Identifying, Reducing, and Reversing Allergic Responses

 

Abstract

“Reversing Allergies” is a comprehensive exploration of various health issues such as asthma, allergies, celiac disease, and wheat resistance. This chapter delves into the different types of these conditions and offers insights into overcoming them. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of these ailments and provides strategies for reducing, eliminating, and reversing their effects. This chapter is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being.

 

Contents

Introduction

Understanding Allergies

• What are Allergies?
• The Immune Response in Allergies

Classifying Different Types of Allergies

• Food Allergies
  • Gluten Allergy
  • Celiac Disease
• Skin Allergies
• Respiratory Allergies
  • Asthma
• Drug Allergies

Natural Solutions for Allergies

• Dietary Changes
• Herbal Remedies
• Lifestyle Modifications

Conclusion

 

Introduction

Most dietary guidelines recommend including wheat in your meals. However, do you know that eating wheat could sometimes not be good for you?

Wheat is a very common ingredient in many diets due to its high nutritional value, and massive agricultural availability. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, not everyone can tolerate wheat in their diet. For some people, wheat can cause digestive issues. This is particularly true for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, a condition where the body cannot process gluten, a protein found in wheat. Consuming wheat can lead to symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, brain fog, irritability, and many others..

Moreover, wheat is a high-carbohydrate food. While carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet, consuming them in excess can lead to weight gain and other health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, people who are trying to lose weight or manage these conditions might choose to limit their intake of wheat. Furthermore, some people might have a wheat allergy, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild (like hives) to severe (like anaphylaxis). For these individuals, avoiding wheat is crucial.

Therefore, while wheat can be a healthy part of many people’s diets, it’s not suitable for everyone. Always listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you’re considering making significant changes to your diet.

Understanding Allergies

What are Allergies?

Allergies are hypersensitive immune responses to substances that either enter or come into contact with the body. These substances, known as allergens, can include certain foods, medication,pollen, or pet dander. The immune system reacts to these allergens by producing types of antibodies called immunoglobulins primarily IgE, but also other classes, such as IgG, IgG4, and IgA, which then cause allergic symptoms.

The Immune Response in Allergies

The immune system is designed to protect the body from harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. However, in people with allergies, the immune system mistakes harmless substances (allergens) for harmful invaders and mounts an attack. This immune response can cause inflammation in the skin, sinuses, airways, or the digestive system, leading to the various symptoms of an allergic reaction. The severity of these symptoms can vary widely from mild (such as a runny nose or itching) to severe (like anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction).

Classifying Different Types of Allergies

Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or a compound in food as harmful. This triggers cells to release antibodies known as Immunoglobulins (IgE, IgM, IgG, IgA ) ; these antibodies neutralize the allergy-causing food or food substance (the allergen), sometimes overreacting, causing symptoms-from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening.

Gluten Allergy

Gluten allergy is a type of food allergy with a reaction that occurs after consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This reaction can cause discomfort and damage to the lining of the small intestine.

What is gluten?

• Gluten is a type of protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. It is composed of two main groups of proteins: gliadin and glutenin. These proteins form a complex network that gives dough its elasticity and strength.
• Gluten has various functions in food processing and preparation. It can act as a binder, extender, stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener.Gluten has the ability to enhance the texture, preserve moisture, and augment the flavor of baked goods. Gluten is heat-stable and can withstand high temperatures without losing its properties.
• Gluten is also a dietary component that can affect human health. Some people have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, which means they cannot digest gluten properly and may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or fatigue. The most severe form of gluten intolerance is celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption.
• The amount of gluten consumed can fluctuate based on the quantity and type of foods eaten that contain gluten. The average daily gluten intake in a Western diet is estimated to be 5-20 g/day. (Biesiekierski, 2017) Gluten-containing grains are important sources of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. However, excessive or inadequate gluten consumption may have negative effects on health and well-being.

 

As gluten is the main structural protein of wheat and other cereals (barley, rye, etc.), it is also one of the principal dietary components for most of the world population since the birth of agriculture. This gluten has led to several diseases related to gluten exposure, the best studied of which are celiac disease (CD) and wheat allergy (WA).

Celiac disease has been a focus of scientific research, and scientists study the relationship between eating wheat and gluten effects. In addition, some people feel allergic to eating gluten and still don’t know why, or from where this allergy came from! Have you asked yourself once why you or others would like to eat brown rice rather than tasty pasta? This chapter will give you some answers to your questions and more detailed methods and explanations..

