Hidden Food Allergies and Lyme Disease
Why are hidden food allergies important in Lyme Disease Treatment?
Hidden food allergies may be a contributing factor to Lyme Disease treatment stalling. Food sensitivities are becoming increasingly common, affecting up to 20% of the population. Unlike food allergies, which cause an immediate and severe reaction, food sensitivities can be hard to identify because their symptoms can be subtle and delayed. However, over time, they can lead to chronic health challenges and compromise our overall well-being. This can make treatment for Lyme Disease even harder or confusing because you aren’t aware of all of the challenges you are facing.
The Surprising Connection Between Lyme Disease and Food Sensitivities/Allergies:
According to this article by Lindsay Christensen, the Lyme bacteria causes high inflammation rates, which may cause your body to react to substances that it once viewed as safe. Lindsay also states that other culprits such as the bacteria destroying the gut microbiome and the persistent use of antibiotics may play a factor in developing sensitivities or allergies that we did not previously have.
Dr. Rawl’s has also spoken on this topic here, where he states “Though anyone can develop food sensitivities, people with chronic Lyme disease are especially prone because they’ve sustained some gut damage throughout the course of their illness and likely even before. Weeks, months, or years of treatment, especially with synthetic antibiotic use, can really do a number on the GI tract, ushering in conditions like leaky gut syndrome that can lead to food sensitivities you might not even be aware of.”
Though it is clear that there is a connection between food sensitivities and/or allergies and Lyme Disease, how do you find out if it is an issue for you? What are the common foods that cause problems? And what can you do about it?
Common Culprits: Foods That Can Cause Hidden Food Sensitivities
If you've been experiencing unexplained symptoms, despite your Lyme treatment, like headaches, bloating, fatigue, or joint pain, it's possible that you have a hidden food sensitivity. Food sensitivity occurs when your body has an adverse reaction to certain foods, but the symptoms can be delayed and subtle, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause.
There are many foods that can cause hidden food sensitivities, but some are more common culprits than others. Here are some of the top offenders:
Gluten: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it's a common trigger for food sensitivities. If you have celiac disease, you must avoid gluten entirely, but even if you don't, you may still have a sensitivity to this protein.
Dairy: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can be difficult to digest for some people, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is often due to lactose intolerance, but some people may also be sensitive to the proteins found in dairy.
Soy: Soy is a common ingredient in many processed foods, and it's also a source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. However, some people may have a sensitivity to soy, which can cause digestive issues and skin reactions.
Corn: Corn is another common ingredient in processed foods, but it can also be a hidden culprit for food sensitivities. Some people may have an allergy or sensitivity to corn, which can cause symptoms like hives, swelling, and digestive issues.
Nightshades: Nightshades are a family of vegetables that includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. While these foods are healthy for many people, some may have a sensitivity to the alkaloids found in nightshades, which can cause joint pain and inflammation.
These are just a few of the common culprits for hidden food sensitivities. If you suspect that you have a food sensitivity, it's important to work with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and develop a plan for managing your symptoms.
Common Food Sensitivity Symptoms
Food sensitivities can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
Digestive issues: bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, nausea, and stomach pain.
Skin problems: eczema, acne, rashes, and hives.
Respiratory issues: asthma, congestion, and sinusitis.
Joint pain and inflammation: arthritis, muscle aches, and stiffness.
Fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings.
Weight gain or loss.
These symptoms can be caused by the body's immune system reacting to certain foods and triggering inflammation. If left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to more serious health challenges, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Testing for Food Sensitivities and Allergies
Identifying your food sensitivities is key to addressing these hidden symptoms and health challenges. Here are four testing options to consider:
Blood draw: A blood test can measure the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in your blood in response to various foods. IgG antibodies indicate an immune response and can help identify which foods are causing inflammation and other symptoms. Everlywell has at home finger prick tests that are simple and easy to use!
