INTRODUCTION
Runny nose, itchy eyes and skin, unexplained rashes, teary red eyes are some of the symptoms that some of us can
relate to in this weather. Some of the other allergy symptoms, which most of us have had in one form or another includes:
indigestion, gastritis, celiac disease, and arthritis! Just to mention a few
Food and environmental
allergies have been implicated in a wide range of medical conditions affecting virtually every part of the body, and
can manifest as either the symptoms above among other more serious ones such as disorders of the central nervous system,
including depression, anxiety and chronic fatigue
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
GI
GU
IMMUNE
MENTAL / EMOTIONAL
MUSSCULOSKELETAL
RESPIRATORY
SKIN
MISCELLANEOUS
HISTORY OF FOOD ALLERGY
First recorded by Hippocrates
In 200 AD, Galen described a case of allergy to goat’s milk
In 1679, Willis observed that the ingestion of wine could precipitate asthma
In 1930, Rinkel first described food sensitivities that differed from the classic immediate anaphylactic reactions.
The symptoms he described occurred hours or even days subsequent to ingestion and could be masked or unmasked by the
offending food
ALLERGIES TODAY
The numbers of incidences of allergies have increased dramatically in the recent times. Hypersensitivities involving
bronchial symptoms and asthma, for example, have nearly doubled in the last decade. It is estimated that atopic dermatitis
(skin eczema that can be caused by irritants) now affects between 10 - 15% of the population at some time during their
lives, and food antigens often directly provoke this condition
Adverse reactions to food are now reported in about 25% of younger children
The primary causes for increased incidence of allergy appears to be excessive, regular consumption of a limited number
of foods (often hidden as ingredients in commercially prepared foods) and a high level of preservatives, stabilizers,
artificial colourings and flavourings, as well as medicinal drugs such as penicillin, now added to foods
Some researchers believe that the increased chemical pollution in our air, water, and food is to blame. Foods can
easily become contaminated following the use of insecticides in farming
Other reasons include:
Early weaning off and early introduction to food
GMO foods
Impaired digestion
Less diversity in foods
WHAT IS THE UNDERLYING PROCESS?
Food allergy causes the immune system to synthesize and release reactive chemical agents, called cytokines, lymphokines
and interferons. These are hormone like substances can dramatically influence cellular physiology, producing far-reaching
effects on the immune, endocrine and nervous functions
An allergic response to food and environmental inhalants may be the culprit lurking behind a “mysterious set” of
symptoms, which are not readily diagnosable using the conventional methods of testing. Hence testing for specific allergic
is one of the ways to uncover foundation causes of illness
WHAT CAUSES ALLERGENIC SYMPTOMS IN OUR BODY?
Inherited genetic predisposition - study was done and concluded that if both parents are allergic, 67% of children are
allergic as well
Indigestion of hypochlorhydia and / or pancreatic enzyme deficiency leading to protein indigestion – which retains
their antigenic properties eventually leading to a chronic state of immune hypersensitivity
THE ROLE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
There are two types of immunity the body develops to protect itself: innate immunity and acquired immunity
Innate immunity: when functioning properly, the immune system has the ability to resist almost all types of organisms
and toxins that damage human tissue
Acquired immunity - is the human body’s ability to develop extremely powerful specific immunity against individual
invading agents such as lethal bacteria, viruses, toxins, etc. Two basic types include:
- Humoral or B-cell
- Cell mediated or T-cell
WHICH TYPE OF IMMUNITY IS INVOLVED?
Acquired immunity is extensively involved in allergic reactions. Substances that initiate immune responses are known
as antigens
Food represents the largest antigenic challenge confronting the human immune system
TESTING FOR ALLERGIES
Skin testing, RAST, IgG test
Related tests: Intestinal permeability, Comprehensive digestive stool analysis, fecal s1G A, Adrenocortex stress and
melatonin profiles
THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS
DIET - re-establishing a healthy bowel micro flora, healing the damaged gut, decreasing the gut inflammation
reaction, re-establishing normal digestion
Allergy testing is also valuable as a preventative measure for people who are not currently experiencing over
symptoms related to allergic reactions. It can reveal unsuspected food sensitivities, which, if ignored, could result
in cumulative stress on the immune and other systems over time - a condition that may eventually lead to severe
illnesses
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
If you are suffering from allergies that were present since birth or came back all of a sudden, or suspect that you may
be suffering from allergies to the environment or certain foods, we can help you identify what caused the allergy to come
about in the first place and help you treat the cause, we can also help you to decrease allergenic reactions to the
enviroment and foods using natural supplements, along with other naturopathic modalities. If you are looking to find out
more about allergies that you suffer from and are looking to prevent a recurrence of another bout of allergic symptoms,
do not hesitate to call us and book an appointment with us.
The information on this handout is the property of SUSHMA SHAH N.D., and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure
any disease. For any questions, or concerns, please contact me at 416 913 4325 (HEAL) or email me at
info@naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com
