December 27, 2011

Nutrition Essentials: Step 2 - Avoid allergenic foods

Some of the worst foods a person can eat are those that he or she is allergic to.  Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts (is overly sensitive) to a foreign substance or environmental stimuli (antigen).  Allergies stimulate inflammation and an immune response that can negatively affect ones health, especially if the response is happening regularly.  Food allergies are known as type 1 allergies and are often triggered by a protein within the food that was not completely broken down.  

It is important to isolate and eliminate foods that you may be allergic to.  Chronic inflammatory responses from allergies can deplete raw materials that the body needs to function properly and heal.  

Most common allergenic foods:
  • Bee Foods
    • Bee Pollen - Rare
  • Alcoholic Beverages (Beer, Wine)
    • Due to the ethanol(alcohol) and tyramine
  • Coffee 
    • Due to the caffeine content of coffee.  
  • Dairy 
    • Pertains mainly to dairy from A1 casein and tyramine content
    • Cheese - Cheddar, Gruyere and Stilton Cheeses are particularly high in their Tyramine content
    • Milk (cow's)
  • Wheat  
    • Due to the Gliadin component of the Gluten Protein in wheat.  
  • Friut
    • Citrus (especially oranges) 
    • Pineapple - Due to tyramine content
  • Peanuts
    • Due to the lectins and other proteins in peanuts
    • Peanuts are also susceptible to molds and fungal invasions (especially Aflatoxin produced from the Aspergillus flavus mold).
  • Soybean products
    • Soy is highly genetically modified (unless certified organic) and contain unfamiliar proteins that may cause allergies.
    • Soy products (especially unfermented) contain protease inhibitors that can cause digestive issues (indigestion) that lead to future allergic reactions.
  • Chocolate
    • Due to the tyramine content (rare).  Watch out for added soy and wheat ingredients.  
  • Onions
    • Incorrectly stored onions are susceptible to molds and fungal invasions (especially Aflatoxin produced from the Aspergillus flavus mold)
  • Herbs and Spices
    • Cinnamon
      • Due to cinnamaldehyde
  • Sulfites - a preservative used often on dried fruits and fruit products
  • Eggs
  • Seafood 
  • Shellfish
Causes of allergies and factors that can exacerbate them.  
  • A faulty or weak Digestive system
    • A faulty or under-functioning digestive system can cause allergies by allowing undigested proteins into the digestive tract (as opposed to being broken down into amino acids).
    • When these proteins reach the digestive tract they can be marked as antigens and attacked at a later time.
  • Candida and dysbiosis (Overgrowth of yeast and detrimental bacteria)
    • If the Candida albicans Yeast is allowed to proliferate, it changes from its normal Yeast-Fungal form to a Mycelial-Fungal form that produces Rhizoids.
    • Rhizoids are long, root-like components that are able to pierce the walls of the Digestive Tract and break down the protective barriers between the Intestines and the Blood.
    • This "breaking-through" the barrier allows many Allergens to enter blood circulation, causing Allergic reactions.  
    • Candida albicans proliferates by consuming and fermenting Sucrose and other Simple Sugars.  A waste by-product of this fermentation of Simple Sugars is Acetaldehyde.  Acetaldehyde is a toxic by product usually associated with hangovers and alcohol.  It causes numerous toxic effects.
Take the Food Challenge: 

This Test involves the elimination of specific Foods from the diet and then rechallenging with those same Foods, observing the reinduction of Allergy symptoms. Some specialists recommend total elimination of a specific Food for at least three weeks.  Others recommend four to ten days of Food elimination prior to rechallenge.  A disadvantage of this method is that it requires contact with the suspected allergen; however, over time you will be able to pinpoint and eliminate the food that is causing problems.  

Sources:

Grant, E. C.  Food allergies and migraine.  Lancet.  1(8123):966-969, 1979.

Hoffman, B. B.  Adrenoceptor-activating & other sympathomimetic drugs.  In:  Katzung, B. G. (editor), Basic & Clinical Pharmacology (sixth edition).  Prentice-Hall International, London.  1995:115-131.


Schapowal, A.  Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis.  British Medical Journal.  324(7330):144-146, 2002


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The information on this site is for educational use only. All information is sourced from peer reviewed professional studies, professional works, and professional journals from the USA and around the world; However, no information on this site should replace the advice of a qualified, licensed, and competent health care professional. Always consult your doctor before beginning any wellness plan, exercise regimen, or making any dramatic dietary changes.