Hi Readers! I am Dr. Leslie, a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician, Functional Medicine expert, and founder of Sharpe Concierge. Through my personal concierge physician services, food planning, food sensitivity testing, weight management, and supplementation program, I help busy professionals take control of their health to lead more vibrant lives.
In our continuing focus on food allergies, this week focuses on three ways food allergies are associated with chronic disease.
Let me start by saying that allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the US, with food allergies affecting 16 million or 6.2% of the population.
Weakens the Immune System
Illness or disease states are related to a weak immune system. Allergies, when untreated, that are constantly reactivated lead to chronic inflammation and a weakened immune system. This provides an opening for disease states. Dr. Praveen Saxena states many chronic diseases are associated with food allergies. These chronic illnesses include digestive, respiratory, skin problems, chronic fatigue, headaches, depression, sinus infections, and many others.
Triggers Autoimmune Diseases
An often-believed yet incorrect assumption is that celiac disease is a wheat allergy. Celiac disease is not an allergy at all but an autoimmune disease that is exacerbated by consuming gluten. In individuals with this disease, gluten damages the small intestine’s lining. As I have mentioned in previous food allergy blogs, allergies are characterized by swelling, itching, hives, etc. A wheat allergy may present some or all of these symptoms. It is triggered by any food containing wheat.
Causes Inflammation
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic disease associated with food allergies. It occurs when immune cells called eosinophils react to an allergen causing inflammation. This inflammation leads to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and reflux. It can become so severe that it impairs swallowing.
If you think you may be allergic to a food, avoid that food entirely and seek professional guidance for allergy testing.
Thank you for reading this blog! As always…I am Dr. Leslie, a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician, Functional Medicine expert, and founder of Sharpe Concierge. Through my personal concierge physician services, food planning, food sensitivity testing, weight management, and supplementation program, I help busy professionals take control of their health to lead more vibrant lives. If you are ready to take control of your health, let’s work together! You can set up a consultation with me at the button below!
