Besides stress (one of my favorite topics) the other broad category that affects the health of my patients the most is allergies.  There are different types of allergic reactions.  This article will focus on the symptoms of common food allergies and how you can find out if you have them.

Let’s start with the type of food allergy you are likely to be most familiar with:

• The immediate type reaction.  This type of food reaction can be very severe and occurs because the immune system is overreacting to a substance that it perceives as being a hostile foreign invader, but that is usually safe for most people. Certain immune receptors (IgE antibodies) bind with certain foreign proteins in foods (allergens) and cause certain immune cells (mast cells) to release histamine.  This powerful messenger causes inflammation and other detrimental effects such as a narrowing of the windpipe.  This type of allergic response can be related to eczema, hay fever and, most seriously, asthma as well as anaphylaxis which can lead to shock and death.  People who are aware of these type of food allergies often will carry an epi-pen or an inhaler.  But if you eat a food and your lips or tongue feels tingly, or you have trouble breathing, you are likely allergic to it.  It is best to stay away from that food.  The most common food allergies in this group in decreasing order of frequency include:

1. egg
2. fish
3. shellfish
4. nuts
5. peanuts

Immediate type allergies can be tested by a skin prick test or a blood test.

The next type of allergy is less familiar, although incredibly common, to most people and it is called:

• The delayed type sensitivity. These common food allergies can take up to 72 hours to actually present themselves as symptoms.  This makes it hard to know what food is causing what reaction.  The most common food allergies of this type are (in decreasing order of frequency):

1. milk
2. chocolate
3. wheat
4. citrus
5. food colorings

Delayed allergies are mediated by another chemical in the immune system called IgG antibodies.  The IgG antibodies form complexes with allergens and these complexes are deposited into tissues anywhere in the body which can cause a wide array of symptoms.

Digestive symptoms can include: gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, ulcers and heartburn.

Mental / emotional symptoms can include: anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, insomnia, confusion, inability to concentrate or decreased memory.

Skin symptoms can include: acne, eczema, hives, itching or rashes.

Other symptoms can include: bed wetting, chronic bladder infections, yeast infections, chronic or recurrent colds and flus, headaches, migraines, hayfever, asthma, fatigue, joint pain, painful periods or infertility.

As you can see these allergies can cause a number of effects in the body – things many people live with on a daily basis. The good news?  You don’t have to live in discomfort!!  Methods of testing include various elimination and challenge diets, blood tests and stool tests.  If you suspect you might have one of these common food allergies talk to your Naturopathic Doctor or licensed health care professional about discovering your allergies.

Naturopathic medicine is a safe, effective and natural approach to you and your family’s health.  Naturopathic doctors can and will empower you to live a healthy lifestyle while treating and preventing disease.  Find more information on the services I offer at Arbour Wellness Centre at Nanaimo Naturopathic Doctor.

Tags: Allergic Reactions, Common Food Allergies, Delayed Type Sensitivity, Digestive Symptoms, Dr. Tonia Mitchell, Emotional Symptoms, Food Allergy, IgG Antibodies, Immediate Type Allergies, Mental Symptoms, Nanaimo Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic Doctor, Skin Symptoms