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is another type of food allergy,an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It’s an extreme form of gluten intolerance and can cause severe symptoms.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease (CD) is a condition that affects the small intestine and is triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The standard treatment for CD is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This diet allows the small intestinal mucosal injury to heal and eliminates the symptoms caused by gluten. Interestingly, this healing can still occur even when the diet includes oats and trace amounts of gluten, such as those found in industrially purified wheat starch-based gluten-free products. However, it’s important to note that healing will not occur if the individual is not compliant with the diet or if they are unknowingly consuming gluten. (Mäki, 2014)

Currently, the only remedy for Celiac Disease (CD) is a diet free from gluten. However, there are several potential treatments under development that show promise. These include drugs that can break down ingested gluten (glutenases), polymers that can bind to gluten and remove it from the body through feces, and even vaccines that could potentially induce tolerance to gluten. Clinical trials for these treatments are expected to begin soon, including trials involving children. (Mäki, 2014)

• Celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

The initial research on non-celiac gluten sensitivity, published in 2011, singled out gluten as the problem in the newly described condition. That study said gluten made some people’s intestines leaky and inflamed without causing celiac disease. The researchers concluded that these people were reacting to gluten in the foods they ate. Since that initial study, there have been many more studies that used pure wheat gluten to try and induce symptoms in people who believed they were gluten-sensitive. These have had mixed results. One study, for example, removed all gluten grain-based foods from 37 subjects’ diets and then fed them with pure wheat gluten (the subjects didn’t know when they were eating gluten and when they were eating a placebo). The people in the study didn’t experience digestive symptoms while eating the pure gluten, but some of them did get depression.

• Why do people get allergic to gluten?

1. Wheat grain has been altered to provide crops that are more resistant to drought and bake more easily. Our stomachs, however, have not adapted as quickly to these changes. We are eating more wheat products now than ever before.
2. Damaged gut flora or dysbiosis is also on the rise due to the high usage of antibiotics or consuming food that they can’t digest. The immune system may see the undigested gluten particles as microbial invaders and attack them.
3. Most domestic environments have become much cleaner over the past 50 years. This means, to some scientists, that our clean and sterile environment has made our antibodies unable to fend off so many bugs and infections-this has been called “the hygiene hypothesis”. Because of this ‘clean’ environment, our bodies may overreact to any items that should be harmless. Wheat and peanuts are common culprits in these studies.
4. Modernization and processing of our general diets has led to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.. They interfere with the body’s ability to suppress immune cells. These diets can also suppress the body’s immune system from attacking gluten particles.
5. Genetics are also likely involved, for some people.. Diseases are a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Therefore, responses are not uniform in all populations..

What is CD and how is it related to eating wheat and causing gluten allergy?

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage of the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications.

When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. These attacks lead to damage to the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, and promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body. Furthermore, celiac disease is a genetic disease, meaning that it runs in families. Sometimes the disease is triggered–or becomes active for the first time–after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional stress.

 

What are the consequences of gluten allergy?
A. short-term consequences

 

Diarrhea

The loose, watery stool is one of the first symptoms that many people experience before being diagnosed with celiac disease.

 

Bloating

Celiac disease can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, which may result in bloating as well as many other adverse digestive issues

 

Gas

Excess gas is a common digestive issue experienced by those with untreated celiac disease.

Fatigue Decreased energy levels and fatigue are prevalent in those with celiac disease.

Weight Loss
A sharp drop in weight and difficulty keeping weight on are often early signs of celiac disease.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Celiac disease can impair nutrient absorption and may lead to iron-deficiency anemia, a condition caused by a lack of red blood cells in the body (17).
Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include fatigue, weakness, chest pain, headaches, and dizziness.

Constipation
While celiac disease may cause diarrhea in some people, it may cause constipation in others.
Celiac disease damages the intestinal villi, which are tiny, finger-like projections in the small intestine that are responsible for absorbing nutrients.

Depression
Along with the many physical symptoms of celiac disease, psychological symptoms like depression are also prevalent.

Itchy Rash
Celiac disease may cause dermatitis, a type of itchy, blistering skin rash that can occur on the elbows, knees, or buttocks.

B. Long-term consequences

1. Malnutrition
   Many people with celiac disease will have trouble maintaining a healthy weight and may complain of fatigue and weakness because their damaged small intestine cannot absorb enough nutrients.
2. Bone loss
   Again due to malabsorption in the small intestine of calcium and vitamin D. Malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D has been linked to reproductive issues and those with untreated Celiac disease have a higher risk of miscarriage.
3. Lactose intolerance
4. Irritability and depression
5. Lymphoma and bowel cancer

individuals with Celiac disease who do not follow a gluten-free diet (also referred to as untreated Celiac disease patients) are at a higher risk for several forms of cancer. Also, eating gluten generates an immune response that destroys the intestinal cells lining the small intestine.

1. Dental defects
   Gluten can also damage the teeth and the enamel and cause discoloration, yellowness, or brown spots. It can also lead to canker sores and cause inflammatory gum diseases. Many people also develop bad breath with the ingestion of gluten. It can cause dry mouth syndrome and cause excessive ulcers in the mouth.

• Diagnosis process of gluten allergy:

Most people with celiac disease never know they have it. Researchers think as few as 20% of people with the disease ever get a proper diagnosis. The damage to the intestine is very slow, and symptoms are so varied, that it can be years before someone gets a diagnosis. There are two steps to finding out if you have celiac disease-causing of gluten in wheat and other sources:

1. Screening
   A simple blood test is available to screen for celiac disease. People with celiac disease who eat gluten have higher than normal levels of certain antibodies in their blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system because it views gluten (the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley) as a threat. You must be on a gluten-containing diet for antibody (blood) testing to be accurate.
2. Diagnosis

The only way to confirm a celiac disease diagnosis is to have an intestinal biopsy. A pathologist will assign a Modified Marsh Type to the biopsy findings. Type 3 indicates symptomatic celiac disease. However, Types 1 and 2 may also indicate celiac disease.