Skin prick: A skin prick test involves exposing your skin to small amounts of common allergens and measuring the reaction. While this test is primarily used to diagnose allergies, it can also identify food sensitivities.
Elimination diets: Elimination diets involve removing certain foods from your diet for a period of time and then reintroducing them to see if there is a reaction. This approach is time-consuming but can be effective in identifying specific food triggers.
Bioresonance testing: Bioresonance testing uses electronic devices to measure the body's energy frequencies and identify imbalances or sensitivities. This method is non-invasive and can identify a wide range of food sensitivities and other imbalances.
Trust Brands of Food Testing
Everlywell- (Code LYMEWARRIOR15 gets you 15% off) Everlywell offers a wide variety of at home tests, including food allergy and sensitivity tests. They send a kit to your home, with instructions on preparing your blood sample and how to send it back for processing. It done similar to blood sugar testing in that they provide a small needle to prick the end of your finger. It can be mildly painful depending on your pain tolerance. This test is more on the expensive side but is the most common way of testing (via blood).
Check My Body Health- This test is sensitivity only, but tests almost 1,000 items including additives, preservatives, environmental, gut health and foods. It is done using hair samples and bioresonance testing (as described above). This test is less than $40 and tests more, but is completed using a less common method and is for sensitivity testing only. Note: there is not a kit sent for this option-after purchasing, they will send you an email with instructions on how to collect and send in your hair samples.
How to Resolve Food Sensitivities with Lyme Disease:
Lindsay does a great job narrowing down the main culprits and giving a starting point to remedy food sensitivities. Here is her list:
Gut microbiota imbalances
Low stomach acid production
Heightened mast cell activity
Compromised acetylcholine signaling
Decreased intestinal mucin production
Decreased intestinal short-chain fatty acid production
Please keep in mind, many of these tasks will require the involvement of a medical professional that you trust.
Dr. Rawls also suggests the following herbs for gut health, which in turn, could help your food sensitivity issues:
Antimicrobial Herbs: Herbs capable of suppressing the overgrowth of harmful microbes that contribute to gut dysfunction should be the basis of any natural gut restoration protocol. Herbs with the power to rebalance your gut flora include: berberine, andrographis, Japanese knotweed, cat’s claw, and garlic. (Use code LYMEWARRIOR15 to get 15% off his Restore Kit that contains these herbs)
Mucilage-Containing Herbs: If your gut mucosa has been compromised and you’re experiencing gut discomfort, Dr. Rawls’ preferred herb that contains mucilage is slippery elm bark. The herb creates a protective film in the gut, eases irritation in the mucosal lining, and stops foreign substances from entering the bloodstream.
Chlorella: A potent detoxifier, chlorella is a chlorophyll- and nutrient-rich freshwater green algae. It binds to organic-type toxins (herbicides, pesticides, mycotoxins), heavy metals, and plastics in the gut for more efficient waste removal.
Digestive Enzymes: A lack of digestive enzyme production may contribute to poor digestion and food sensitivities. Using digestive enzyme supplements can help bridge the gap while you’re restoring your gut health. Enzymes are especially important for breaking down the carbohydrates that feed harmful bacteria. Take an assortment of enzymes (such as protease, amylase, alpha-galactosidase, lipase, and others) for maximum benefit.
Bitter Herbs: Herbs like burdock, dandelion, gentian root, fennel seed, and ginger are bitter herbs that activate bitter receptors throughout our GI tract. This releases the saliva, enzymes, and bile we need to break down our food more so they don’t sit in the gut and cause trouble. (This kit contains these herbs)
Hidden Food Sensitivities vs. Food Allergies: What's the Difference?
A food sensitivity and a food allergy are two distinct conditions, although they can both cause adverse reactions to certain foods. The main difference between the two lies in the immune response they trigger and the severity of the reactions they produce.
