Clinical Testing for Delayed-Onset Food Sensitivities
Immediate Food Allergy vs. Delayed Food Sensitivities
We live in a world swarming with not only airborne allergens but food allergens. Food and environmental allergens have been implicated in a wide range of medical conditions affecting virtually every part of the body from mildly uncomfortable symptoms such as indigestion and gastritis, to severe illnesses such as celiac disease, arthritis and chronic infection.
A hypersensitive response to food may be the culprit lurking behind a “mysterious” set of symptoms which are not readily diagnosable using conventional methods of testing. Testing of food allergens can reveal unsuspected food sensitivities and is one of the ways to uncover foundation causes of illness. Food hypersensitivities can be divided into two major categories: immediate (allergy) and delayed (sensitivity).
Immediate food reaction is a fixed food allergy. The food to which you are allergic will almost always provoke and immune reaction when ingested which makes it easier to identify than a delayed reaction. The body overproduces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in an immediate reaction. When immediate food reaction occurs, sufferers may experience symptoms within hours of having ingested the food. Onset of symptoms are rapid and may include tingling of extremities, wheezing, coughing, tightening of the throat, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and in some cases anaphylaxis can occur.
Symptoms of a delayed food reactions are better known as food sensitivities and can take up to 72 hours to appear. This type of immune response is mediated by the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, which is the largest circulation antibody in our immune system and can cross the placenta. IgG antibodies are the most common form of immunologic mediated food responses. Identifying the offending food can be difficult since we ingest so many foods that go through different processes and have many ingredients. Unidentified food sensitivities can contribute to multiple chronic health conditions including: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Headaches, Migraines, ADD/ADHD, Autism, Eczema, Chronic ear infections, Malabsorption, Insomnia and many others.
Elimination of the offending foods can improve many health problems and lead to a better quality of life. A simple blood test is utilized to identify specific food allergies. The IgE or immediate food allergy test is the conventional test ordered by allopathic physicians but the IgG or delayed food sensitivities test is not. If you would like to make an appointment to pinpoint your IgG or delayed food sensitivities and learn about a rotation diet and nutritional treatment plans for food allergies, please call our office at (704) 333-0550 for an appointment.