Network Chiropractic     Dr. Jordan L. Michels

What is a Food Allergy?

Everyone is familiar with the type of allergy where there is an immediate reaction to a food, such as breaking out in hives when strawberries are eaten. These allergies are obvious and do not need to be tested. However, another less apparent form of chronic food allergy exists. Overuse of foods, inherited tendencies, and stress can contribute to this type of dietary mal-adaptation that is best termed an allergy/addiction. It is an addiction in that the body needs the food to feel stimulated or symptom free, and without the food one may suffer withdrawal symptoms. It is an allergy in that the long-term effects may be debilitating to the body/mind.

 What are the Symptoms of a Food Allergy?

Sometimes the need for the food is unconscious, but often there is a craving for specific foods, drinks, or alcoholic beverages, or for sweets. The symptoms can mimic many diseases, because any organ can be a target of food allergy. Below are some common symptoms.

   ·      Brain and nervous system - Headaches, migraine, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, mood swings, nervousness,         depression, visual and hearing disturbances. Mental disease and epilepsy may have an allergic component. In kids hyperactivity and dyslexia can result. In infants lack of smiling.

·      Metabolic - Fatigue, obesity, anorexia, bulimia, hypoglycemia. Diabetes may have an allergic component.

·     Eyes, ears, nose, and throat - Excess mucous, sinusitis, hoarseness, cough, dark circles or puffiness under the eyes, susceptibility to infection. In kids recurring ear or throat infections can result.

·      Heart and lungs - Palpitations, increased heart rate, hypertension, asthma, congestion.

·    Gastrointestinal - Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, colitis, flatulence, abdominal pain, ulcers. In infants watch for colic, excessive crying.

·      Skin - Hives, rashes, eczema, acne.

·     Musculoskeletal system - Muscle aches, weakness, joint pain. Arthritis may have an allergic component.

·      Urinary system - Frequent urination. In kids bedwetting can result.

 How Can I be Allergic to Food?

The allergy is not to the whole food, but usually to a protein component of the food. Some of the proteins may be absorbed into the bloodstream without being completely broken down. These proteins are foreign substances that can act as an irritant to the tissues. Every food has a unique chemical makeup, but it is important to realize that foods that are related biologically have many components in common. For example, those allergic to chicken may be allergic to eggs. Those allergic to wheat are often allergic to rye and barley products as well. Those allergic to cow’s milk are usually allergic to yogurt and cheese, but rarely to goats or sheep milk.

 How Do I Test For Food Allergy?

Experts say that between 20% and 40% of people have significant food allergy problems. The best indications of possible food allergies are food cravings and chronic health problems. Often, there is an elevated pulse (above 70 in an adult male and 80 in an adult female). Also the pulse should not elevate significantly from sitting to standing. An elevation of more than 10 points indicates a probable allergy. 

There are two phases of food allergy testing. The first is re-sensitization. This involves eliminating as many of the allergenic foods from the diet as possible for four days. During the first couple of days of elimination some withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. Symptoms during this period are indicative that food allergies are present. Often many chronic symptoms will disappear or decrease in severity by the fourth day. The second phase is the testing phase. This involves eating suspect foods one at a time and observing for allergic reactions. Once the body has been sensitized the allergic reactions will often be unmistakable.

 Elimination Diets

1.    The most sure way of re-sensitization is a water fast using only spring or distilled water for four days. This method is difficult and should be done with the guidance of a physician.

2.    The elimination diet is an easier method and is suitable for children as well. Here, only foods that are very unlikely to cause an allergy are eaten for the four-day period. All common allergy foods, as listed in the following section, as well as foods eaten more than twice a week should be eliminated. Additionally, refined foods, preservatives, and other additives must be avoided. It is best to avoid tobacco and drugs as well. The following is a list of foods that can be eaten. Read ingredients!

·      Fish and meat - no beef, chicken, pork, or preserved meats.

·      Rice and millet - no wheat, rye, barley, oats, or corn products.

·      Vegetables - no corn, white potatoes, beans, or peas.

·      Fruit - no citrus or apples if eaten frequently.

·      Safflower or sunflower oil.

·      Honey - no sugar or corn sweeteners.

·      Nuts - other than peanuts.

·      Spring or distilled water.

