Allergies and Food Intolerance

You may find yourself asking :
* What type of allergy do I have? Is it airborne, food related, or both?
* What foods should I and shouldn’t be eating?
* What tests should I be having?
* What medications should I take pharmaceutical or natural medicines?
Confused? There is so much information available that understanding allergies can become overwhelming. Let us understand it in an easy way here.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is a reaction that occurs when your immune system over-responds to a food, airborne or topical substance. An allergy is an IgE immune response and occurs as a result of a hormone called histamine being released into the body in response to this substance, known as an “allergen”.
Common forms of allergy include :-
* asthma,
* hay fever (allergic rhinitis),
* eczema,
* dermatitis,
* hives,
* generalised itching,
* allergic headaches,
* allergic digestive disturbances.
* Severe allergic reactions are known as “anaphylaxis”, which is a life-threatening condition that must be treated urgently with adrenaline and steroid medications.
Here are some common things people are allergic to:-
* Pollen and mold. Many people are allergic to pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. Mold growth is a big problem in wet areas.
* Dust mites. Dust mites are tiny bugs you can't see but are everywhere. They feed off dust, dirt, dead skin, and other harmless things in our homes.
* Animals. Many people are allergic to cats, dogs, and other pets. Being around these animals brings on symptoms.
* Insect bites or stings. If you are allergic, your reaction could affect your whole body. It will be worse than the usual redness, swelling, and itching most people have where the bite is.
* Chemicals. You can be allergic to chemicals in cleaners, paints, or soaps. Some people are allergic to latex (such as in latex gloves).
* Medicines. Some people are allergic to medicines prescribed by a doctor. But you can also be allergic to things you buy at the store. Even herbs can cause problems.
* Foods. Foods most likely to cause allergies are milk, soy, eggs, wheat, seafood, peanuts, and tree nuts. But you can have an allergy to any food.
What are the underlying causes of allergies ?
* Scientists are not entirely sure why some people suffer from allergies while others live allergy-free, but studies show that genetics and environment are both important factors. Studies of twins for which at least one twin is allergic to peanuts have found that, in the case of fraternal twins, the other twin has a 7% chance of also having the allergy. Among identical twins, however, both twins were allergic in 64% of cases. Thus, our genetics clearly influence whether or not we will have an allergy. Our environment must also factor into determining whether or not we will ultimately be allergic. Studies have shown that the rates of allergies and asthma are lower for those living on farms, possibly due to exposure to a specific molecule found in cow manure.
* Research has suggested that exposure to different foods as a baby may contribute to the risk of developing food allergies. In a 2015 study, 600 children were randomly assigned to eat peanuts or avoid peanuts. Children who started eating peanuts at a younger age (younger than 1 year), were less likely to have developed a peanut allergy at age 5, compared to those children who avoided peanuts. However, the research emphasised that this may not be effective for everyone. While most children grow out of allergies to eggs and milk, allergies to nuts and seafood can be lifelong.
* The health of the digestive system should also be explored in any case of allergy. A healthy gut lining is made up of epithelial cells that are held together by tight junctions, creating a strong barrier. This ensures that proteins and antigens that can cause allergic reactions can not escape the digestive system and enter other areas of the body. If the gut lining becomes damaged – a term known as ‘leaky gut’ or impaired intestinal permeability – proteins and antigens may pass through the intestinal wall, entering the bloodstream and potentially causing an allergic response. A study found that patients with both food allergies and food sensitivities had increased intestinal permeability (i.e. leaky gut). They also found that the more damaged the gut lining was, the more severe the allergies and intolerances were.
What are Food Allergy Symptoms :-
This is where the body reacts inappropriately to a food protein. The immune system is stimulated and anti-bodies (IgE) to that food protein are produced. The next time that food is eaten, there will be a severe reaction because of the antibodies present. The reaction is almost immediately seen or experienced. This may present as hives, skin rash, swelling or diarrhea. The most common food allergens are cow’s milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, seafood (prawn, crustaceans, fish, etc) and possibly soybeans but people may have allergies to almost anything.  
Common Food Allergy Symptoms :-
* abdominal pain or bloating
* skin rashes or hives
* diarrhea, loose stools or frequent bowel motions
* constipation
* itchy eyes
* flatulence
* fatigue or associated conditions such as anemia
* nausea or abdominal pain
* generalised aches
* broken stools
* nutritional deficiencies and malabsorption issues
What is the Treatment according to Modern Science ?
While the most common treatment for allergies is the prescription of antihistamines (pharmaceutical or herbal) and/or the avoidance of known allergens, it is important to identify the cause or causes of an allergy and to boost the immune system’s over reactivity to that allergen so that they may be better able to deal with the response should it occur in the future. This can be successfully achieved using Ayurvedic Herbal medicine treatment. 
What is food intolerance?
A food intolerance isn't the same as a food allergy. A food intolerance is difficulty digesting certain foods and having an unpleasant physical reaction to them. 
Unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve an IgE acute immune response. Food intolerances occur when a person is exposed to reactive or hard-to-digest foods over a long period. The reaction is generally not as acute or severe as an allergic reaction, but may severely impact on quality of life.  
