Food Allergies Versus Food Intolerances
First, lets look at what a true food allergy is. Many people confuse food allergies with food intolerances. The two entities are quite different. Only about 4% of adults have true food allergies but almost one-third have one or more food intolerances.
True food allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system. Specifically, your immune system has preformed antibodies, specifically IgE antibodies, against a particular food. When you eat that food, your immune system is activated and cells release chemicals like histamine that cause a host of unpleasant symptoms like an itchy rash, swelling in the hands or feet, sensation of throat tightness, and anxiety. In severe cases, you might have a drop in blood pressure, problems breathing or even death when you eat a food youre allergic too.
With a true food allergy, the reaction usually comes on quickly after eating certain foods, often within minutes. The most common foods responsible for food allergies are shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, egg, and milk.
Some people appear to be sensitive to certain food additives in processed foods, especially sulfites, nitrates, and monosodium glutamate, or MSG. As youre probably aware, a significant number of people are sensitive to gluten yet dont have celiac disease, but they develop digestive issues when they eat gluten-containing foods.
What Are The Best Ways To Reduce Inflammation
Eating healthy, anti-inflammatory foods is the first major lifestyle change you can make to naturally fight chronic inflammation. However, changes to your diet alone may not be enough if other health conditions are preventing your body from responding properly to anti-inflammatory foods.
For instance, hormonal imbalances can interfere with the way your body processes and responds to food. Leaky gut syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Crohns disease, and some weight-loss surgeries can all cause malabsorption and prevent your body from absorbing important nutrients and antioxidants from healthy foods.
Aside from eating healthier foods, other things you can do to reduce chronic inflammation include getting plenty of quality sleep and staying physically active. Ten to 15 minutes of sunlight exposure per day can help fight inflammation, since vitamin D helps regulate the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to inflammation.
Reduce your exposure to toxins and chemicals, since these substances contain free radicals that contribute to inflammation. Switch to using non-toxic or organic household cleaners, cosmetics, water bottles, and pesticides, and avoid anything that contains phthalates, BPA, and other harmful chemicals. Also, stay away from secondhand smoke, and talk to your doctor about effective smoking cessation methods if youre a smoker who needs help quitting.
Environmental Pollutants: Why Yo
A third test that can increase weight loss success is the Environmental Pollutants Profile, especially when added to an Organic Acids Profile. Environmental pollutants are important in weight loss on two levels. First, they can actually cause weight gain. For example, exposure to phthalates is associated with increased body mass index, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , triglycerides, and glucose in serum.13
Phthalates are pervasive throughout the environment. Were exposed to them through many sources including table cloths, floor tiles, furniture upholstery, shower curtains, garden hoses, food packaging, medical tubing, hair spray, nail polish, pesticides, tooth brushes, and aspirin. This constant exposure may be contributing to the obesity epidemic.
Toxins also worsen food sensitivities and leaky gut, sabotaging short-term and long-term sustained weight loss.
Learn More: Testing for Environmental Pollutants During Weight Loss
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Is It Really A Food Allergy
A differential diagnosis is the process of telling the difference between a food allergy, a food intolerance, and other illnesses. When you go to the doctor’s office and say, “I think I have a food allergy,” they have to consider a list of other things that could cause similar symptoms and be confused with a food allergy. These include:
- Psychological triggers
Foods can get contaminated with bacteria and toxins. Tainted meat sometimes mimics a food allergy when it’s really a type of food poisoning.
Histamine can reach high levels in cheese, some wines, and in certain kinds of fish, especially tuna and mackerel, if it hasn’t been refrigerated properly. When you eat foods with a lot of histamine, you could have a reaction that looks like an allergic reaction. It’s called histamine toxicity.
Sulfites are made naturally during the fermentation of wine, and they’re added to other foods to enhance crispness or prevent mold growth. High concentrations of sulfites can pose problems for people with severe asthma. They give off a gas called sulfur dioxide, which the person breathes in while they’re eating the food. This irritates their lungs and can trigger an asthma attack. That’s why the FDA banned sulfites as spray-on preservatives for fresh fruits and vegetables. But sulfites are still used in some foods.
Yellow dye number 5 can cause hives, although that’s rare.
Getting Back Into Balance
I would take my regular dose during the day and I would sit on the metabolism energy probably twice a day. I want you to download that Pain and Inflammation Protocol. Even if you get the two shakes in a day and focus on that food list, it will help. There are three things that I always like people to think about: that the body has to do when it’s getting back into balance the body has to clear histamine effectively in the bloodstream and the tissue and the only way we do this now is from micronutrients, foods and supplementation. There is no drug on the planet yet that can help with this. The first step is we want to clear the cooled histamine.
Do not aim for zero cortisol or zero histamine but for the perfect amount of hormones to make the immune system healthy and effective.
Can I ask a follow-up question on that? How do you put Metabolism Histamine directly onto your bug bite?
