Understanding Food Allergies and Sensitivities: What’s the Difference?
Food allergies and sensitivities can significantly impact your overall wellness, making it crucial to understand the differences between them. The immune system plays a pivotal role in how your body reacts to certain foods, with specific antibodies, such as IgE and IgG, driving different types of reactions. Knowing the distinctions between these reactions can help you make informed decisions about your diet and health.
Immunoglobulins: The Body’s Defense System
Immunoglobulins, commonly known as antibodies, are proteins produced by the immune system to protect your body from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and toxins. These antibodies can also respond to non-threatening substances like food, leading to allergic reactions or sensitivities. The two types of immunoglobulins most relevant to nutrition and food reactions are:
Immunoglobulin E (IgE):Â Responsible for immediate allergic reactions.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG):Â Linked to delayed food sensitivities that can cause long-lasting symptoms.
IgE Food Allergies: Immediate and Intense Reactions
IgE-mediated food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful. This triggers the production of IgE antibodies, which attach to mast cells and release histamines upon subsequent exposure to the allergen. Common symptoms of an IgE allergy include swelling, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. These reactions typically occur within seconds or minutes of consuming the allergenic food.
IgG Food Sensitivities: Delayed and Subtle Responses
Unlike IgE reactions, IgG-mediated food sensitivities are delayed and less obvious. Symptoms may appear hours or even days after consuming the offending food, making it challenging to identify the cause. IgG reactions can lead to chronic inflammation and are often associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines, and eczema. Testing for IgG antibodies and following an elimination diet can help identify and manage these sensitivities.
The Connection Between IgG and Leaky Gut
Leaky gut syndrome, a condition where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, is often linked to IgG food sensitivities. This condition can burden the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and potentially contributing to autoimmune diseases. Healing the gut through diet, probiotics, and other supportive therapies is crucial for reducing IgG sensitivities and restoring overall health.
IgG Testing and Elimination Diet: A Path to Wellness
Identifying food sensitivities through IgG testing is the first step toward reclaiming your health. An elimination diet, guided by a healthcare professional, helps remove offending foods and allows the gut to heal. After a period of avoiding these foods, you can gradually reintroduce them to see if your sensitivities have resolved. Many individuals experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall wellness after following this approach.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
At Stryker Optimal Health and Wellness, we are dedicated to helping you identify and manage food sensitivities to optimize your health. Schedule your free consultation today at www.strykerwellness.com and take the first step toward achieving total wellness.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Immunoglobulins: What they are and how they work. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10051-immunoglobulins
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2022). Understanding food allergies. Retrieved from https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/food-allergy
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2021). Food allergy basics. Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/food-allergy
Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). The gut-brain connection. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection
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