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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is An Allergy?
The word "allergy" is derived from the Greek words meaning "altered reaction." An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system "overreacts" to a substance by identifying it as an invading organism, provoking a chain of defensive physical reactions in the body.
What Are Some Symptoms?
You may be familiar with some of the more common allergy symptoms, such as asthma, sneezing, and skin rashes. But you may not know that allergies can affect every major system and organ in the body, causing recurrent infections, body pains, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and a host of other symptoms.
Are Symptoms Always Immediate?
Although many allergic reactions occur soon or immediately after exposure to the offending substance, researchers are finding that, more and more, reactions are often delayed and may not occur for hours or even days after exposure. One study reported that nearly 60% of patients with food intolerance experienced delayed, rather than immediate, reactions to provoking foods.
What Causes Allergies?
The substance which provokes an allergic reaction is called an allergen or antigen. This can be a substance that is ingested, such as milk, corn, fish, or other foods. Allergens can also be substances in the surrounding environment, such as house dust, animal dander, chemicals, bacteria and pollens, which induce allergic reactions after being touched or inhaled.
How Common Are Allergies?
Allergies have been around for a long time. A case of food allergy was recorded over 2000 years ago by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who observed that milk could cause gastric upset and hives. In modern times, food and environmental allergies have increased dramatically. It has been estimated that at least 60% of the American population suffers from symptoms associated with food reactions. Some physicians even claim that food allergies are now the leading cause of most undiagnosed symptoms.
Why are Allergies Increasing?
No one knows for sure why allergies are on the rise. But some scientists believe that increased chemical pollution in our air, water, and food is causing an escalation in the frequency and severity of allergic reactions. Most commercial foods now contain hundreds of hidden ingredients--both natural and synthetic--that have been identified as agents in many allergic reactions. Genetic manipulation of plants, less diversity in the average diet, and poor digestive function have also been suggested as contributing factors.
Why is it Important to Identify Allergens?
People who choose to treat their allergy symptoms using antihistamines and other drugs may not realize that chronic use of those drugs can dampen the immune system, placing them at increased risk of developing infections and malignant tumors. What's more, these drugs often have unpleasant side efffects, including drowsiness, hypertension, weight gain, and even diabetes. That's why it's important to be tested, so your physician can directly treat the causes of your allergic reactions, instead of the symptoms.
Even if you only suffer from low-grade symptoms (of which you may not be aware), it is important to identify all of your body's known allergens. Allergic responses, following periods of infection or stress, can create more severe and more varied symptoms. Over time, allergies place cumulative stress on the body's immune system, which can result in more serious conditions such as migraines, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
How Does the Comprehensive Antibody Assessment Work?
Antibodies in the immune system detect and then "attack" invading substances such as allergens. After being confronted with the same allergen over a period of time, the immune system builds up its supply of antibodies to fight off the offending substance.
The Comprehensive Antibody Assessment identifies high levels of antibodies to specific food and environmental allergens causing immediate allergic reactions. These are called IgE antibodies. The profile also measures IgG antibodies, which are associated with delayed allergic reactions--the "hidden allergies" that do not show up on conventional allergy tests. With just a single blood sample, the allergy panel measures hypersensitivities to over 120 different food and environmental substances. It's a safe, convenient, and economical method that allows you to get at the root cause of your symptoms.
Ask yourself:
* Do you occasionally suffer from digestive problems, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation?
Do your eyes sometimes feel itchy or watery?
Do you often experience fatigue, hyperactivity, or difficulty in concentrating?
Are you prone to mood swings, food cravings, or anxiety?
Do you often feel depressed?
Do your muscles and joints sometimes ache?
Have you suffered recurrent ear infections or other chronic infections?
Have you ever noticed the appearance of hives or rashes?
Do you get headaches or migraines?
Do you suffer from recurrent asthma, bronchitis, or sinus problems?
Do you sometimes experience a set of "mysterious" symptoms that seem to "come and go" on their own?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing symptoms caused by food or environmental allergies.
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