• Why are people unaware of the dangerous consequences of gluten allergy?

Not all people with celiac disease who follow a strict gluten-free diet don’t get better, but this doesn’t mean that a gluten-free diet is the wrong prescription for celiac disease because sometimes this depends on the individual, and other lifestyle factors.. For example, many people don’t really follow a diet or completely avoid food that has gluten.. In addition, most people get thave a genetic predisposition, and the condition may have been advancing slowly over a long period of time. In another case, not all GI tracts can lead to quick healing, so it may take some time to notice small intestinal healing.

How to avoid gluten

A gluten-free diet (GFD) is the cornerstone treatment for celiac disease (CD). This diet excludes the protein gluten-a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Gluten causes small intestines inflammation in patients with CD and eating a GFD helps these patients in controlling symptoms and preventing complications.

Be Aware of Your Food

Itis important to know that plenty of foods are naturally gluten-free and currently, it is relatively easy to find substitutes for gluten-containing foods. Certain grains, such as oats, are generally safe but can be contaminated with wheat during growing and processing… For these reasons, avoiding oats is generally recommended unless they are labeled gluten-free. Other products that may contain gluten include food additives, such as malt flavoring, modified food starch, and some supplements and/or vitamins that use gluten as a binding agent. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free foods come into contact with foods that contain gluten. It can happen during the manufacturing process or if the same equipment is used to make various products. Cross-contamination can also occur at home if foods are prepared on common surfaces or with utensils that have not been cleaned after being used to prepare gluten-containing foods (e.g. using a toaster for gluten-free and regular bread).

Follow GFD Strategies

Although safe and effective, the GFD is not easy: it is expensive, of limited nutritional value, and not readily available in many countries. Consequently, a need exists for novel, non-dietary therapies for celiac disease. Advances in the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of CD have suggested several types of therapeutic strategies alternative to the GFD. Some of these strategies attempt to decrease the immunogenicity of gluten-containing grains by manipulating the grain itself or by using oral enzymes to break down immunogenic peptides that normally remain intact during digestion. Other strategies focus on preventing the absorption of these peptides, preventing tissue transglutaminase from rendering gluten peptides more immunogenic or inhibiting their binding to CD-specific antigen-presenting molecules. Strategies that limit T-cell migration to the small intestine or that re-establish mucosal homeostasis and tolerance to gluten antigens are also being explored.

Academic and Industry Approaches

Additionally , there are several novel treatments in the research pipeline within both academic and industry research. Examples are the ideas of using gluten itself as a drug to degrade the ingested gluten, polymers to bind and sequester the gluten to the feces, and vaccine development for immunotherapy to induce tolerance towards gluten. Clinical drug trials are continuing in CD. Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start eating foods or medicines that contain gluten. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems. These include the development of other autoimmune disorders like Type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS), dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy skin rash), anemia, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy and migraines, short stature, and intestinal cancers.

Preventing andTreating Gluten Allergy Symptoms

1. Avoid foods and other products that trigger symptoms.
2. Control some symptoms with antihistamines and corticosteroids.
3. Use epinephrine (adrenaline), available by prescription, to reverse anaphylactic symptoms.

You should avoid all products that contain gluten, such as cereal, grains, pasta, and many processed foods. Be sure to always read food ingredient lists carefully to make sure the food you want to eat doesn’t have gluten. In addition, your doctor may refer you to a dietitian who specializes in treating people with celiac disease. The dietitian will teach you how to avoid gluten while following a healthy diet. He or she will help you

Remember:

• check food and product labels for gluten
• design everyday meal plans

• make healthy choices about the types of foods to eat

How to reverse gluten allergy

While no magic remedy can halt a reaction, you can take steps to speed up the healing process.

Stop eating! (Short-Term)
Try to avoid any food that contains gluten during the recovery period and give your digestion a break. You might not have an appetite at all, and that is ok. Honor what your body is telling you. Soups, stews, juices, cooked vegetables (avoid starchy or fibrous veggies), fruit (non-acidic), or a boiled egg are some good options.

Detoxification
Detox is always one of the best ways to reduce or eliminate many types of germs, microbes, and viruses. It also helps to repair your intestines from inflammation. There are several recipes for detox and you can choose the one you like and use it for as long a period of time as is comfortable for you, under proper guidance. In addition, ginger, mint, and chamomile tea are great for soothing the belly by aiding digestion and alleviating an upset stomach or nausea.

Fix your gut
More than 70% of our immune system is in our gut. Having a healthy gut is crucial for optimal health. These six tips below will help you heal your gut.

