Food Allergy




What Is a Food Allergy?


Food allergies are caused when the immune system triggers an abnormal response to a particular food. The human body as a whole produces a high level of food tolerance for survival. Sometimes the presence of antigens in food particles can pose a threat to human health and it is when the immune system begins to react to destroy harmful substances and thus cause allergies.


Food allergies can occur in a variety of ways ranging from minor reactions to life-threatening ones. It should not be confused with food intolerance. Food allergies can also be called dietary hypersensitivity because they are caused when the immune system identifies the included foods as harmful to the body and thus causes an overactive reaction.


The job of the immune system is to create food-specific antibodies to protect the body. These antibodies are actually proteins that fight harmful antigens and try to destroy or reduce their effectiveness. Allergeners are foods that cause harmful reactions. Whenever this particular allergen is absorbed by a sensitive person, the immune system releases large amounts of chemicals and histamines to protect the body from the allergen. The effect of allergies can affect the digestive tract, respiratory tract, skin and sometimes even the cardiovascular system.


Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are created by the immune system as protection against imported allergens. This is caused when a person develops an allergen and these antibodies attach themselves to certain tissue cells, especially in areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, nose, throat, and skin. The next time a person eats food with that specific allergen the reaction occurs when the body releases histamines and chemicals found in body cells. Symptoms such as inflammation occur. The type of over-reaction depends on which part of the body the chemicals are released from. Reactions to the gastrointestinal tract can cause stomach cramps or diarrhea. If the reaction occurs in the ears, nose or throat the person may experience difficulty breathing or sneezing. When it affects cells in the skin it can lead to pneumonia. There may be itching, redness and swelling. Medications that block the release of histamines are used to treat IgE allergies.


On the other hand, the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody provides long-term resistance to infection. These antibodies help fight infections and viruses. The main cause of IgG allergies is digestive problems. Most allergies are IgG naturally. Complete elimination of an eating disorder can improve a person's condition. Allergies to IgG are classified as a Type-III allergic reaction. These antibodies do not release histamines and the symptoms of allergies are delayed. Sometimes the reaction occurs even 72 hours after exposure to the antigen.


An allergy to IgG is not very similar to the old allergy and this is the topic of debate in the medical community. Both IgG and IgE antibodies help fight off invading viruses.




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