It’s not just “bad” food that causes problems with digestion and absorption. Any food, including “good” food, has the potential to become an allergen in the body. Food allergies are very common and very often overlooked.
When most people hear the word “allergy” they think of typical symptoms like skin rash, hives, swollen throat, itchy/watery eyes, and nasal discharge. However, these symptoms really only reflect one type of allergy, the IgE-Mediated Immediate Sensitivity Reaction. This type of allergy is relatively uncommon for most foods and typically in not involved in most people’s health concerns.
The most common type of food allergy is called an IgG-Mediated Delayed Sensitivity Reaction. This type of allergy occurs when a substance triggers the release of immunoglobulin G (IgG), an inflammatory product of the white blood cells, into the bloodstream. The symptoms usually occur anywhere from 2 to 48 hours after exposure and are of a chronic and inflammatory nature. Common signs and symptoms include indigestion, gas, bloating, cramping, eczema, psoriasis, headaches, edema, chronic pain, and physical and mental fatigue. Anti-histamines do not improve these symptoms because histamine production is not involved. The best way to test for IgG-mediated allergies is to examine a blood sample from the white blood cell population for immunoglobulin G production.
One of the most valuable tests I run in my office identifies this type food allergy. It test identifies the amount of IgG produced by white blood cells in the presence of various foods. Testing for IgG allergies helps to identify foods that may cause various conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, heartburn, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammatory disease.
The results of the test are highly reliable and form the basis for prescribing specific foods and nutritional supplements that decrease inflammation and repair the digestive system. Because the food you eat plays such a significant role in determining your overall health, this test can be invaluable. IgG testing is not just for people who have a suboptimal diet. In fact, it is especially valuable for those who appear to have a healthy diet.