• Probiotics. Routinely, Doctors recommend taking a highly concentrated probiotic (25-100 billion units) a day. They usually advise patients to “double-up” on their probiotic dose for a week after gluten exposure.
• L-Glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid that is great for repairing damage to the gut, helping the gut lining to regrow and repair, and undoing the damage caused by gluten. Doctors recommend 3-5 grams a day for a week after exposure.
• Slippery elm. Slippery elm contains mucilage, which stimulates nerve endings in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to increase its secretion of mucus. The mucus forms a barrier in the gut to protect it and promote healing.
• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL,) DGL is an herb that’s been used for more than 3,000 years in the treatment of digestive issues, including ulcers and indigestion. DGL also supports the body’s natural processes for maintaining the mucosal lining of the GI tract.
• Marshmallow root is a multipurpose herb that can be used for respiratory or digestive relief. Like slippery elm, it contains mucilage, which eases the inflammation in the stomach lining, heals ulcers and treats both diarrhea and constipation by creating a protective lining on the digestive tract.
• Bone broth is very high in the anti-inflammatory amino acids glycine and proline. The gelatin in bone broth protects and heals the mucosal lining of the digestive tract that may get disrupted by gluten.

If ever you are in doubt about the gluten-free status of a product, drug, over-the-counter medicine, lipstick, or food, you are better off avoiding it. Taking a chance now could result in you paying the price later. It is your body, so choose wisely!

Skin Allergies

Skin allergies are a common health issue affecting people worldwide. They occur when the immune system reacts to a perceived threat that could typically be harmless to your body. (Wilson et al., 2018) Skin allergies are a reaction caused by allergens that can lead to skin inflammation, itching, redness, and swelling. Common skin allergies include eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis.

Types of Skin Allergies

1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, red, and flaky skin. It is often associated with other allergic conditions like hay fever and asthma. (Skin Allergies Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, 2022)

2. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen. Symptoms include redness, itching, and sometimes blisters.

3. Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is characterized by red, itchy welts on the skin. It can be triggered by various factors, including certain foods, medications, or exposure to heat or cold. (Skin Allergies Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, 2022)

4. Drug Allergy

A drug allergy is an allergic reaction to a medication. It can cause various skin symptoms, including hives, rash, and itchy skin. (Allergies – Symptoms and Causes, 2022)

Conventional Treatments

Conventional treatments for skin allergies primarily aim to relieve symptoms and prevent future allergic reactions. They include:

1. Allergen Avoidance: The most effective way to manage skin allergies is to identify and avoid the allergens causing the reactions.
2. Medications: Depending on the type and severity of the allergy, different medications may be prescribed. These can include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and in severe cases, epinephrine.
3. Immunotherapy: For severe allergies, allergen immunotherapy may be recommended. This involves a series of injections of purified allergen extracts. (Allergies – Diagnosis and Treatment, 2022)

Natural Treatments

Natural treatments can also be effective in managing skin allergies. These include:

1. Oatmeal: Oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe itchy skin. An oatmeal bath or poultice can be beneficial.
2. Baking Soda: Baking soda can help reduce inflammation and itching. It can be used as a paste or added to a bath.
3. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties and can be applied topically to relieve itching and inflammation.
4. Herbs: Certain herbs, such as chamomile and neem, have been used traditionally to soothe skin allergies. (Skin Allergy: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, 2023)

Respiratory Allergies

Respiratory allergies are allergic reactions that affect the nose, throat, and lungs. They are often caused by airborne allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen. Common respiratory allergies include allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be a minor nuisance for some, but for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning. Asthma affects people of all ages but it often starts during childhood. In the United States alone, more than 25 million people are known to have asthma. About 7 million of those affected are children. To understand asthma, it helps to know how the airways work. The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs.

People who have asthma have inflamed airways. The inflammation makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. The airways tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances. When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This narrows the airways, causing less air to flow into the lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways might make more mucus than usual. A mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow the airways. This chain reaction can result in asthma symptoms. Symptoms can happen each time the airways are inflamed. Asthma can also go hand in hand with food allergies. When you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or substance as something harmful, and in response, your immune system triggers cells to release an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the allergy-causing food or allergen. The antibody senses it and signals your system to release a chemical called histamine, along with other chemicals like leukotrienes and prostaglandins, into your bloodstream. These chemicals together are what cause allergy symptoms.

Different Types of Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma- Exercise-induced asthma is when someone experiences shortness of breath because of exercise. Symptoms—Coughing (most common), wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), “symptoms… do not occur immediately at the start of exercise”^[1]. They state that sometimes symptoms begin sometime during exercise, and usually get worse a few minutes after the exercise is over. Sometimes, some people may experience a “second wave of symptoms” that can last up to twelve hours after exercise.

Aspirin-induced asthma- Sufferers of this type of asthma have asthma attacks that are triggered after taking aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, and other related medications^[2]. Symptoms—Ongoing sinus infection, nasal polyps, sensitivity to aspirin & other related medications.

Non-allergic asthma- asthma that is not caused by allergy-related factors, such as stress. Symptoms—Rapid breathing, airways blocked by mucus, chest tightness/pain, wheezing, shortness of breath.

Adult-onset asthma- asthma that is diagnosed in adults is called adult-onset asthma and is typically caused by allergens in the workplace environment. Symptoms—Sudden asthma symptoms, such as those of non-allergic asthma.

Allergic asthma- Allergies and asthma go hand in hand. When you have allergic asthma, that simply means that your asthma is triggered by your allergies.^[3] Allergies are caused by allergens, which are any substances that affect your immune system and cause an allergic reaction^[4].