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What Is Histamine Intolerance
Histamine is a chemical in your body that is responsible for a variety of functions. Its main role is to support your immune system by helping your body get rid of allergens. This is why we are commonly recommended by conventional medicine to take antihistamines for allergy-symptom relief. Histamine also communicates with your brain and triggers stomach acid release to aid digestion affecting your entire body.
Histamine can turn into a problem when it builds up in your body. Histamine intolerance means that that your body has too much histamine. As a natural part of your immune response, your body sends enzymes to break down histamine in order to prevent too much build-up. However, when there is too much histamine, it becomes difficult to break it down and metabolize it.
Too much histamine can affect all parts of your body, including your gut, brain, lungs, and cardiovascular system. It may lead to a list of unwanted symptoms, including skin problems, red eyes, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, anxiety, hormonal issues, headaches, seasonal allergies, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, bladder problems, and more. You can learn more about histamine intolerance, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, in this article.
Which Antihistamines Have Been Linked To Weight Gain
Antihistamine weight gain is a topic that requires more research. However, studies have suggested that some antihistamine medications might cause weight gain more than others.
Benadryl has also been linked to weight gain in some patients.
However, newer antihistamines such as Claritin are associated with lesser weight gain as compared to the antihistamines mentioned above.
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Histamine And Your Weight
This is where histamine enters the picture. Histamine is released and enters your hypothalamus to switch on certain receptors. Some of these receptors are responsible for regulating body heat or energy output. Others are responsible for hunger and satiety and as a result, your eating habits. According to a 2008 review published in Nutrition, hypothalamic neuronal histamine and its H receptor -R) regulate your body weight, food intake, and energy expenditure .
Here comes the tricky part. Histamine doesnt necessarily cause weight problems. In fact, histamine generally promotes weight loss and weight maintenance. The stimulation of the histamine 1 receptors may cause a decrease in food intake. A 2007 review published in Neuroendocrinology has found that histamine plays a role in regulating body weight . Some studies have found that low levels of histamine are sometimes linked to obesity. According to a 2016 review published in Neuropharmacology, histamine in the brain control appetite, food intake, and energy expenditure, and as a result may help to prevent obesity and metabolic syndrome .
Are Your Food Allergies Making You Fat
YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM may be making you fat. Its hard to believebut very true. I want to explain the bugs in your digestive tract, why they upset your guts immune system, and how they just might be behind those extra pounds.
I have observed this phenomenon in hundreds of patients. Recently, remarkable new research has confirmed this phenomenon.
I have developed very effective treatments for it, based on understanding the way in which all the bodys systemsthe gut, the immune system, detoxification system, hormones and moreare connected. Theres powerful evidence that addressing these key causes of weight gain and illness can help you shed pounds.
For example, Ive seen patients who lose significant amounts of weight, just by cutting food allergens from their diet. And I have also seen people lose 20 to 30 pounds, simply by balancing the bacterial ecosystem in their intestinal system.
One patient, a 38-year-old woman, had chronic inflammation, fluid retention, acne, fatigue, joint pain, as well as irritable bowel syndrome with bloating and gas. She had tried every known diet, but was unable to lose weight.
This womans problem: She could not lose weight because she was inflamed. The imbalances in her gut and the food sensitivities resulted in the inflammation.
But when we had her eliminate the foods to which she was allergic or sensitive, and gave her some healthy bacteria to heal her gut, she lost 35 pounds in a few monthsand all her other symptoms went away too.
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How Are Food Allergies Treated
If your vet suspects that your dog is suffering from a food allergy they will suggest a diet trial.
Your vet will usually recommend a special food to feed your pet for between six and 12 weeks and they must have no other food at all during this time, including dental chews and treats.
While feeding the special diet, your pet may show improvement from their symptoms. Towards the end of the trial you can arrange a recheck appointment so you can discuss the next steps with your vet.
Note: Diet trials are worth it as simply feeding the correct diet means your dog wont require long-term drugs to control their condition.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight
If you take antihistamines and are concerned about gaining weight, here are some of the ways you can maintain a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in fresh produce such as vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and low in processed foods and sugars. Cutting down on red meat and unhealthy fats such as trans and saturated fats can also help you to maintain a healthy weight. If you find yourself taking a daily antihistamine to control allergy symptoms, consider the foods youre eating. Its possible to develop food allergies at any age.
- Regular exercise can also help you stay healthy and strong. If youre new to working out, make sure you consult your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise routine.
- While it may sound obvious, getting a good nights sleep every night of the week is essential.
If youve taken these steps, and are still struggling to lose weight, contact your healthcare provider.
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Do Allergy Shots Cause Weight Gain
Unlike antihistamines, allergy shots and weight gain dont appear to be linked.
We can answer this rather clearly, Dr. Siddiqui says. No, allergy shots are not associated with weight gain. By their very nature, allergy injections are exposing an individual to varying doses of a substance or substances that induce an allergic reaction. Allergy injections, or immunotherapy, are not antihistamines.
