Food and Environmental Allergies and Sensitivities

Understanding Food and Environmental Allergies

What Are Allergies?

‍Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless, treating them as threats. These substances, known as allergens, can trigger a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening reactions. Food and environmental allergies can significantly impact daily life, making identification and management crucial.

Common Allergy Triggers

‍Allergies can be triggered by a variety of foods and environmental factors. Some of the most common include:

• Food Allergies: Peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, shellfish, wheat, soy, and sesame
• Environmental Allergies: Pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, cockroach droppings
• Chemical Sensitivities: Perfumes, cleaning products, pesticides, heavy metals
• Biotoxin Exposure: Mold spores, mycotoxins, and other environmental toxins

Symptoms of Allergies

‍Symptoms can range in severity and may affect different parts of the body, including:

• Mild to Moderate Symptoms:
  • Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Skin rashes or hives
  • Digestive upset (bloating, diarrhea, nausea)
  • Fatigue and brain fog
• Severe Symptoms (Anaphylaxis – Seek Immediate Help):
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Severe drop in blood pressure
  • Loss of consciousness

Why Do Allergies Develop?

‍Allergies result from immune system dysfunction, often linked to:

• Genetics: A family history of allergies increases the likelihood of developing them
• Leaky Gut & Microbiome Imbalance: Poor gut health can contribute to food sensitivities and immune overreaction
• Toxin Exposure: Mold, pesticides, and heavy metals can worsen immune dysregulation
• Chronic Infections: Stealth pathogens and viral infections can trigger immune system hypersensitivity
• Inflammation & Stress: Chronic inflammation and high stress levels can exacerbate allergic reactions

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

‍A comprehensive approach to diagnosing allergies includes:

• Skin Prick or Blood Tests (IgE and IgG panels) to identify immediate and delayed allergic reactions
• Elimination Diets & Food Sensitivity Testing to pinpoint food triggers
• Mold and Environmental Toxin Testing to assess exposure levels
• Comprehensive Immune System Evaluation to determine underlying dysfunction

Treatment & Management of Allergies

‍Managing allergies goes beyond avoidance. At Restorative Medicine Center, we take a root cause approach to reduce immune hypersensitivity and improve tolerance. Treatment strategies include:

• Avoidance & Allergen Reduction:
  • Eliminating known food triggers and cross-reactive foods
  • Using air purifiers and high-quality filters to remove allergens
  • Reducing mold exposure through home testing and remediation
• Healing the Gut & Reducing Inflammation:
  • Supporting microbiome balance with probiotics and prebiotics
  • Strengthening gut lining with L-glutamine, colostrum, and essential fatty acids
  • Identifying and addressing stealth infections contributing to immune dysregulation
• Immune Modulation & Desensitization Therapies:
  • Low Dose Antigen (LDA) and Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) to retrain the immune system
  • Mast cell stabilizers to reduce histamine response
  • Targeted supplementation including quercetin, vitamin C, and DAO enzymes
• Medication When Necessary:
  • Antihistamines, decongestants, or epinephrine (for severe cases)
  • Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual therapy) for long-term desensitization

Take Control of Your Allergies

‍Living with allergies doesn’t have to mean constant discomfort. By identifying the root causes of immune dysfunction and taking proactive steps, it is possible to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Schedule a consultation today to start uncovering the triggers behind your allergies and creating a personalized plan for relief.