Allergies and Food Intolerances
Hyper-Reactivity Dysfunction
Understanding allergies and food intolerances can be complex. Any substance—whether gas, liquid, or solid—has the potential to trigger negative reactions in some individuals. While immediate allergic responses are related to IgE antibodies, delayed or “hidden” allergic reactions involve IgG, IgA, or IgM immunoglobulins.
What works well for one person may be harmful to another. Even “healthy” foods can act like slow poisons for some individuals. Research suggests that undiagnosed food sensitivities affect more than half the population, contributing to conditions such as Crohn’s disease, arthritis, and even neurological disorders like schizophrenia.
Allergy vs. Intolerance – What’s the Difference?
Allergy → An immune system overreaction to a specific protein (antigen), leading to the production of antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues.
Intolerance → An enzyme deficiency or metabolic issue that prevents proper digestion or metabolism of a particular food.
Allergies: The Immune System’s Overreaction
An allergy is an autoimmune response where the body mistakenly identifies a substance as a harmful invader and launches an attack. The process unfolds as follows:
Antibodies bind to antigens, triggering an inflammatory response.
Histamine release causes symptoms like swelling, muscle spasms, fluid retention (edema), and tissue irritation.
Free radicals are generated, placing a constant strain on the immune system and increasing oxidative stress—potentially linking chronic inflammation to conditions like cancer.
While some allergic reactions are immediate and severe (e.g., anaphylactic shock), others manifest as chronic, low-grade inflammation that can contribute to a wide range of health issues.
Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
Allergic responses vary depending on which tissues are affected:
Skin → Rashes, hives, eczema
Respiratory System → Sneezing, congestion, postnasal drip
Digestive System → Bloating, diarrhea, constipation, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Nervous System → Brain fog, headaches, anxiety, depression, mood swings, hyperactivity
Urinary System → Frequent bladder infections, bedwetting
Recurrent ear and bladder infections that don’t resolve with standard treatments may be caused by underlying food allergies.
The Link Between Allergies, Autoimmunity, and Leaky Gut
Since allergies involve an overactive immune response, many autoimmune disorders have underlying food allergies or intolerances. One of the most common contributors is leaky gut syndrome, where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allowing undigested proteins to enter the bloodstream.
Causes of Leaky Gut:
Gluten sensitivity (damages intestinal walls)
Overuse of NSAIDs (pain relievers)
Parasites or fungal overgrowth
Low stomach acid (HCL deficiency)
Poor pancreatic enzyme production
A person may not have been born with a food allergy but can develop one due to poor digestion and gut permeability. When proteins escape into the bloodstream, the immune system sees them as foreign invaders, triggering an allergic response.
Food Intolerances: The Role of Enzymes
Unlike allergies, food intolerances are not immune reactions. Instead, they occur when the body lacks the necessary enzymes to break down a particular food.
Common Food Intolerances & Causes:
Lactose Intolerance → Deficiency of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk sugars. (Humans are the only species that consume milk beyond infancy.)
Carbohydrate Intolerance → Inability to digest complex sugars due to a disaccharide enzyme deficiency.
Gluten Sensitivity → Inflammation triggered by gluten proteins, often due to poor digestion or genetic predisposition.
Gallbladder Sensitivity → Difficulty digesting fats due to poor bile production.
How Food Intolerance Develops Over Time
As we age or experience chronic gut inflammation, enzyme production declines. This leads to poor digestion, toxin accumulation, and nutrient malabsorption. If left unaddressed, enzyme depletion weakens cells, making them more susceptible to chronic illness and infections.
Recognizing Symptoms of Food Intolerances
Many symptoms of food intolerance overlap with allergies, but they tend to be more subtle and chronic:
Signs of Food Intolerance:
Fatigue (not relieved by rest)
Food cravings or addictions
Swollen lymph nodes
Chronic infections (frequent colds, bladder infections, ear infections)
Dark circles or puffiness under the eyes
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Spastic colon, IBS, colitis
Skin issues (hives, eczema, psoriasis)
Migraines or persistent headaches
Hyperactivity, anxiety, mood swings
Muscle tension that prevents chiropractic adjustments from holding
Food cravings can sometimes be the body’s way of self-regulating, much like an addiction. Small amounts of an offending food may keep the immune system in a constant but manageable reaction state, preventing a more severe systemic response.
Key Takeaways: Addressing Allergies & Intolerances
Chronic, unexplained health issues (digestive problems, recurring infections, fatigue, mood swings) may be due to food allergies or intolerances.
Allergies involve an immune response, while intolerances result from enzyme deficiencies.
Leaky gut syndrome plays a significant role in autoimmune disorders and food allergies.
Enzyme support and gut healing protocols can help reduce food sensitivities over time.
Understanding your body’s responses to food is key to reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and improving long-term health.
Need Intolerance Testing: Glacier Peaks