Herbs & Spices
·
This
panel looks at 24 common herbs including echinacea and milk thistle along with
24 common spices (e.g. cinnamon and vanilla).
Inhalants
·
This
panel looks at 48 common inhaled allergies from a variety of categories
including: grasses, molds, trees, weeds and airborne indoor particles.
Common Allergy
Related Conditions:
When an
allergic reaction occurs, the immune system reacts by releasing cells called
antibodies. The foods and inhaled particles that provoke the release of
antibodies are called 'allergens'. Two commonly produced antibodies are IgG
(immunoglobulin G) and IgE (immunoglobulin E).
Conditions
related to IgG allergies:
IgG allergic
reactions occur over several hours or days. With an IgG allergic reaction, IgG
antibodies attach themselves to the allergen and create an 'antibody-allergen
complex'. These complexes are normally removed by special cells in the liver and
spleen called macrophages, but if they are present in large numbers and the
allergen continues to be consumed, the body isn't able to remove them fast
enough. These allergen-antibody complexes accumulate and are deposited in body
tissues, causing the release of inflammation causing chemicals which contribute
to a variety of health problems:
Headaches and
high blood pressure
may result from
deposition of antibody-allergen complexes in blood vessels.
Mood disorders:
Deposition of antibody-allergen complexes in nervous system tissues may
contribute to hyperactivity, depression, anxiety, inability to concentrate and
other mood disorders.
Asthma and
recurring respiratory infections:
Deposition of
antibody-allergen complexes in lung tissue can cause a variety of respiratory
problems.
Eczema and
other skin conditions
may result from
deposition of antibody-allergen complexes in the skin.
Joint pain
may
result from deposition of allergen-antibody complexes in joints.
Runny noses and
puffiness around the eyes
can result from
allergic reactions.
Conditions
related to IgE allergies:
IgE reactions
occur within minutes or hours of exposure and release inflammation causing
chemicals like histamine, which are responsible for most of the symptoms
associated with IgE allergic reactions. These symptoms may include:
Redness and
swelling
are due to the
release of inflammation-causing chemicals like histamine which cause the blood
vessels to dilate, producing redness and swelling.
Tightening of
airways:
The release of
inflammation-causing chemicals like histamine can cause airway congestion and
constriction.
Itching:
The release
of inflammation-causing chemicals can cause stimulation of nerve endings, which
produce pain and itching on the skin surface.
Why Test For Food Allergies?
-
Because IgG
allergies are delayed hours or days after exposure and can be caused by
multiple foods, they are virtually impossible to identify without
testing. IgG allergy testing requires a simple finger poke, either at home
or in your practitioner's office. The blood from the finger poke is used to
saturate three test strips which are left to dry. The laboratory tests these
dried blood spots for IgG antibodies to a variety of different foods.
-
IgE testing is useful for unexplained allergic reactions like hives, or for
uncovering allergies to inhaled particles. IgE Allergy Testing requires a
needle puncture to withdraw blood, and the blood is centrifuged and the red
cells removed, leaving clear serum. The serum comes to the laboratory for
analysis.
Why Test ?
Good health has
a lot to do with maintaining balance; the right balance of work and play, the
right balance of nutrients in the diet, and the right kinds of foods.
Undiagnosed
food allergies may contribute to symptoms and biochemical changes that
eventually lead to illness.