So What About Weight Gain
How in the world does an allergy contribute to putting on weight? First of all, many patients are craving the very foods they are allergic to. Sugar and high-glycemic foods, including common allergens such as wheat and corn, will initially stimulate the feel good neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin. This is familiar to anyone who eats for comfort and knows the temporary good feeling that comes from eating certain foods. The effect doesnt last long however and leaves people craving again. Added to this is the allergy effect the inflammatory cytokines eventually cause a decrease in serotonin which compounds the whole issue of cravings.
The second connection between food allergies and weight gain is the anti-inflammatory hormone called cortisol. The body naturally makes cortisol to control inflammation. Unfortunately cortisol also increases blood sugar and with chronic food allergies the persistent inflammation will stimulate ongoing cortisol production leading to persistent blood sugar stimulation. Now the body makes more insulin to control the sugar and before long insulin resistance and diabetes take hold. Cortisol also causes fat to accumulate around the midsection leading to an apple shaped body.
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Food Sensitivities As Saboteurs Of Weight Loss
Before recommending a specific diet to a patient, it is critical to order a Food Sensitivities Panel. Food intolerances caused by IgG antibodies can lead to a state of low-grade inflammation in obese people that interferes with weight loss.5 IgG-mediated reactions are not true allergies. They are delayed type hypersensitivity reactions. In other words, the symptoms are often not immediate. They can appear hours or even days after eating an offending food. Therefore, the symptoms are not attributed to the food.
This study indicates that when creating a weight loss regimen for a patient, suggesting a potentially problematic food for his or her unique biochemistry and immunology is the ultimate faux pas.
Food intolerances can also lead to increased intestinal permeability . The intestinal epithelial lining and factors secreted from it create a barrier to prevent the passage of toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the lumen from entering the bloodstream while allowing for optimal nutrient absorption. When this barrier is compromised, it leads to a leaky gut.
Preclinical studies show improving leaky gut can reduce body weight gain after eating a high-fat diet and protect the liver from the effects of a high-fat diet.10 Probiotics that protect against leaky gut caused by a high-fat diet also reduce obesity, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rodents.11
Learn More: An Introduction to IgG Food Sensitivity Testing
Metabolism Weight Gain And Histamine Intolerance
Are you dealing with unwanted weight gain or have difficulties losing weight? What if I told you that its more than just those holiday pounds. Histamine intolerance may be one of the missing culprits behind your weight issues.
Histamine is not inherently bad. Your body needs it for a variety of bodily functions. Histamine plays a critical role in your metabolism, food intake, and energy expenditure. At healthy levels, histamine helps you maintain a healthy weight.
If you have histamine intolerance or too much histamine, however, it can contribute to chronic inflammation, chronic symptoms, and yes, weight gain as well. Histamine intolerance may influence your food intake. Many high-histamine foods are inflammatory and may contribute to weight problems. Histamine intolerance may also be linked to thyroid dysfunction, estrogen dominance, and gut health issues that may also increase the risk of weight gain and make weight loss more difficult.
As you can see, the connection between histamine intolerance, metabolism, and weight gain is complex. In this article, I want to get to the bottom of the connection and uncover potential underlying reasons behind your weight problems. You will learn what histamine and histamine intolerance are. I will discuss the role of histamine in your metabolism and weight. You will learn about the ways histamine intolerance may play a role in weight gain. Finally, I will offer some natural solutions to reach a healthy weight and improve your health.
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Flea Allergies In Dogs
If your pet has not received regular flea treatment, your vet may be concerned about flea allergies.
Flea allergies typically cause intense itchiness and sore skin around the base of their tail, back and thighs. Sometimes you will see evidence of fleas, or flea dirt.
An allergy to fleas will mean being especially cautious when it comes to flea treatment, not just for your dog, but for all dogs and cats in the household. Its also important to treat the house too, as the fleas dont just live on your pets fur.
How Is A Food Allergy Diagnosed
The best and most accurate method of diagnosing a food allergy is to feed a hypoallergenic diet for eight to twelve weeks as a food trial called an elimination trial. To be a true elimination trial for your dog, this special diet must not contain any ingredients that it has eaten in the past. It also requires that no other foods, treats, or supplements are fed during the trial period, including flavored vitamins and certain parasite preventives.
If your dog’s allergy symptoms resolve while on the food trial, the next step is to perform a food challenge by re-introducing your dog’s old food. If your dog’s symptoms resolve with the food trial AND return within one week of a food challenge, your dog has been definitively diagnosed with a food allergy.
There are blood tests that may indicate whether the dog is allergic to specific foods. These are called serum IgE tests, and your veterinarian will discuss whether they would be of benefit in diagnosing your pet’s condition. There is some evidence suggesting that this blood testing is not as effective as food elimination trials.
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