Eggs are a common food allergy

Food allergy testing is one of the tools Naturopathic Doctors use to assess health in our patients.  In Naturopathic Medicine our goal is to find the cause of symptoms of illness and disease.  In some people the cause is the food we eat, and a sensitivity or allergy to those foods.  In this article I will answer some of the most common questions people have regarding food allergy testing.

I would know if I had food allergies or intolerances, right?

Not necessarily.  Although you are likely to know if you have an anaphylactic allergy to peanuts or eggs, you may not know if you have a less severe food allergy or intolerance.

What are the symptoms of food allergies and intolerances?

Food allergies and sensitivities can have an incredibly wide range of symptoms including:

Almonds and other nuts can cause food allergies

How can food intolerances cause such a range of symptoms?

The majority of our immune system is found in our digestive tract.  When a food we have an allergy or intolerance to is eaten the immune system makes and releases powerful chemical agents – such as histamines, cytokines, lymphokines, and interferons.  These hormone-like substances dramatically influence our cellular physiology producing diverse effects on the digestive, endocrine, immune and nervous system.

Deficiencies in digestive enzymes (hydrochloric acid or pancreatic enzymes) are also significant contributors to food intolerances.  When proteins (the most common allergens) are not fully digested into individual amino acids, or smaller dipeptides, they retain their full allergic potential.  These incompletely digested proteins are more likely to cause a heightened immune response and a resulting allergic reaction.

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?

True food allergies cause atopic hypersensitivity reactions including airway closure, thoat swelling, tongue swelling, hives and other severe symptoms leading to anaphylaxis and can be life-threatening.  They often begin during childhood and may be present for life.

Food intolerances or sensitivities do not often cause these severe symptoms but cause other non-specific or generalized symptoms (as outlined above).  Food intolerances are often the root cause of complex symptom pictures that are not readily diagnosed by conventional methods of testing.  Food intolerances can develop at any age and may or may not be present for life.

How are food allergies or intolerances tested for?

There are several methods of testing for food sensitivities/ intolerances.

 1.    Elimination Diet

Often the first method of determining the presence of food intolerances.  A hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory diet is consumed for a set period of time (usually 6 weeks).  All the most common allergenic foods are eliminated and the patient self-monitors for improvements in symptoms.  Foods are re-introduced one at a time after the initial period of restriction.  If symptoms arise on reintroducing the food then a food intolerance is suspected.

Advantages: Promotes a general sense of well-being, high level of patient involvement in their health.

Disadvantages: Does not eliminate all potential sources of intolerance.  Requires compliance with a restricted diet for a period of time.  Can be expensive (the cost of egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, organic food adds up quickly).

2.    Electrodermal Food Allergy Testing

A machine is held by the patient and the electrical frequencies of food are tested against the body’s reaction to those foods (the brain interprets the electrical signal and elicits a skin resistance response which is read by the machine).

Advantages: Painless.  Children can be tested easily.   A clear outline of food intolerances and the severity of intolerances is given.  Foods do not have to have been consumed recently for valid results (although accuracy is increased if they have been consumed recently or are consumed frequently).

Disadvantages: Moderately expensive.  Some practitioners do not accept the validity of the testing method.  Test accuracy relies on technician proficiency.

Tomatoes and other nightshades are common allergies

 3.    IgG Food Allergy Testing

A finger-prick blood test is analyzed by a specialized laboratory to assess for IgG (immunoglobulin G – one of two antibodies produced during an allergic response). IgG antibodies are produced for several hours or days after exposure to an allergen (which is one of the reasons why some symptoms of allergy/intolerance don’t occur immediately after eating a food).

Advantages: Gives a clear outline of food intolerances and the severity of the intolerance.  Tests for a wide variety of commonly consumed foods.  Only a small amount of blood is required for the test and it can be done in office or at home.  Antihistamine use is permitted during the test.

Disadvantages: Can be expensive.  Food must be consumed within 3 weeks prior to the test for an accurate reading.  Immunosuppressant drugs (prednisone, chloroquine and azothioprine) must not be used during the testing.

In my Toronto clinic I use only the elimination diet and IgG food allergy blood test to assess for food allergies or sensitivities.  Clinically I have found these two tests to be the only measures of food allergy to accurately identify allergies and have a corresponding improvement in patient symptoms.

Why is this testing different than that provided by my MD or allergist?

Most severe, immediate allergy symptoms are a result of IgE (immunoglobulin E) – responsible for Type I hypersensitivity reactions in which a food antigen attaches to an IgE antibody and results in an immediate, and potentially life-threatening, hypersensitivity reaction.  Because of this many MDs have limited their testing to this class of immunoglobulins.

There is considerable evidence for IgE testing, but there is also abundant evidence that IgG (immunoglobulin G) is an important marker for allergy testing.  IgG and IgG-complexes are involved in 80% of all food allergy reactions.  IgG is involved in delayed immune responses which are more common in food intolerance.

