Can Food Allergies Increase with Age? By Jacquel Patterson, ND T


he most common food allergies in the population are peanuts, dairy, eggs, soy, shellfi sh and wheat. Food allergies typically begin in childhood, how- ever food sensitivities often can occur over time as we age. Adults commonly have food allergies to peanuts and tree nuts, fi sh and shellfi sh in addition to fruit and veg- etable pollen. Most common symptoms for food allergies include: hives; eczema; swelling of lips, face or tongue; diffi culty breathing; abdominal pain; or dizzi- ness. Food sensitivity symptoms are more delayed and common symptoms include migraines, stomach upset and bloating, headaches, runny nose, IBS and fatigue.


Food sensitivities can develop over time particularly if GI function is compromised. There are some genetic risk factors and items like canned foods that have shown to negatively increase chance of allergens. Lifestyle, nutrition and environmental fac- tors as well as specifi c enzyme defi ciencies are contributory factors. The immune system and gastrointestinal health are key areas to review since it increases the chances of overall food sensitivity. The gut microbiome can also be weak due to medications, ad- ditives, processed chemicals and antibiotic use affecting the ratio of good versus bad bacteria which increases the likelihood of food sensitivities.


24 Natural Nutmeg - October 2019 I frequently treat families in our offi ce,


particularly children. I fi nd the most critical time to address this is in childhood before food sensitivities increase; often times par- ents may think their child will just grow out of it, however, why wait when there are so many effective natural approaches that can ameliorate the symptoms.


Exposure


It still isn’t clear as to why food aller- gies and sensitivities have been on the rise. Some research indicates that earlier expo- sure to common food allergens (younger than 2-3 years of age) helps to prevent food allergy. Similar research has been con- ducted to early exposure to animal dander, preventing likelihood of allergy as an adult. There have been a lot of studies related to the US being too hygienic to decrease spread of infection. Studies have dem- onstrated that exposure to dirt, allergens, bacteria, and viruses regularly builds your immune tolerance. For example, a study showed that children who were raised in homes that used dishwashers more fre- quently had higher rates of food allergies.


Digestive Support


It is important to consider stomach acid production both if there is too much stomach acid or too little. Lower levels of hydrochloric acid (HCL) prevents food from


being broken down as well. Sometimes support with betaine HCL helps to support acid levels. Additionally, digestive enzymes help to support the body’s ability to ef- fectively break down foods and obtain the necessary nutrients.


Histamine It may be helpful to look at histamine


levels, particularly if both food and envi- ronmental allergies are present. Histamine crosses the blood brain barrier and is a component of stomach acid helping to break down food. Foods that are rich in histamine may aggravate health including runny nose, headaches, dizziness, and ab- dominal cramping. You should look to avoid foods that trigger, possibly foods higher in histamine, and also consider a diamine oxi- dase (DAO) enzyme supplement to decrease histamine levels related to food.


Immune Support Individuals with food allergies may


have lower immune function. Supple- ments like Vitamin C with biofl avonoids that not only support the immune func- tion but have anti-histamine properties are helpful to reduce symptoms. Much of the immune function is located in the intes- tine, particularly under the age of 5 years old, and a good quality probiotic is also recommended. I also consider supplements


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