Diet and nutrition are cornerstones of health and wellness. Every individual has a unique biochemical requirement for the right amount of nutrients to obtain and maintain optimal health. Our bodies, while being in constant flux as we go through the daily rhythms of life, are ultimately striving to maintain homeostasis (biological balance). Our diet greatly impacts the ability of our bodies to maintain homeostasis and we influence our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health every time we eat. As naturopathic doctors, when assessing the health of individuals, we turn to diet to discover how what we are eating is affecting our wellness.
When foods that we eat create an adverse reaction in our bodies, all levels of health are disrupted. It does not take much for the immune system along our digestive tract to become activated, creating allergic reactions, inflammation, and potentially autoimmune conditions. We will also be more prone to infection, because a major portion of our immune system is over-burdened. And we become susceptible to nutrient deficiencies as the irritation in our digestive system persists.
To learn more about food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances, click on the links below:
Food Allergy or Food Sensitivity
“Allergy” refers to the condition in which the immune system reacts to a substance (such as food, dust, pollen or chemicals) inappropriately. Our immune system is a complex interplay between white blood cells and lymphatic organs and tissues (including tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen) and is designed to defend our body from harmful organisms in our environment. Lymphatic tissue is concentrated in areas of our bodies that are in contact with our external environment, for example along our respiratory and reproductive tracts, with a significant portion of immune system (70-90%) located in our gut.
With a food allergy, the immune system produces antibodies whenever you ingest a specific food. Immune reactions to food are either immediate (usually IgE) or delayed (usually IgG) after eating the offending food and the symptoms can range from mild to severe (hives, asthma or even anaphylaxis).
Immediate Reactions (IgE)
The reaction occurs rapidly with the ingestion or inhalation of an allergen and is characterized by the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, resulting in an early allergic reaction phase that appears within minutes of exposure to an allergen/antigen. Because IgE mediated hypersensitivities can be life threatening, for the sake of communication and understanding, only IgE reactions are considered true “food allergies”.
Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions (IgG)
IgG antibodies, by contrast, are produced for several hours or days after exposure to an allergen and are called Type III delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Immune complexes activate a portion of the immune system known as cytokines and complement. Depending on which tissues are involved, deposition of IgG –Antigen complexes result in a variety of less obvious symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, headaches, insomnia, congestion, diarrhea, cramping, joint pain, muscle stiffness, skin rashes, or mood changes. Ironically, because the symptoms may be so difficult to pin-point, it is common to become aware of a sensitivity to foods that we have been consuming on a regular basis all our lives. Because IgG antibody reactions are not life-threatening, the use of the term “food allergy” can be misleading and so we use the term “food sensitivity” instead to more accurately differentiate these reactions. IgG allergies are difficult to diagnose because of the lengthy delay between the ingestion of the allergen and the body’s response.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is used to describe non-immune mediated reactions such as enzyme deficiencies (as in the case of lactose intolerance).
Types of Allergy Testing:
IgG Food Allergy Blood Test
This test is provided on-site at the Markham Village Naturopathic Clinic.
It has been scientifically identified that food-specific IgG antibodies (produced by the body’s immune system) and symptoms of food sensitivity are closely linked. Once these foods are effectively identified by this test, dietary management is associated with significant and rapid improvement in the symptoms for approximately 71–78% of people. Most people report improved weight management, more vitality and an altogether improved quality of life soon after implementing these dietary changes.
The IgG Sensitivity Test is the first step in the process to help identify the foods which may be causing symptoms. We access three different labs which utilize either ELISA or a microarray-based test that can detect IgG antibodies to between 95 and 200 different foods. Based on test results, we work with our patients to determine which foods should be eliminated or reduced from their diets. Once the symptoms subside, the foods may be re-introduced one by one and the effects monitored.
Hypoallergenic Diet and Re-Introduction
This program is designed and supervised by your practitioner at the Markham Village Naturopathic Clinic.
This strategy involves eliminating all potentially allergic foods for an extended period of time (at least three weeks) followed by reintroduction of each new food, one at a time, usually about every four days, while potential symptoms are observed.
This test has a few advantages:
- Eating a hypoallergenic diet provides a period of healing for the digestive system.
- This method allows people to make connections they otherwise would miss, consuming foods on a regular basis.
- It is not invasive.
- It is a very inexpensive and effective way to identify immediate and severe food sensitivities, especially when the person is very diligent with the process.
Some disadvantages include:
- It can be a very time-consuming process and difficult to follow
- The offending food may not have been eliminated initially and therefore not discovered
- This test is best done under the supervision of a Naturopathic Doctor to ensure that optimal nutrition is maintained during the elimination phase, and to guide the re-introduction.
Skin Scratch Test (IgE)
This test is provided by an allergist. It is not provided at the Markham Village Naturopathic Clinic.
Small amounts of potential allergens are injected under the skin and any reaction (usually hives, swelling or redness) is observed. This test may give information about food allergies that involve immediate reactions to the offending substances. Some problems with the test include:
- Individuals with sensitive skin may react to the procedure whether or not they are allergic to the substance (we do not eat through our skin!)
- Although this “scratch” test is often the default method performed in allergy office settings, it actually has a poor positive predictive value for foods. Many people who do not display any symptoms of allergy may react to the food allergen extract and people with gut-limited immune reactions may display a negative result.
- It does not give us information about delayed (IgG) sensitivity reactions, which are our most common immune responses to food.
