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Allergies
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· Causes · Misconceptions about Allergies and Intolerances · More Information about Allergies · Similar or Related Conditions
"But what exactly is an allergy? According to Dr Leo Galland, the director of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine in New York, which deals with environmental illness, "allergy" is not a scientific term but means 'altered reactivity.' Generally speaking, allergists tend to agree that when IgE is involved, one's sensitivity to food is called an allergy. If some other immune mechansim is involved, which might be IgG or something else, some call it an allergy and some would not. The term 'intolerance' means that an enzyme is involved and the immune system is not. So, for example, lactose intolerance - the inability to break down lactose sugar, causing bloating, cramping and diarrhea - is an intolerance because the enzyme lactase, which breaks down that sugar, is missing. Galland suggests that if we use the term "allergy" in the broadest sense, there are a number of non-allergic diseases in which allergy to food may nevertheless play a role. For example, controlled studies have shown that something like 40 to 45 percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are affected by specific individual foods. This is not an IgE type of reaction, so it might not be called a food allergy, but it is an intolerance of the food and it acts to cause inflammation, so it could be called an allergy. Galland believes that IgG may play a role in allergy, but he is one of many who believes that the test for IgG-mediated allergies is not valid."
Signs of Allergies and Intolerances"(The following section is summarised from Rapp, 1996:67-114) Take a long, serious look at your child. Obvious changes sometimes occur in the physical appearance of children and adults who have typical allergies, or food or chemical sensitivities. · Perhaps you recognise a characteristic "spacey" or at times almost "demonic" look in a child's eyes when he or she suddenly becomes "impossible." · These looks are sometimes accompanied by characteristic sounds, such as throat-clearing and clucking. The latter is typical, in particular, of a dairy or milk sensitivity. Some mothers complain that their children make strange noises at home or at school. A few whine and say the same phrase over and over. · In addition, children (and adults) can develop a hoarse voice or red ears or cheeks due to food or chemical exposure. · Other symptoms include slurred or rapid speech."
Allergies and Hyperactivity, Attention, Mood Swings "Allergies can play havoc with a child's ability to benefit from teaching. Some forms of 'hyperactivity,' short attention spans and mood swings are caused by allergies and intolerances for certain foods and other environmental factors."
Handwriting and Drawing Changes "Handwriting and drawing changes can provide visible clues about what is happening within a child. Sudden changes are often related to specific chemical exposures, to contact with dust, moulds, pollen and to allergenic foods or beverages… When another child, Robert, was allergy tested for oats and wheat, his handwriting and behaviour changed at the same time."
"There is much controversy in the medical and related fields concerning allergies and their identification, including the types of tests used to identify allergens (the substance that causes the body to show an allergic reaction). In fact, much about allergies is unknown."
The Brain: Serotonin: Allergies
Lymphocytes/White Bood Cells "What is known? We know that the white blood cells (also known as lymphocytes) are a fundamental component of the immune system that protects our bodies from invaders. When they make a mistake, an allergic response can occur."
Antibodies "When a lymphocyte encounters a particle or cell and identifies it as a foreign invader, it produces antibodies specifically engineered to fight that particular threat."
Immunoglobulins (Igs) "There are five basic types of antibodies, called immunoglobulins, or Igs. Each is classified by type with a letter suffix: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. The Ig known to be responsible for most allergic reactions to food is IgE, although IgG is also commonly mentioned."
Pinpointing the Cause of Allergies Reaction Times "The effects of chemical odours, such as perfume or certain cleaning materials, tend to occur within seconds or a very few minutes. Food reactions take fifteen to sixty minutes to become apparent. A reaction to dust or moulds usually occurs within an hour."