Food Allergy: A food allergy is an immune system response to specific proteins present in certain foods. When a person with a food allergy consumes the triggering food, their immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins as harmful invaders and launches an allergic reaction. This reaction can occur even with small amounts of the allergenic food and can be life-threatening in some cases. Common symptoms of a food allergy include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, which is a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction.
Food Sensitivity: Food sensitivity, also known as food intolerance, refers to a non-immune system reaction to certain foods or food components. Unlike a food allergy, food sensitivity does not involve the immune system's response to proteins. Instead, it typically occurs due to the body's difficulty in digesting or metabolizing specific substances in the food. Symptoms of food sensitivity are usually less severe than those of a food allergy and may include digestive issues like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or non-digestive symptoms such as headaches, skin rashes, or brain fog. Food sensitivities are more common than food allergies and can vary in their severity and individual tolerance levels.
It's worth noting that food allergies and food sensitivities can sometimes share similar symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between the two based on symptoms alone. If you suspect you have a food allergy or sensitivity, it's best to consult with a medical professional who can conduct proper diagnostic tests and provide appropriate guidance.
Conclusion
Identifying your food sensitivities can help you address hidden symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being. Testing options range from blood draws and skin prick tests to elimination diets and Bioresonance testing. By identifying your food triggers and making changes to your diet, you can reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and prevent more serious health challenges down the road.
FAQ’s About Hidden Food Allergies and Lyme Disease:
What is a food sensitivity?
A food sensitivity, or food intolerance, is a non-immune response to certain foods or food components, often due to difficulties in digestion or metabolism.
What are the common symptoms of food sensitivity?
Symptoms can vary, but common signs of food sensitivity include digestive issues (bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea), headaches, skin rashes, and brain fog.
How is food sensitivity diagnosed?
Food sensitivity can be challenging to diagnose as not all tests are created equal. Elimination diets, food diaries, and symptom tracking are often used to identify trigger foods as well as a lab test.
Are food sensitivities life-threatening?
Food sensitivities typically do not cause life-threatening reactions. However, the symptoms can significantly impact a person's quality of life and overall well-being.
What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is an immune system response triggered by specific proteins in certain foods. It can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including hives, difficulty breathing, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
What are the common symptoms of a food allergy?
Common symptoms of a food allergy include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
How are food allergies diagnosed?
Food allergies are typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific allergy tests such as skin prick tests, blood tests (specific IgE), and oral food challenges.
Are food allergies life-threatening?
In some cases, food allergies can be life-threatening, especially when anaphylaxis occurs. Prompt medical attention and the use of epinephrine (adrenaline) through an auto-injector (EpiPen) are vital in such situations.
What tests are used to diagnose food allergies?
Common tests for food allergies include skin prick tests, blood tests measuring specific IgE antibodies, and oral food challenges, where small amounts of the suspected allergen are consumed under medical supervision.
Can at-home tests accurately diagnose food sensitivities or allergies?
At-home tests for food sensitivities or allergies are available and there are many success stories with them. Keep in mind, the results of the tests vary on things like testing equipment, methods of the lab, time frame and even the blood sample itself. Use results as a starting point to determine where to start with an elimination diet to look for any improvement in symptoms.
Can food sensitivity symptoms occur immediately after eating?
Food sensitivity symptoms can be delayed, often occurring several hours or even days after consuming the trigger food, which can make it challenging to identify the specific cause.
Are all food allergy symptoms immediate?
While many food allergy symptoms occur shortly after consuming the allergenic food, some reactions can also be delayed. This delayed onset can make it difficult to connect symptoms to specific foods.
Can food sensitivities or allergies develop over time?
Yes, food sensitivities and allergies can develop at any age. It is possible for a person to tolerate a particular food for years and then suddenly develop a sensitivity or allergy to it. This is common when the gut microbiome has been destroyed, leaky gut syndrome exists and even the persistent use of antibiotics.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis, proper management, and guidance regarding food sensitivities, food allergies, and testing options.