How are food allergies treated?

Once the food allergies are identified successful treatment requires five essential components:

1. Avoidance of identified allergens/ intolerances
2. Rotation diet until sensitivity is decreased
3. Re-establishment of proper intestinal flora
4. Healing the damaged intestinal mucosa
5. Correction of underlying cause (e.g. maldigestion, insufficient enzymes)

Nutritional and botanical supplements are used to support the body as it repairs and regenerates damaged tissue.  Supplemental enzymes may be used short term to support digestion as the body works towards correcting imbalances.

Why should I have food allergy/ intolerance testing done?

Oranges and other citrus are common food allergens

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, or if you have symptoms that are persistent and unresponsive to treatment then you should consider having food allergy testing done.

One of the best reasons to have food allergy/ intolerance testing done is because you can cure the intolerance.  When you consume foods that you are intolerant to you are creating a state of inflammation (a product of immune system activation) in your digestive tract and other systems in your body.  When you take out the food intolerance, and give your body time and support to heal the damaged tissues in many cases (up to 80%) you can resume eating that food in moderate quantities.

How can I learn more about food allergy testing?

At 360 Health Care I offer Rocky Mountain Analytical’s IgG Food Allergy test.  They offer more information here.  You can also book a complimentary 15 minute consult with me to discuss whether or not food allergy testing would benefit your health.

Disclaimer

The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only.  It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider.  Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.

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As a mother to a pre-schooler, a pregnant woman and a Naturopathic Doctor when I venture out of Toronto into the great outdoors (or even out into our backyard!) I am very mindful of avoiding pesky insects – and also avoiding poisonous insect repellents!

The most common ingredient used in commercial insect repellents is DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) – a solvent that is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age or in pregnant women.

Natural Alternatives

Many plants have developed their own means of repelling undesirable insects and attracting desirable ones.  We can harness this evolutionary design for our own uses and make highly effective (and safe!) natural insect repellents from the essential oils of plants.

*Pennyroyal is toxic and should NOT be used on the skin of children, infants or pregnant women

Making Your Own Natural Insect Repellent

As you can see in the chart above, different insects are repelled by different chemicals, so you can make a highly effective repellent by combining a few different insect-repelling essential oils.

You will need:

10-25 drops (total) of essential oils
2 tablespoons of carrier oil or alcohol (good options include: olive oil, grapeseed oil, vodka)

Great White North Mix (Effective against mosquitoes, black flies and ticks)

Equal parts of:

• Cinnamon oil
• Lemon eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Vanilla
• Lemongrass
• Geranium

Patio Power Mix (Effective against ants, mosquitoes, flies and wasps)

Equal parts of:

• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Vanilla

Mix the essential oils with the carrier oil or alcohol in a small spray bottle.  Spray the natural insect repellent onto skin, clothing, patio chair cushions, etc.  You’ll want to re-apply the repellent every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

Other Natural Insect Repellents

Citronella candles – offers moderate protection against mosquitoes.  A University of Guelph study found that sitting near a citronella candle resulted in 42.3% fewer bites.  May not be enough on their own, but can contribute to overall insect control.

Undiluted essential oils – select a few undiluted oils from the list above and add to candles for decoration and insect repelling.  Dr. Crystal Draper also recommends applying undiluted vanilla oil to the pulse points (wrists, neck, ankles) to repel mosquitoes with a pleasant smell.

Avoid floral scents – avoid using hair and body care products (including sunscreen) that have a floral scent.  Insects (especially mosquitoes and wasps) are attracted to these scents.  Consider mixing some of the essential oil mix above into your shampoo when camping or cottaging.

After the Bite

If you get bit, try applying tea tree oil directly to the bite.  Tea tree is antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and usually non-irritating.  Pure lavender oil can also be used.

Disclaimer

The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only.  It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider.  Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.

Select resources

Natural Standard.  “Insect bites and stings and related conditions.  Levels of scientific evidence for specific therapies.”    2011.

Barnard Donald R et al. “Laboratory evaluation of mosquito repellents against Aedes albopictus, Culex nigripalpus, and Ochierotatus triseriatus (Diptera: Culicidae).” Journal of Medical Entomology. 41.4 (2004): 749-57.

Consumer Reports. “Insect repellents: Which keep bugs at bay?” Consumer Reports. June 2006. 19 June 2006 <http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/beauty-personal-care/insect-repellents-606/overview/index.htm>

Fradin Mark S et al. “Comparative efficacy of insect repellents against mosquito bites.” New England Journal of Medicine. 347.1 (2002)13-8.

Ives AR et al. “Testing vitamin B as a home remedy against mosquitoes.” Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 21.2 (2005):213-7.

Kim SI et al. “Repellency of aerosol and cream products containing fennel oil to mosquitoes under laboratory and field conditions.” Pesticide Management Science. 60.11 (2004) 1125-30.

Lindsay L. Robbin et al. “Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes.” Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 12.2 (1996):293-4.

