FED UP WITH FOOD ALLERGIES

By Dr. Natasha Montroy, ND

Have you ever wondered if your child is suffering from undiagnosed food allergies? Most parents have, and that is why concerns regarding food allergies are the leading cause of pediatric visits to our clinic. Food allergies in children may present with a variety of symptoms from mild to severe. Typical symptoms of food allergies and sensitivities may include one or more of the following: itching, puffy eyes, constipation, diarrhea, bloody stools, hives, stomach upset, nausea, runny nose, sneezing, difficulty concentrating, poor attention, eczema, fatigue, fussiness, gas or darkness or swelling under the eyes (allergic shiners). There is also evidence that food allergies may be linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, depression, autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), headaches, fatigue, hay fever, and chronic ear infections. The most common food allergen in children is cow dairy, although wheat, citrus, soy, eggs, corn, shellfish, peanuts and other nuts are also common allergens. Children who have food allergies, eczema and asthma may also have a genetic disposition toward other common allergic family members.

Food allergies and sensitivities trigger a hypersensitivity reaction in the body which causes the release of one of two types of antibodies, termed IgE or IgG. IgE mediated allergic reactions typically occur within minutes to hours after exposure to the food of concern where as an IgG mediated sensitivity reaction may occur up to a few days after ingesting the allergen. This can make food sensitivities challenging to diagnose without proper testing. 

There are many tests that are commonly used to screen for food allergies. Tests may include skin prick testing, Vega testing, elimination diets or RAST testings. Our preferred method of food allergy and sensitivity testing is RAST (radioallergosorbant test). Most RAST food allergy tests screen for both allergy and sensitivity to 90-96 different foods by means of IgE food allergy and IgG antibody testing.  To prepare for the test, your Naturopathic Physician will give you a list of foods to be tested. It is important to try to consume a serving or two of each food on the list within 10 days of seeing your Naturopath for testing. Never give your child a food to which you suspect or know that your child is severely or anaphylactically allergic to. Environmental allergens, animals, spices, herbs and some food additives may also be tested and added to basic panels by patient request. Testing is performed by simple blood draw or skin prick at your Naturopathic Doctor’s clinic or at a predetermined laboratory.  

Once your child’s food allergies have been identified your Naturopathic Doctor will work with you to design a hypoallergenic elimination diet as well as an individualized treatment protocol to help treat your child’s allergy symptoms, digestion, immune system, and to support their overall nutrition. Supplements such as quercitin, vitamin C, bioflavnoids may be used to help decrease the histamine response. Probiotics, fish oils, adrenal and immune supportive botanicals may be used as well depending of your child’s individual concerns. Please see your Naturopathic Doctor before self-prescribing any of the supplements and herbs listed as they may be contraindicated for use in treating specific allergies or with specific medical conditions.