy reactions, 100 deaths are attributed to peanuts.
Testing for susceptibility to severe food reactions is normally done by looking for IgE antibodies to the allergen in question. Classical methods include total IgE testing for general susceptibility, and the RAST™ method or skin prick testing for various specific allergens.
Food Intolerances (Delayed Onset, IgG-Mediated)
Less severe reactions, often referred to as Food Intolerances, are much more common and affect approximately 45% of the population in one way or another. There are several possible causes of Food Intolerance, including enzyme deficiency, reactions to chemicals in foods, and delayed food allergies mediated by the IgG antibody. The prevalence of Food Intolerance is fueled by the fact that modern diets include more exotic foods, new additives, and new methods of containing and preserving foods. IgG-mediated food allergic reactions have a delayed onset (2-72 hours) after ingestion of an offending food.
The Difference between Delayed Food Allergy and Immediate Food Allergy
|
Delayed Onset (IgG-Mediated) |
Immediate Onset (IgE-Mediated) |
| Multiple foods usually involved | Usually one or two foods involved |
| Large amount of food needed to provoke symptoms | Trace amounts of food are enough to trigger severe reactions |
| Reactions occur 2-72 hours after eating reactive foods | Reactions usually occur within 2 hours of consumption of offending foods |
| Any organ system can be involved in reaction | Primarily affects: skin, airway, and digestive system |
| Very common in children and adults | Most common in children |
| Addictive cravings and withdrawal seen in 20-30% | Addictive cravings never seen |
| Offending foods are rarely self-diagnosed because of multiple foods and delayed onset of symptoms | Offending food is often diagnosed because of immediate reaction after ingestion |
| Symptoms clear after avoidance for 6-24 months | Symptoms do not clear with avoidance |
| IgE RAST negative; IgG positive | IgE and skin test positive |
| IgG food immune complexes common | Immune complexes are observed but IgG not involved |
Symptoms (IgG-Mediated)
Numerous studies have suggested that delayed food allergies often lead to chronic illnesses. Continuous consumption of an offending food results in a weakened immune system, which enables illnesses to develop and take hold. Often patients report suffering from more than one illness at a time. Long-term adverse reactions and symptoms can be categorized as follows:
| Gastro-Intestinal | Dermatological | Neurological | Muscular-Skeletal | Respiratory |
| Abdominal Pain | Acne | Dizziness | Fibromyalgia | Ear Infections |
| Loss of Appetite | Rashes | Headaches | Swollen Joints | Breathing Difficulties |
| Bloating | Swelling | Migraines | Aches & Pains | Wheezing |
| Vomiting | Hives | |||
| Constipation | Itching | |||
| Cramps | Skin Irritations | |||
| Diarrhea | ||||
| Weight Problems |
Among some of the more serious diseases that have been linked to food intolerances are Cohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease, Asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Rosacaea, Eczema, and Multiple Sclerosis.
