Food Allergy TestingFood Allergies

An estimated 25% of people suffer from food allergies, and a number of these people are unaware they have them. Getting tested will help determine if food allergies may be causing your symptoms.

IgE type reactions

Generally, there are two defense systems the body uses in food allergies; the immediate response and the delayed response. The immediate response is controlled by antibodies called IgE (immunoglobulin E). An example of an immediate IgE reaction is when someone eats an egg and within a few minutes develops hives. The reaction is obvious and happens quite soon after eating the offending food. Some other reactions people commonly have with IgE type reactions are:

• itching in the throat or mouth
• difficulty breathing
• fainting
• swelling

Often, most people are aware of what causes the immediate reaction.

IgG type reactions

The other type of food allergy defense is controlled by the IgG antibodies. These responses tend to be delayed from a few hours to a few days after eating the offending food, making it much more difficult to determine what caused the reaction. Furthermore, IgG antibodies can combine with the allergen, forming ‘complexes’ that lodge in tissues, causing local inflammation and eventually degradation of the tissue. You may not even be aware this is happening until you start developing symptoms or illness.

If you have any of the following signs, symptoms or disorders, it would be a good idea to be checked for IgG food allergies:

• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Chronic infections (bladder, nose, throat, lungs)
• Chronic fatigue
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Depression (especially of not responsive to medication)
• Eczema
• Flushing on face, ears or body
• “Foggy headed”
• Headaches/migraines
• Hives
• Infertility
• Insulin dependant diabetes
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Joint or muscle pain
• Mouth sores
• Nasal congestion
• Psoriasis
• Snoring
• Thyroid problems
• Water retention and weight gain

In children, also look for:

• Attention and behavior problems
• Autism
• Chronic bedwetting
• Colic
• Diaper rash
• Hyperactivity

This list is not complete. Note that these conditions may have causes other than food allergies

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