Park BS et al. “Monoterpenes from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) as potential mosquito repellents.” Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 21.1 (2005):80-3.

Rajan TV et al. “A double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of garlic as a mosquito repellant: a preliminary study.” Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 19.1 (2005):84-9.

Trongtokit Y et al. “Comparative repellency of 38 essential oils against mosquito bites.” Phytotherapy Research. 19.4 (2005):303-9.

Tuetun Benjawan et al. “Repellent properties of celery, Apium graveolens L., compared with commercial repellents, against mosquitoes under laboratory and field conditions.” Tropical Medicine and International Health. 10.11 (2005):1190-8.

Xue RD et al. “Laboratory evaluation of toxicity of 16 insect repellents in aerosol sprays to adult mosquitoes.” Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 19.3 (2003):271-4.

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Candida (Candida albicans) is a yeast that is a normal part of our digestive flora (the bacteria that lives in our digestive tract) and in the vaginal region in women.  Under certain circumstances the candida yeast can grow excessively and lead to symptoms that negatively impact our health.

What Are the Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Candida overgrowth (also known as chronic candidiasis, systemic candidiasis or chronic yeast infection) affects multiple systems of the body, resulting in diverse symptoms.  All of the following symptoms have been attributed to candida overgrowth:

Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

How Do I Know if Candida is A Problem for Me?

Candida overgrowth is best diagnosed by a qualified health care professional who is knowledgable about candida.  A comprehensive digestive stool analysis (CDSA) may be recommended to determine levels of candida in your digestive tract.  A good screening test for candida overgrowth is the Candida Quiz.  This questionnaire has been found to correlate well with clinical symptoms of candida and is the first step in determining if candida may be contributing to your health concerns.  A longer form candida questionnaire is available from your Naturopathic Doctor, or may be downloaded as a pdf here Candida Questionnaire

Candida Quiz

If your score is greater than 40 candida may be contributing to your health.
If your score is greater than 60 candida is almost certainly contributing to your health.

How is Candida Overgrowth Treated?

The approach to treating candida overgrowth is individualized and often includes a multi-faceted approach.  For example, a person may be given an Anti-Candida diet to follow, a probiotic supplement to provide healthy bacteria, a botanical (herbal) formula to kill the yeast and a fiber supplement to support proper digestion and elimination of the bacteria.  This protocol should be individualized to each person – focusing on their overall health, specific symptoms, and quantity of candida overgrowth.  It is recommended that you seek care of a Naturopathic Doctor rather than try to treat candida on your own.

Disclaimer

The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only.  It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider.  Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.

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There is nothing better in winter than a nice hot bath.  And a bath that was prescribed by your Naturopathic Doctor is even better.  Just tell your partner, roommate or kids that you *need* to spend 20 minutes enjoying a quiet soothing bath – your doctor told you to do it.

Why take an Epsom Salts bath?

An Epsom salts bath releases toxins and metabolic waste by enhancing perspiration.  Epsom salts also contain magnesium sulfate, which is absorbed by the body, promotes muscle relaxation and relieves stiff, aching and cramped muscles.

Epsom salt baths can also be used to treat specific conditions.  Dry skin can benefit from Epsom salt baths as can genital herpes outbreaks.

The Epsom Salts bath

Step 1: Add two cups (approximately 600g) of Epsom salts to a hot bath (38 to 44 degrees Celsius or 100.4F to 111.2F).  Soak in the hot bath for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: While in the bath wrap a cool wet towel around your neck (a hand towel dipped in cold water works well) and drink cool filtered water to replace fluids that are lost.

Step 3: When finished the bath, cool your body down with a cool shower or a cool sponge bath – starting from the feet and moving upwards.

Step 4: Rest for 15 to 30 minutes after the bath for maximal relaxation and therapeutic impact.

Additional notes:

• Do not use soaps while in the Epsom salt bath.
• Taking an Epsom salt bath after a massage can enhance and lengthen the effect of a massage.
• Take an Epsom salt bath two to three times per week for best results.

Other Uses for Epsom Salts

Epsom salts can be used to treat acne and skin blemishes.   Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts in ½ cup of warm water.  Wash face with the mixture twice daily.  Use just once daily if you have very sensitive or dry skin.  Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.  You could also use a poultice and apply just to blemishes (see below for instructions on how to make a poultice).

A Epsom salts poultice can also be used to draw out boils, carbuncles or abscesses.  The salts are a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial and help to absorb the moisture from the area, drying out the boil.  Use a poultice and apply to the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse with cool water.

Caution!

Epsom salt baths are relaxing to your body and mind but are stimulating to your circulatory system.  It is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or severe varicose veins to use Epsom salt baths.

Disclaimer

The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only.  It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider.  Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.

References

Boyle, Wade and Saine, Andre.  Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy.  1988.

Rosemary Waring Absorption of magnesium sulphate through the skin (republished by the Epsom Salt Council), 2004

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