Reaction Times and Symptoms "Parents can often pinpoint the cause merely by thinking back over what happened. For example… · If red earlobes, a severe headache, or wiggly legs occur half an hour after lunch, it would be logical to assume the symptoms are possibly related to something that was eaten. · If the problem is eczema, watch the arm and leg creases: these areas commonly become red and itchy during meals or immediately after contact with dust, moulds, or certain foods. The actual rash, however, will not develop until the next day. Also suspect food allergies if your child has any form of intestinal complaints after eating. · If dark eye circles and muscle aches routinely occur after gym, art, chemistry or biology class, or after a shower, suspect a reaction to a chemical exposure. If these changes occur after play on freshly cut grass, suspect grass pollen. · If a child's nose becomes itchy and drippy, or if asthma and coughing get worse after tumbling on gym mats or playing on an old carpet, the cause could be dust, moulds, or both. · If a youngster becomes wild and uncontrollable and has a peculiar spaced-out look after using a bathroom that smells of scented body preparations, deodorants or disinfectants, suspect chemicals. · Parents should learn to watch for dark eye circles (which can be black, blue or pink), red earlobes (sometimes becoming so hot that ice is needed to provide relief), nose-rubbing, skin-scratching, wiggly legs, yawning and various throaty sounds. · Small, horizontal wrinkles under the eyes are typical of allergic children, especially those who have eczema. Abnormally red rosy cheeks can occur in anyone, but they are particularly characteristic of allergic children two to four years old and of adult females who have multiple food or chemical allergies. · Facial twitches or tics, along with restless legs, are very common in some children. · Other muscles also can go into and out of spasm causing discomfort or pain. Foods, moulds and chemical odours, such as the smell of tar or perfume, are common but unsuspected causes. · Hives, which look like mosquito bites, are often caused by foods, dust, moulds or chemicals. · More generalised rashes can be caused by a chronic yeast infection (often following anti-biotic treatment), by contact with formaldehyde in polyester clothing or bedding or by some chemical found in a laundry detergent or fabric softener. · Stomach pains, 'winds', nausea, diarrhea, constipation or halitosis are commonly caused by an allergy to food or drink. · Recurrent headaches are another very common allergic symptom in all age groups. The pain may occur above or behind the eyes or on the sides, back or top of head. · Sudden unprovoked aggression in both children and adults can be related to allergy. It is often associated with red earlobes, wiggly legs, dark eye circles and a special 'look'. Behaviour may include hitting, biting, kicking, spitting and punching. · Yeast overgrowths may be caused by repeated courses of antibiotics (in children, frequently used to medicate ear infections or tonsillitis. A white-coated tongue is a common indication of excess yeast. This condition is different from the mottled 'geographic' tongue, which suggests a possible food allergy in children or adults. If the tongue is extremely white but also has bald, pink, spotty patches, that person may have a combination of a yeast overgrowth and food allergies. In young children it may be worth looking for a red ring around the anus, which is typical of a yeast overgrowth." · Lastly, a bloated or abnormally large abdomen may also be a sign of problems. This sometimes occurs with food allergies, but other digestive problems, such as chronic yeast infections and parasites are also common causes. The presence of parasites may also cause 'difficult' behaviour and underachievement. It is well worth checking that all children are given parasite ('deworming') treatments on a regular basis."
Misconceptions about Allergies and Intolerances "Food allergies and intolerances are more common than we may believe… For this reason, before labeling learning problems and poor behaviour, consider the role that chemicals, food and other environmental factors may be playing."
More Information about Allergies Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Allergies "IgE allergies occur when the immune system, in an effort to rejecta certain food or other substance, creates an antibody to that food, immunoglobulin E. In other words, the blood cells of an allergic person are 'misinformed' at the genetic level and cause the production of large quantities of IgE antibodies. The antibody becomes attached on one side to the food/substance molecule and on the other side to a mast cell (mast cells are a type of cell containing histamine and other allergy mediators instrumental in the allergic response). When this happens, histamines and other chemicals are released from the mast cells, causing such immediate responses as runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes and indigestion. IgE can cause anaphylaxis, an extreme, sometimes even life-threatening response in which the airways swell, sometimes to the point where the person cannot breathe."
Problems with Testing for Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Allergies "The most common tests for food allergies are IgE skin tests, where the skin is scratched or pricked and allergens such as wheat, eggs and milk are applied. Within 15 to 30 minutes, local reaction may occur. Other types of tests include blood tests and patch skin tests. However, there are reports that blood testing for food allergies provides more reliable results than skin testing. The latter are problematic because of their tendency to yield false positives. This means that people may show a positive result but are still able to eat a certain food. To summarise this difficult and confusing field, it appears that the efficacy of all allergy testing is under suspicion."