Major & Root Causes of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory condition that causes swelling and blockage in the airways. It can range in severity, and there are several types, depending on the cause and the age at which asthma begins. Anyone of any age can develop asthma. Women are more likely to develop the condition after the age of 20 years, and smoking and air pollution heavily contribute to the issue.

The immune system and asthma share a strong link, and people with asthma often have other allergies. A young child might find that asthma seems to resolve without treatment but returns in adult life. However, moderate and severe cases often require treatment. Asthma attacks involve a sudden and severe recurrence of symptoms, and these are how younger children normally experience asthma. Adult-onset asthma tends to be more constant and persistent. Diagnosing asthma involves testing lung function and immune response, as well as assessing an individual for other conditions with similar symptoms to asthma risk of asthma for young children. We don’t know all the causes of food allergies. However, research suggests they develop from a mix of genetic and environmental influences.

Family history is also known to play a role in asthma. You’re more likely to have a food allergy if a close family member does. If you have other kinds of allergic reactions – conditions like asthma, eczema or hayfever– you are also at greater risk. You may also become more sensitive to a food allergen if you are exposed to it through air or skin contact. Having pets, livestock, or siblings in your environment may lower your risk. The bacteria in your stomach (known as the microbiome) may even have something to do with it. Food Allergy can occur because of the changing conditions of life and environmental changes (e.g. increased popularity of cesarean delivery, excessive hygienic regime during the neonatal-infantile period). Based on medical statistics, it can be concluded that this problem will be intensified. Consumption of food is one of the main activities in human life. What and how one eats affects our health. Meals eaten regularly provide the components necessary for energy metabolism.

Multicultural society, travel, and new trends affect the diversity of food consumed. Food traditions of different countries encourage the consumption of certain specific products, which if consumed frequently and in large amounts can cause allergic symptoms. For example, in Italy, there are quite frequent cases of allergy to certain fruits, raw vegetables, tomatoes, and corn. In the countries of northern Europe, the allergy to cod, often consumed in the daily diet, dominates. In the United States, high consumption of peanuts is responsible for an increasing number of extremely rapid allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock.

Allergens may be divided into two groups: resistant and non-resistant to heat. The former group of allergens is linked to the order of amino acids in the protein segment. This group includes peanut allergens, cod, milk lactoglobulin, and egg white ovalbumin, all of which are resistant to heat and act even after cooking the product. The latter group is associated with the spatial structure of the protein. The impact of high temperature causes changes in the three-dimensional structure of the protein, these allergens, predominantly fruits, vegetables, or meat, often lose their sensitization by boiling, while they are still active in raw fruits and vegetables

In 1995, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) compiled a list consisting of eight groups of foods that cause most food allergies. A number of clinical experiences from Europe and North America suggest that these eight groups of foodstuffs are responsible for about 90% of all food allergies. The main causes of protein allergies are milk, eggs, peanuts, other nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, cereals, and sensitizing at different frequencies. According to the law, in the European Union, ready meals may contain a mixture of different known allergens without having to show data on the individual components of the package. The “25 percent rule” states that the components of the product must be listed separately only if their share exceeds 25%. According to the Act, the ingredients of a food product and not the individual substances in the ingredients must be shown.

According to the literature, food allergies may increase as a result of the use of genetically modified products. In the research of Brazil nut gene insertion to soybean genetic material, allergies in patients who are allergic to these nuts were reported. Manipulating the composition of plant proteins without the knowledge of their allergenic potential can be very dangerous. However, not every genetic modification may have negative effects. In the U.S.A for example, major work was carried out on removing allergens from peanuts to get the nut free of allergens.

Root Cause of Food Allergy & Asthma

1. Inflammation in the lung tissue: This can cause the airways to narrow, leading to symptoms of asthma. Inflammation can be caused by various factors, including allergens and irritants in the air.
2. Infection in the intestine: Certain infections, particularly in early life, can disrupt the gut microbiome. This disruption can potentially lead to the development of food allergies.
3. Food allergy: This occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or a substance in food as something harmful. The immune system triggers cells to release antibodies known as Immunoglobulins (IgE, IgG, IgM) antibodies to neutralize the allergy-causing food or food substance (the allergen).
4. Lack of vitamin D & essential fatty acids: Both vitamin D and certain fatty acids play crucial roles in immune system function. Deficiencies in these nutrients can disrupt immune function and potentially contribute to allergies and asthma.
5. Triggers: Certain substances or conditions can trigger an allergic reaction or an asthma attack. These can include certain foods, pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold spores, respiratory infections, physical activity, cold air, and stress.
6. Life has become disconnected from nature: Modern lifestyles often involve spending less time outdoors and more time in environments with filtered air. This can reduce exposure to a variety of microbes that might help to train and regulate the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to allergies and asthma.
7. Kidney and adrenal function: The kidneys and adrenal glands play key roles in regulating hormones that are involved in stress response, inflammation, and immune function. Disruptions in these functions can potentially contribute to allergies and asthma.
8. Liver dysfunction: The liver plays a key role in detoxification. If its function is impaired, it may lead to an accumulation of toxins which can trigger inflammatory responses leading to allergies and asthma.
9. Gene: Genetic factors can make certain individuals more susceptible to developing allergies and asthma.
10. And many more…: There are many other factors that can contribute to the development of allergies and asthma, including age, sex, obesity, smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke or pollution, etc.