Important differences between a food allergy and a food intolerance include:-
* the symptoms of a food intolerance usually occur several hours after eating the food
* you need to eat a larger amount of food to trigger an intolerance than an allergy
* a food intolerance is never life threatening, unlike an allergy
Food intolerance, food sensitivity; whatever you know it as, intolerances to certain foods is something that has become ever more common amongst Australians. However most people who do live with a food allergy or better termed intolerance remain unaware, because their adverse reactions are often either cloaked by other more noticeable symptoms or just take their time showing themselves. Holistic allergy testing, also known as a food sensitivity test, is an effective way to diagnose these intolerances. Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic staff facilities to conduct these tests for people of all ages.  
Common symptoms of food intolerance’s include:-
* Bloating
* Flatulence
* Diarrhoea and/or constipation
* Fatigue
* Phlegm/congestion
* Post nasal drip
* Headaches
* Skin rashes (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, hives)
* Mood disturbances
* ADHD
* Autism spectrum-like behaviours in children
* Generalised feelings of being unwell
How do food sensitivities develop?
In most cases, food intolerances are the result of poor lifestyle habits and choices which lead to a diminished functioning of the digestive enzymes in charge of breaking down food. Another major cause of food sensitivities is a condition commonly known as leaky gut syndrome, whereby the gut actually becomes leaky: gaps form in the vital gastrointestinal and normally impervious barrier. This creates a stronger likelihood of toxins, microbes, undigested food, waste, or larger than usual macromolecules permeating the wall of the gut and entering the bloodstream. This, in turn, sets the body up to exercise an immune reaction to foods.
What causes a food intolerance?
It is often unclear why a person is sensitive to certain foods. 
If your symptoms happen after eating dairy products, it's possible you may have lactose intolerance. This means your body cannot digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk, yoghurt and soft cheeses. A GP can usually diagnose lactose intolerance by looking at your symptoms and medical history.
Some people have trouble digesting wheat and experience bloating, wind, diarrhoea, being sick and stomach pain after eating bread.
Otherwise, the culprit may be a food additive, chemical or contaminant, such as:
* monosodium glutamate (MSG)
* caffeine
* alcohol
* artificial sweeteners
* histamine (found in Quorn, mushrooms, pickled and cured foods, and alcoholic drinks)
* toxins, viruses, bacteria or parasites that have contaminated food
* artificial food colours, preservatives or flavour enhancers
Gluten intolerance
Many people cut gluten from their diet thinking that they are intolerant to it, because they experience symptoms after eating wheat.
But it's hard to know whether these symptoms are because of an intolerance to gluten, an intolerance to something else in wheat, or nothing to do with wheat at all. It may help to read more about cutting out bread from your diet. 
Very few people need to cut out gluten from their diet, although it's important to do so if you have coeliac disease (which is not an intolerance, nor an allergy, but an autoimmune condition). 
Find the problem with food allergy testing Adelaide 
There is an extensive range of naturopathic allergy testing methods available in Adelaide. Here at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic, our practitioners prefer to use the IgG Food Sensitivity Profile, which we believe to be the most reliable method currently in use. This food sensitivity test by Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic covers many common foods known to cause adverse actions such as cow’s milk, eggs, beans, nuts and cereals. However, if required, we can test for over numerous different foods, chemicals, artificial colourings, flavours and preservatives.
The test is a simple process where a small sample of blood is taken by lancet & not by any needle and sent to a laboratory where your blood is then tested against these foods. Once the results are received your practitioner will advise you of the foods you are intolerant to and suggest their removal from your diet for a period of time. After removal and naturopathic treatments, many patients find an amazing improvement in their health and vitality with a massive reduction or complete disappearance of symptoms.
Once your food intolerance test at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic is complete, our practitioners adopt a holistic approach to treating your food sensitivities. Once the food has been identified and removed for a varied period of time, the aim is to rebuild, strengthen and repair the gastrointestinal system. We do this by prescribing nutrients and herbs which heal the gut wall and strengthen the vital barrier mucosal lining, decreasing inflammation, balancing the microbiome and correcting the body’s response. After a period of time, some patients are eventually able to re-introduce and tolerate the foods which once caused so much havoc in the body.
Food allergy testing Adelaide – a step towards full health.
If left untreated, a food intolerance or sensitivity can damage the gastrointestinal system and contribute to many disease processes such as autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, weight gain and IBS.
Our team is experienced and qualified to refer you for allergy tests, IgG and IgM tests and explain accurate findings from the results obtained. IgA kits are also available. All tests are quick, easy and non-invasive.
As the leading Holistic Health Clinic in South Australia, our goal is to help patients improve their health and well-being in a natural way. Our aim is always to get to the root cause of your Allergies and Food Intolerance. Not always a straight forward process, however we have a well proven process to narrow down the cause. Offering food allergy testing is just one way in which we help South Australian residents live a happier and healthier life.
Take a proactive approach and consult a Ayurvedic Specialist for allergy testing and food sensitivity tests at our Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic Adelaide SA. You can make an appointment online, email us, or phone us on 0435529921, 0412603135. Our clinic 108 Glen Osmond Road, Parkside South Australia, is open five days a week.