Lack of Knowledge about Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Allergies "Less is known about the other allergies, which are far more difficult to research and subsequently seldom mentioned or tested for by doctors. Some theorists are willing to explain the fairly common IgG allergies, where the body produces an abundance of immunoglobulin G in reponse to certain foods/substances. The body normally produces IgG antibodies to foods that one consumes regularly, Yet in cases that involve allergic responses, supporters of the theory say, great amounts are released. The IgG antibodies attach directly to the food, but not the mast cells, creating what is called an 'immune complex.' The allergic responses, which may include constipation, headaches, joint pain and depression, can be immediate or delayed, appearing up to several days after the food is consumed. But testing for IgG allergies is infrequently done. Hugh Sampson, chief of pediatric allergy immunology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York states that the validity of IgG tests has not been proven. He says that everyone makes IgG antibodies when they eat food and so IgG is not going to have any specific effect in allergy. Other doctors claim that extraordinarily elevated levels of IgG can indicate an allergic response."
Lactose Intolerance vs. Milk Allergy Confusion "In the case of milk, many people confuse milk allergy and lactose intolerance, but they are two different conditions. The enzyme lactase is needed to digest lactose (milk sugar). Most of the world's populations, excluding Northern Europeans and isolated groups in Northern India and Africa, are deficient in lactase. Many people of African, Latino and Mediterranean descent develop gas, bloating and intestinal cramping after having dairy products."
Links (from Lactose.co.uk) Information
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Other Links · No Cow's Milk for Me Thanks: Calcium: Life without Cow's Milk · VeggieBoards.com: Does Soy Milk Taste Good?
Examples of Chemical Triggers · "Tobacco smoke · Perfume · Traffic exhaust or gasoline fumes · Nail polish remover · Newspaper ink · Hair spray · Paint or paint thinner · Insecticides · Artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives in food · Adhesive tape · New carpet · Flame retardants on clothing and furniture (such as mattresses) · Felt tip pens · Chlorine in swimming pools" WebMD: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
"The main mechanism for chemical sensitivity is the failure of the body’s enzyme detoxification pathways to adequately clear chemical compounds. Both immune and non-immune processes have been involved." 'Chemical Sensitivity: It's a Serious Problem More Often Than You Think!!!' by Adrienne Buffaloe, MD
"Two things can go wrong with the body’s own detoxification process: (1) the oxidants that the body uses to detoxify foreign substances have little discrimination and can damage body tissue, and (2) when the liver is confronted with too many demands, an 'oxidative burst' can deplete the liver’s own reserve of antioxidants, which can in turn cause the release of oxidants that attack not only the liver but the fat-soluble regions such as the central nervous system. Helping the liver, however, are antioxidant pathways like glutathione (a peptide composed of three amino acids), taurine (another amino acid), vitamin E, and the enzymes catalase, peroxidase, and super-oxide dismutase." Nutrition for Optimal Health Association (NOHA) News: Chemical Sensitivity: Then and Now
"Food Intolerances or Allergiesare high on the list of offenders behavioral symptoms and problems. While · milk [dairy], · eggs, · nuts, · shellfish, · wheat and · soy products are common triggers for people with food sensitivities or allergies, simple sugar(s) have more of an effect on mood and hyperactivity than many other dietary factors, although some 'experts' on ADD or ADHD continue to challenge or dispute that fact. (see also Acu-Cell 'Sugar & Glycemic Index'). Additional problem sources to consider include · pets, · mold, · artificial food coloring and preservatives, · artificial sweeteners (aspartame), · dust mites, · caffeine, and · tobacco smoke." Acu-Cell Disorders: ADD/ADHD & Behavioral Problems
Dry Eye Syndrome · Dry Eye Syndrome: Related Conditions
Ear Congestion · Hearing Suggestions: Ear Congestion
Hypoglycemia · Hypoglycemia: Effects: Other Effects
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