Diagnosis Process of Asthma

Diagnosing food allergies can be as complicated as the medical condition itself. Diagnostic testing offers clues about the causes of symptoms but it cannot determine whether someone has a food allergy with absolute certainty without a long term study. To make a diagnosis, specialized allergists (Immunology specialists) ask detailed questions about the history of allergy symptoms.

The allergist will then usually order a blood test (such as an ImmunoCAP exam) and may perform a skin prick food allergy exam, which indicates whether food-specific IgE antibodies are present in your body for that specific allergen. Such a test can take around 30 minutes and is done in a doctor’s office. The test is administered on the patient’s arm or back by pricking the skin with a sterile small probe containing a tiny amount of the allergen. The tests, which are usually not painful, are considered positive if a wheal (which resembles a mosquito bite) develops at the site of pricking. Allergists will interpret both results (from the prick test along with the blood test) and after roughly one to two weeks, report as a numerical value. This will aid in a diagnosis. While both tools may signal a food allergy, neither is conclusive, and a positive result won’t always indicate that a patient will react to that food when it’s eaten. A negative test is more helpful to rule out a food allergy. One of the major issues with Diagnosing food allergies is that while results may conclude whether there is an allergic reaction or not, neither test can predict the severity of a food allergic reaction.

More recently, other comprehensive blood tests have been developed, and are widely used to examine more than an acute food allergy response (IgE), but also delayed immunologic responses (IgG, IgA, IgG4, IgM), which also test for a much larger array of potential ingestion (food, spices, herbs, etc.) reactions. (https://www.usbiotek.com/food-sensitivity-testing)

Personal and medical history is what is primarily looked at in order to diagnose asthma alone. Wheezing, coughing, and tightness in your chest may cause asthma. A history of allergies or eczema increases your chance of asthma as well as a family history of asthma, allergies or eczema tell your doctor about any home or work exposure to environmental factors that can worsen asthma. After a physical exam, which may include a lung function test that detects how well you exhale air from your lungs, you may also need an x-ray of your lungs or sinuses. The Lung function tests measure breathing before and after breathing in a bronchodilator, which opens up your airways. They then measure if the improvement is significant on the medication. Common lung function tests can be measured with spirometry meters, peaks air flow meters, FeNO test (exhaled nitric oxide), and provocation tests.

Based on diagnosis, it would be classified into four categories:

Intermittent Asthma- You have symptoms less than twice a week and wake up less than two nights a month.

Mild Persistent Asthma- You have symptoms two or more days a week and wake up three to four nights a month.

Moderate Persistent Asthma- You have symptoms at least every day and wake up one or more nights a week.

Severe Persistent Asthma- You have symptoms during the day and wake up every night due to asthma.

Treatment

Conventional treatment utilizes medications, such as inhalers, which are used to control asthma attacks. Some medications may include:

• Inhalers/bronchodilators: they are especially useful in emergency situations. Their main function is to make the muscles in the airways dilate for more air to pass through.
• Medications used to control airway inflammation and constriction: albuterol, metaproterenol, and terbutaline. Corticosteroids are also prescribed as they help to control inflammatory diseases.
• Long-term treatment: anti-IgE drugs like cromolyn and omalizumab. However, they are not applicable to all patients and need to be prescribed as injections once or twice a month. They directly impact immune system functioning and might contribute to side effects, such as nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, nausea, nosebleeds, GI symptoms, mood changes, and dry throat.

Lifestyle treatment reduces exposure to allergens and irritants while staying away from dusty environments. Also, take care of dietary plans by removing inflammatory foods such as packaged food with preservatives and allergic foods. Elimination of smoking and avoidance of exposure to cigarette smoke. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by staying active and exercising.

Another option is home treatment, essentially the way we eat directly affects our health. That’s why home remedies are mainly about controlling food sources. There are many types of food that can improve the respiratory system and reduce asthma symptoms, some may include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: can be found in most fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines and are believed to relieve the symptoms by reducing the inflammation that triggers asthma. Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA’s) can also be taken in supplemental form, specifically EPA and DHA.
• Vitamin C and E: Vitamin C can be found in fruits like oranges, cherries, and grapefruits and vitamin E can be found in nuts, plant oils, and seeds. They could ease the inflammation of asthma attacks.
• Honey: has been known for a long as an effective treatment for cough and cold. Having enriched antibacterial components, honey is a good remedy for allergies, infections, or inflammation. Particularly useful for environmental allergies is honey from local bees.
• Beans and grains: contain magnesium, which is supposed to be active in promoting the function of the lungs.
• Leafy greens: help to control inflammation and clear obstruction in the airways

How to reverse food allergies & asthma?