 Food Testing

1.      Keep a diary and record all foods tested and your reactions to them.

2.     The pulse test - during the testing period take your pulse upon waking and before bed. Also, take the pulse before eating every test food. Then after finishing the test food take the pulse in 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour. To take the pulse sit quietly for a few minutes, longer if you have been exerting yourself. Find the pulse on the wrist or neck, and count for a full 60 seconds. A pulse elevation of greater than 10 points from before the test food to any of the other intervals indicates a probable allergy. A waking pulse more than 10 points above the bed time pulse indicates allergy to house dust or inhaled materials, such as dander or molds.

3.     Handwriting test— at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after a test food, write a quotation, or with a child a number or letter sequence or a picture. This is a test for small muscle coordination which is indicative of nervous system reactions.

4.     Note all physical, mental, and emotional symptoms after each test food. Most reactions will take place within an hour, but some may be delayed for several hours. Reading is a good test for visual changes and concentration.

5.     Test no more than 4 foods per day, with at least 3 hours between tests. Do not go onto the next test food until all symptoms from the previous tests have cleared, and the pulse has returned to normal. 

What Foods Should I Test?

Before beginning write down a schedule of all foods you decide to test.

Here is a sample menu of the most common allergenic foods. Test all these foods unless you rarely eat them. Test only one food at a time.

 Additionally, you may want to test the following foods.

·       Test any other foods you eat often or suspect. You may want to test tap water. Make it the first thing you test. Use only spring or distilled water for four days prior. You may also want to test tobacco.

·       Use natural foods, with as few additives as possible. Read ingredients!

·       Use fresh foods, if not available use frozen or canned in glass.

·       Eat enough to fill you up in a 10 - 15 minute period.

·       Meat should be broiled, baked, or steamed.

·       Eggs should be poached or boiled.

·       Fruits and vegetables should be raw, steamed, boiled, or baked.

·       Wheat -  use matzo crackers, bulgur wheat, Ralston, wheatena, or puffed wheat.

·       Oats - use puffed oats or oatmeal.

·       Corn- use corn meal mush with corn syrup.

·       Cane sugar - use 2 tablespoons in a glass of water.

·       Bakers yeast - use one packet in glass of water.

·       Soy - use tofu or boiled soy beans, or soy milk.

·       Chocolate -  use bakers chocolate.

·      Food color - mix a few drops of red, blue, and yellow in a glass of water. Nothing should be added except water and a small amount of sea salt if desired.

As much as possible allergenic foods must be completely removed from the diet. If you are allergic to several foods it may be important to use a rotation diet as well. On a rotation diet any particular food is not eaten more than once every four days. This diet prevents new food allergies from forming.

Often allergies will diminish or disappear with time if the food is avoided. This usually takes about six months. Some allergies will persist longer, some are permanent. The food should be re-tested every two to four months. It is usually not necessary to use an elimination diet for re-testing. If a food no longer causes an allergic reaction you can add it back to the diet, but it is best to not eat it more than once every few days so that the allergy does not return.

A good nutritional program will also reduce allergies. A trace mineral analysis (hair analysis) is a good screening tool for mineral deficiencies and toxic metal accumulation. Vitamins A, B complex, and C are helpful. Supporting the glandular system may be necessary, particularly the adrenal glands and digestive system. Avoidance of stimulants, drugs, and refined sweets, and excessive alcohol is essential to renewing the glandular systems.

 References - * Especially Recommended

Rapp, Doris, MD,  Allergies and Your Family, Sterling, 1980.

Rapp, Doris, MD, Allergies and the Hyperactive Child, Cornerstone, 1980.

*Crook, William C., MD,  Tracking Down Hidden Food Allergy, Professional Books, Jackson, Tennessee, 1980.

Coca, Arthur F., MD, The Pulse Test, Arco Publishing Co., NY. NY, 1956.

*Mandell, Marshall, MD, & Lynne Scanlon, 5 Day Allergy Relief System, Pocket Books, NY. NY, 1979

Randolph, Theron G., MD., & Ralph Moss, Ph.D., An Alternative Approach to Allergies, Lippincott and Crowell Publishers NY, NY, 1980.

Golos Natalie, et.al., Coping with your Allergies, Simon and Schuster, 1979.