There is a lot of confusion and misunderstandings going around on this topic in both the conventional and wholistic models of medicine.
There is a lot of confusion and misunderstandings going around on this topic in both the conventional and wholistic models of medicine.
Food allergies are a very complex and complicated topic. There has been numerous doctors, specialists and scientists who have started asking the right questions and diving deep into the evidence based research method of scientific understanding. Here I’ll break down the fundamental science behind some of it.
Definition of hypersensitivity reactions (HR): immune responses that are exaggerated or inappropriate against an antigen or allergen. There are 4 subtypes. Also, the term antibodies and immunoglobulins can be used interchangeably, immuno globulins are proteins that our immune system makes in response to whatever the trigger may be
Type 1: Anaphylactic Response – these are mediated by IgE antibodies that release mast cells and other types of cells that each have a specific function and release certain chemicals to speak and communicate with other cell types.
- Type 1 reactions are seen in patients with the following conditions: asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, food allergies, allergic conjunctivitis and the well known, anaphylactic shock.
Type 2: Cytotoxic Response/Reaction are mediated by IgG and IgM antibodies.
- These immunoglobulins actually damages cells by activating the complement system or by phagocytosis. This is necessary for short term triggers, but when the body is continuously exposed to triggers… this system always stays on at a low level – causing numerous health problems.
- Type 2 HS reactions are seen in patients with immune thrombocytopenia; autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune neutropenia, Goodpasture’s syndrome; pemphigus, etc…
Type 3: Reaction mediated by immune complexes.
- also called Immuno Complex Reactions – mediated by IgM and IgG antibodies that react with soluble antigens that form these things called antigen-antibody complexes. These are released to devour the bad guys, but when the bad guys are smart/adapt/outnumber our immune system , these complexes can actually start to deposit into our muscles and joints and cause serious aches and pains. They cause inflammation and tissue damage seen in different types of vasculitis and glomerulonephritis.
Type 1, 2 and 3 are considered immediate HR (IHR) because they occur within 24 hours and involve antibodies (that our bodies make from amino acids and proteins)
Type 4: delayed reaction mediated by cellular response – to some extent are normal physiological events that help fight infections.
- This plays a crucial role in our body’s abilit to fight various INTRACELLULAR pathogens such as mycobacteria and fungi. They also play a principal role in tumor immunity and transplant rejection. Patients who have a low CD4 cell count due to something else, can have a defective type 4 hypersensitivity reaction…meaning the body is not able to detox properly. Causing buildup of cellular damage and waste that ends up recirculating through the body.
Stay tuned for a deeper dive into allergies & the immune system. Reach out to learn about our signature health program or to work 1:1 with Dr. Noosha.
References:
- Tomasiak-Łozowska MM, Klimek M, Lis A, Moniuszko M, Bodzenta-Łukaszyk A. Markers of anaphylaxis – a systematic review. Adv Med Sci. 2018 Sep;63(2):265-277. – PubMed
- Son JH, Park SY, Cho YS, Chung BY, Kim HO, Park CW. Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions Induced by Triamcinolone in a Patient with Atopic Dermatitis. J Korean Med Sci. 2018 Mar 19;33(12):e87. – PMC – PubMed
- Koike Y, Sato S, Yanagida N, Asaumi T, Ogura K, Ohtani K, Imai T, Ebisawa M. Predictors of Persistent Milk Allergy in Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2018;175(3):177-180. – PubMed
- Wang KY, Friedman DF, DaVeiga SP. Immediate hypersensitivity reaction to human serum albumin in a child undergoing plasmapheresis. Transfusion. 2019 Jun;59(6):1921-1923. -PubMed
- Vandervoort R. Allergy and Asthma: Anaphylaxis. FP Essent. 2018 Sep;472:20-24.
