Every person’s health story is different. The information below explains common causes and contributing factors for this issue, but it is not a one‑size‑fits‑all prescription.
As a qualified naturopath practising in Adelaide’s CBD, I take the time to understand your unique circumstances, use targeted testing when needed, and design a personalised care plan so you can feel and function at your best.
Reactivity Reduction
Allergies are now one of the fastest growing chronic conditions in Australia, with over 20% of the population suffering from either food intolerances or allergies.
Food reactivities occur when a person’s immune system reacts to a food substance that is harmless to others.
An allergic reaction involves a complex interplay between immune cells, including Immunoglobulin E (IgE), Immunoglobulin A (IgA), and Immunoglobulin G (IgG).
It is a failure of the immune system to determine friend from foe, resulting in a loss of immune tolerance with subsequent reactivity, the release of histamine and inflammation.
IgE responses may involve immediate severe reactions to foods, resulting in anaphylaxis. These food triggers do require long-term avoidance and medical supervision.
IgA and IgG responses fall under the sensitivity/reactivity area. Their possible symptoms range from bloating and abdominal cramps to headaches, fatigue, rashes, hives, sinus congestion, mood changes and brain fog.
As these symptoms may not occur until four hours to four days later, it becomes very difficult to identify the specific triggers.
The treatment goal is not just to eliminate your food triggers; in fact, I do not recommend long-term avoidance of specific foods.
The goal is to reduce your level of reactivity by improving your digestion. Healing intestinal permeability (Leaky Gut) is the key to long-term solutions for reactivity.
The symptoms of food reactivity can be diverse
Testing Options to identify drivers of food intolerances
- IgG food panel96 foods are tested via a blood sample. A numerical list of all reactive foods in order of severity is provided. This list is used to create a short-term custom elimination process, usually for three months.
- Diamine Oxidase (DOA) – as DOA is a measure of your capacity to break down histamine, this test indicates possible histamine intolerance.
- CDSAdetailed faecal screening for detrimental gut parasites/bacteria/fungal infections.
- Complete Microbiome Mappinga stool test with an extended range of indicators beyond those in the CDSA. This is a new and very extensive test of microorganisms and digestive markers. Zonulin and Calprotectin analysis are useful tools in diagnosing and monitoring progress in those with chronic and severe Intestinal Permeability.