1. Food elimination
2. Control consumption of processed sugar/carb
3. Harmful chemical-free home
4. Improve immune system
5. Improve liver function
6. REPLENISH GOOD BACTERIA
7. Intermittent fasting
8. Aerobic exercise and improved sleep quality
9. Specific foods and vitamins
   1. Bitter food-local raw honey
   2. Omega 3 (wild-caught fish, bone broth) over Omega 6
   3. Apple cider vinegar
   4. Vit D3, A, C
   5. Zinc
   6. Flavonoids: colorful veggies
   7. Fruits: Bromelain, anthocyanins, malic acid
10. Herb and Foods:
    1. Turmeric-Spirulina-Garlic-Licorice-Goldenseal Root
    2. Ginger, Lemon, Cayenne pepper
    3. Smoothies: Turmeric with greens, fruits, carrot beets.

Risk Factors

Asthma can develop into further respiratory problems and diseases, which may include: shortness of breath. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF): a form of interstitial lung disease that results in scars in the lungs. PF is a serious disease that can cause death, but medical advancements can now expand the life expectancy of patients with PF.^[5] Lung cancer: The risk of lung cancer among asthma patients is high because the patients may have impaired lung functions, which are vulnerable to cancer. The chances are increasing in those who smoke^[6], and exercise could be an effective way to improve asthma outcomes, and the combination of these two non-pharmacological interventions needs to be thoroughly evaluated. Dietary intervention, based on evidence-based guidelines, should be incorporated into the routine clinical diagnosis and management of patients with asthma, in order to achieve overall health benefits and disease management.

Drug Allergies

Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to a drug. A drug allergy involves an immune response in the body that produces an allergic reaction to a medicine. The first time you take the medicine, you may have no problems. But, your body may become sensitized to the drug. That means your body has learned to defend itself from the drug. Then, if you take the drug again, it may cause an allergic reaction.

A drug allergy is an allergic reaction to a medication. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as a harmful substance, such as a virus or bacterium. This can happen the first time you take a drug, but sometimes an allergy doesn’t develop until there have been repeated exposures. (Drug Allergy – Symptoms and Causes, 2022)

Symptoms of Drug Allergies

Symptoms of a drug allergy can range from mild to severe and may include: (Drug Allergies | Reactions, Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website, n.d.)

• Skin rash or hives
• Itching
• Wheezing or other breathing problems
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock

These symptoms may occur immediately after taking the drug, or they may develop hours, days, or even weeks later.

Common Triggers of Drug Allergies

Any medicine — nonprescription, prescription or herbal — can provoke a drug allergy. However, certain medicines are more likely to cause allergic reactions. These include:

• Penicillin and related antibiotics
• Antibiotics containing sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen
• Anticonvulsants
• Chemotherapy drugs

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect you have a drug allergy, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether your symptoms are due to an allergy or a side effect of the medication.

The best way to treat a drug allergy is to avoid the drug that causes the allergic reaction! If you accidentally take a drug you’re allergic to, medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids can help relieve your symptoms. In severe cases, emergency treatment is necessary. (Drug Allergies | Reactions, Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website, n.d.)

Drug allergies can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you have a drug allergy, it’s important to inform all your healthcare providers, including your pharmacist, about your allergy. You may also want to wear a medical alert bracelet that lists your drug allergies. Remember, it’s always better to prevent an allergic reaction than to have to treat one after it occurs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a thorough understanding of several health issues-including diet, lifestyle, home, workplace, and environmental exposures can offer practical solutions for overcoming alrgies. The chapter underscores the significance of addressing these conditions at their roots and limiting , reducing, or reversing their impacts. It serves as a beacon of hope for those suffering from ailments like asthma, allergies, celiac disease, and wheat resistance, offering them a path toward improved health and a better quality of life. The strategies outlined in this chapter have the potential to transform lives by empowering individuals to take control of their health, and live healthier and longer lives.

References (book)

1. Elwany, Sammy “Otolaryngology: Open Access: Food Allergy”, Department of Otolaryngology, March 15, 2017.

2.Dr. Haque, ND, PhD. (2021, February 6). Allergy & Asthma solution in natural integrative & Functional medicine

3.Mayo Clinic. (2020a, August 4). Allergies – Symptoms and causesNIH National Library of Medicine. (2018, May 16). Allergy. MedlinePlus

4.American Lung Association, “Pulmonary Fibrosis Types and Causes” March 27, 2020.

5.Moyer, Paula “Another Blow for ASthma Sufferers”, WebMD, LLC. 2021.

6.US National LIbrary of Medicine National Institutes of Health, “Diet and Asthma: Is It Time to Adapt Our Message?”, Nov 8, 2017. doi 10.3390/nu9111227.

7.American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, “Types of Food Allergy”, American COllege of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2014.

8.Olivier, Eduardo O. “Journal of Allergy & Therapy: Food Allergy”, Instituto Alergoimundo de Americana, 2013.

9.DR. Ks. Gopi, “Homoeopathy for food allergy”, Linkedin, November 11, 2016.

10.Olga, Luengo. et al. “The Potential of Maternal Dietary Modification for Prevention of Food Allergy”, 2013.

11.Sur Genel, et al. “Food Allergy: Always a Threat, How do we Treat it?”, Pharmaceut Anal Acta, 2013.

