Food Allergies: Origins & Treatments

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A food allergy is an abnormal reaction to food that triggers an immune response. In more severe cases such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) the body can’t defend itself and differs from a simple allergy. MCS affects over sixteen percent of Americans. 1

Food allergies often take place after a reduction of “friendly” bacteria in our gut’s microbiome that allow pathogenic organisms to move in, which initiates leaky gut. Particially digested foods accompany virus, bacteria and other organisms that now stream past the gut lining non-selectively. This process stimulates our immune system and identify foods we are commonly eating as problematic. Our immune system will mount a counter attack and create what we call a food allergy.

The liver also has a role to play in all this. Suffering from leaky gut, the liver is often in a state of over capacity and can no longer function effectively to perform acts like reducing toxins in the body. The increase in free floating toxins exacerbates an immune response already on high alert in an effort to protect itself from foreign particles from the gut. [See: Leaky Gut]

Treatment

Removing all toxins from the environment is the first step in recovery. This includes all toxins from meals containing pesticides, GMOs, molds and fungi. Also, take a look at personal care products including; shampoos, soaps, deodorants, perfumes, lotions and makeup. Many of these contain endocrine disrupting chemicals reviewed in a separate article. Secondly, the sleep environment must be cleared of mold, dust mites and mattresses treated with flame retardant chemicals. Investing in a HEPA filter would further improve air quality.

The causes of more severe cases are usually two-fold; liver toxicity and an imbalance of intestinal flora. The compounds in Hepatiben suport liver health and reductions in free floating toxins. Bringing the gut back into balance requires a reduction in opportunistic organisms like candida and biofilm, which can serve to protect deleterious organisms from our IgA (immune system compounds on the lumen side of our digestive tract. We recommend using a strong enzyme like Serrapeptase, to breakup biofilm and incorporating Candida Complex, is a great way to support candida rebalancing and reduction of GI tract parasites. More severe cases of leaky gut also benefit from repair ingredients of Leaky Gut Repair, so the soft tissue can recover. This will enable a surface that friendly bacteria can then bond to and flourish.