Food allergies and food sensitivities are two distinct types of adverse reactions to certain foods. While they share similarities in symptoms, understanding the differences between them is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Food allergies are immune-mediated reactions to specific foods. When an individual with a food allergy consumes the triggering food, their immune system identifies certain proteins as harmful and mounts an immediate response. This immune response releases histamine and other chemicals, leading to symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Food sensitivities, also known as food intolerances, are non-immune reactions to certain foods. They involve difficulty digesting or processing specific components of food, such as lactose, gluten, or certain food additives. Symptoms of food sensitivities can vary and may include bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, and skin issues. Unlike food allergies, food sensitivities generally have a delayed onset of symptoms, making them harder to identify.
In Functional medicine we utilize various approaches to diagnose food allergies including:
-Medical History and Symptom Assessment: Gathering a detailed medical history, including information about symptoms experienced after specific food exposures, can provide valuable insights.
-Elimination Diets: Elimination diets involve removing suspected allergenic foods from the diet for a period and then reintroducing them one by one while monitoring for symptom development.
-Skin Prick Tests: Skin prick tests involve placing small amounts of allergenic proteins on the skin's surface and assessing for allergic reactions, such as redness and swelling.
-Blood Tests: Blood tests, such as IgE antibody tests and specific IgE tests, measure the levels of specific antibodies produced in response to allergenic proteins.
In addition, our diagnostic method to identify food sensitivities include:
-Elimination-Provocation Diets: Similar to elimination diets for allergies, elimination-provocation diets involve removing suspected trigger foods from the diet for a period and then reintroducing them while monitoring for symptom development.
-Food Sensitivity Testing: IgG antibody testing is commonly used to identify food sensitivities. Blood tests measure IgG antibodies specific to various food antigens to assess immune reactions.
When it comes to the treatment of food allergies and sensitivities, functional medicine takes a comprehensive approach that aims to address the underlying causes of the allergy and sensitivities rather than just managing the symptoms. Here are some key aspects of the functional medicine approach to treating food allergies:
1. Identification and elimination of trigger foods: We use various methods to identify food allergies, such as comprehensive elimination diets, food sensitivity testing, and blood tests. Once trigger foods are identified, they are eliminated from the diet.
2. Gut healing and optimization: Since the health of the gut plays a crucial role in food allergies and sensitivities, functional medicine focuses on healing and optimizing gut function. This may involve using supplements to support the gut lining, addressing dysbiosis (imbalanced gut microbiome), and promoting healthy digestion.
3. Nutritional support: Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-dense diet to support the immune system and overall health. This may involve incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, nutrient-rich foods, and specific supplements to address nutrient deficiencies.
4. Immune system modulation: Functional medicine aims to modulate the immune system and reduce hypersensitivity reactions to allergenic foods. This may involve using natural anti-inflammatory agents, such as omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin, and supporting immune system balance, Low Dose immunotherapy and Low Dose Naltrexone.
5. Lifestyle modifications: Functional medicine recognizes the impact of lifestyle factors on food allergies. Stress management techniques, regular exercise, and optimizing sleep patterns may be recommended to support overall immune system function.
It's important to note that the treatment of food allergies and sensitivities should always be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, such as a functional medicine practitioner or allergist. Angelica Clark PA-C, IFMCP is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner located in Texas who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific allergies and health needs. Reach out to us today!
clarkwellnesswaco.com -(254) 386-8149
References:
1. Sicherer, S. H. et al. (2018). Food allergy: A review and update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 141(1), 41–58.
2. Aziz, I. et al. (2015). Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity: Clinical Relevance and Recommendations for Future Research.