12.Scott H. Sicherer, et al. “Food allergy”, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Volume 125, February 2010. pages s354.

13.US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States”, PMC, Nov 24, 2014.

14.Editorial Team, “Types of Asthma”, Health Union, LLC. April 8, 2015.

15.American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, “What Causes Asthma?”, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2014.

American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, “Asthma 101: What is Asthma?”, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2014.

.16Mayo Clinic, “Asthma”, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), 2021.

17.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute “Asthma”, September 18, 2014.

18.Patient Education, “What is Asthma?”, American Thoracic Society, Am J Respir Crit Care Med VOl. 202, pg 25-26, 2020.

19.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Asthma: In Depth”, Turning Discovery into Health, August 15, 2021.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6041720/
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gluten-free-foods
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24979194
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24938882
5. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/celiac-disease#1
6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/celiac-disease-symptoms#section3
7. https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/screening-and-diagnosis/
8. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/clinical-trials
9. https://www.google.com/search?q=gluten+free+foods&safe=strict&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS809US809&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwihpZHqw5veAhVEiKYKHTzfB2EQ_AUIDygC&biw=1920&bih=976#imgrc=jt5y1LXigaTJTM:
10. https://www.google.com/search?q=symptoms+of+celiac+disease&safe=strict&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS809US809&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiq8Jf9qpveAhWwt1kKHVk5DhQQ_AUIDigB&biw=1920&bih=976#imgrc=0kkWtzxI4BAZpM:
11. https://www.google.com/search?q=symptoms+of+celiac+disease&safe=strict&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS809US809&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiq8Jf9qpveAhWwt1kKHVk5DhQQ_AUIDigB&biw=1920&bih=976#imgdii=igwxJ-2F4aC2DM:&imgrc=HsYO20fLcSIn9M
12. https://www.google.com/search?q=avoid+foods+in+gluten+free+diet&safe=active&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS809US809&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwivvaLSxpveAhXlmeAKHSRvCbkQ_AUIDygC&biw=1920&bih=976#imgrc=HAMfWqNqtC0VHM:
13. https://threebakers.com/5-reasons-gluten-intolerance-is-on-the
14. https://www.naturalfertilityandwellness.com/wheatless-wednesday-can-you-prevent-gluten-intolerance/
15. https://www.glutenfreeliving.com/gluten-free-lifestyle/tips-advice/tips-recover-gluten-exposure/
16. http://ortoday.com/should-you-go-gluten-free/
17. Nucera, E., Aruanno, A., Ianiro, G., Cammarota, G., Gasbarrini, A., & Schiavino, D. (2018). Wheat desensitization treatment in patients with gluten sensitivity. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postȩpy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 35(3), 320-322. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2018.76229
18. Healthline. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gluten-free-foods
19. Mäki M. Celiac disease treatment: gluten-free diet and beyond. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 Jul;59 Suppl 1:S15-7. doi: 10.1097/01.mpg.0000450397.76521.f9. PMID: 24979194.
20. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24938882
21. WebMD. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/celiac-disease#1
22. Healthline. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/celiac-disease-symptoms#section3
23. Celiac Disease Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/screening-and-diagnosis/
24. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/clinical-trials
25. Three Bakers Gluten Free Bakery. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://threebakers.com/5-reasons-gluten-intolerance-is-on-the
26. Natural Fertility and Wellness. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.naturalfertilityandwellness.com/wheatless-wednesday-can-you-prevent-gluten-intolerance/
27. Gluten-Free Living Magazine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.glutenfreeliving.com/gluten-free-lifestyle/tips-advice/tips-recover-gluten-exposure/
28. OR Today Magazine. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ortoday.com/should-you-go-gluten-free/

Biesiekierski J. R. (2017). What is gluten?. Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology, 32 Suppl 1, 78–81. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.13703

References

Allergies – Diagnosis and treatment. (2022, August 5). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351503

Allergies – Symptoms and causes. (2022, August 5). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497

Drug Allergies | Reactions, Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website. (n.d.). American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/drug-allergies/

Drug allergy – Symptoms and causes. (2022, October 26). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371835

Skin Allergies Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know. (2022, November 29). Verywell Health. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-allergies-facts-and-statistics-6455160

Skin Allergy: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. (2023, October 31). Acko. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.acko.com/health-insurance/diseases/skin-allergy/

Wilson, D. R., Frothingham, S., & Kubala, J. (2018, July 12). Skin Allergy Home Remedy: Natural Alternatives. Healthline. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-allergy-home-remedy

1. Dr. Haque, ND, PhD. (2021, February 6). Allergy & Asthma solution in natural integrative & Functional medicine approach! | LIVE | Dr. Haque [Video]. YouTube. ↑
2. Mayo Clinic. (2020a, August 4). Allergies – Symptoms and causes ↑
3. Mayo Clinic. (2020b, August 11). Asthma – Symptoms and causes ↑
4. NIH National Library of Medicine. (2018, May 16). Allergy. MedlinePlus ↑
5. American Lung Association, “Pulmonary Fibrosis Types and Causes” March 27, 2020. ↑
6. Moyer, Paula “Another Blow for ASthma Sufferers”, WebMD, LLC. 2021. ↑