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Naturopath Merran Wood talks about the difference between Allergies and food intolerances
Reactions to foods, especially with young children, are more and more prevalent these days than ever before. You cannot go to a crèche, childcare centre, kindergarten or school without coming across a child with special dietary requirements or the need to carry an epipen at all times.
 The word ‘allergy’ is what is used to describe a physiological immune reaction to a particular food. There are two types of immune cells or ‘antibodies’ involved in an allergies, either IgE anaphylactic or IgG delayed sensitivity reactions. It is possible to get testing for both types of antibody groups to confirm or discover the presence of a food allergy.
Food intolerances are not a true food allergy in that there are no antibody immune cells involved. Lactose and fructose intolerance are the most common intolerances seen today. These intolerances are caused by a lack of enzymes in the digestive tract to break down these sugars found commonly in milk (lactose), and fruit (fructose).
The following table compares these food reactions, the type of tests available, and typical outcomes for each allergy or intolerance.
| IgE Food Allergy |
IgG Food Allergy |
Food Intolerance |
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An Instant anaphylactic reaction occurs. These vary from hives, acute asthma, tongue/throat swelling and if left untreated - loss of consciousness due to lack of oxygen.
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A delayed reaction occurs often taking 24-48 hrs to appear. symptoms vary greatly in type and severity. These include eczema, asthma, headaches, digestive disturbances, fatigue, hyperactivity, sinusitis and joint pain.
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An intolerance to lactose or fructose most commonly presents mainly with digetive disturbances such as loose stools, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, colic etc.
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Skin scratch testing is available through GP referral and is mostly Medicare rebateable. Be prepared for up to 6 months wait at most allergy centres as this service is in high demand at present.
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Blood testing is available through allied health practitioners, mostly Naturopaths, who will take the blood sample, then send it to an independent laboratory for testing. There are no Medicare or private health insurance rebates for the lab testing. There is no wait for testing and results come back within two to three weeks.
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Testing is available through GP referral to mainstream pathology labs, or through a naturopath with referral to a private laboratory.
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Testing is limited to around 12 suspected allergens, which are exposed to small scratched areas of the skin. How the skin responds determines the presence of an allergen and the severity and the severity of response to that allergen.
This test can also be used to test for environmental allergens such as pollens, grasses, dust mite, chemicals etc.
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Testing can be for up to 96 food groups, and lists the presence of severity of antibody response.
A full report plus rotational food program is provided with test results.
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Testing will only confirm or rule out an intolerance.
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IgE allergies are harder to outgrow and severe anaphylactic reactions usually mean complete avoidance of that allergen for life. Desensitisation treatments are available through allergy specialist centres.
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IgG allergies have a greater chance of being overcome than IgE allergies. Avoidance followed by a rotation diet is quite successful for overcoming an allergy.
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Infants will sometimes outgrow lactose intolerances from 6 months onwards.
Adult intolerances are sometimes much harder to overcome, as often genetics and long standing digestive imbalances will prevent recovery of brush border enzymes in the gut.
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NATUROPATHIC TREATMENT FOR ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES:
After determining the presence of an allergy or intolerance, it is important to eliminate the foods that trigger symptoms, but also important to address underlying immune and digestive tract imbalances. The naturopathic treatments available to assist correcting these key areas include:
- Replenishing and maintaining good intestinal bacteria or probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Probiotic bacteria keep digestive health in check by reducing fermentation of food and preventing leaky gut syndrome.
- Restore gut lining with omega 3 oils, glutamine, slippery elm and insoluble fibre.
- Cold and flu management - with minimal use of immune suppressive medications (paracetamol, neurofen, decongestants, antibiotics), to encourage proper immune response to actual pathogens like viruses and bacteria, and not to food proteins.
Written by Merran Wood N.D.
Merran provides a mobile service to the Mornington Peninsula, you can contact her through her website www.mwnaturopath.com.au
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Kids Health 