{"id":179,"date":"2023-01-23T18:35:35","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T23:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/rebootyourresiliencywithselfcare\/?post_type=chapter&p=179"},"modified":"2023-11-01T18:56:18","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T22:56:18","slug":"immune-system-in-overdrive","status":"web-only","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/rebootyourresiliencywithselfcare\/chapter\/immune-system-in-overdrive\/","title":{"raw":"Immune System in Overdrive","rendered":"Immune System in Overdrive"},"content":{"raw":"Allergies<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAllergies happen because our immune system responds to generally harmless substances (allergens) that it views as threatening. Allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or enter through the skin. These responses are linked to the IgE antibody and range from mild symptoms like a runny nose, asthma, or hives, to an extreme, life-threatening reaction known as\u00a0anaphylaxis<\/strong>.[footnote]Immune Deficiency Foundation. (2022). Allergies. Retrieved from: https:\/\/primaryimmune.org\/allergies-4[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nAnaphylaxis can happen within seconds or minutes of exposure to an antigen, or even a half-hour or longer. It results in a variety of widespread symptoms, including hives, swelling of the throat and tongue \u2013 resulting in difficulty breathing \u2013 dizziness, headache, pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, a weak and thready pulse, decreased blood pressure, and ultimately loss of consciousness and shock[footnote]Mayo Clinic. (2023). Anaphylaxis. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/anaphylaxis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351468[\/footnote] If anaphylaxis isn't treated right away, it can be fatal.\r\n\r\nTypically, allergies are more common in children, but they can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, and can begin or recur at any age. Having allergies can mean two things: 1) Your immune system is too active, and 2) Your immune system is misfiring (attacking the wrong substances). Use of the term \u201coveractive\u201d might give the impression that your immune system is strong, however it is misdirected and is actually an unbalanced response, thus the term \u201cover-reactive<\/strong>\u201d might be a better description. Among other things, stress can play a role in the development or severity of allergies.[footnote]Dave, N. D., Xiang, L., Rehm, K. E., & Marshall, G. D., Jr (2011). Stress and allergic diseases. Immunology and allergy clinics of North America, 31(1), 55\u201368. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3264048\/[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nMany allergies are [pb_glossary id=\"657\"]insidious[\/pb_glossary] and numerous people don\u2019t realize they have them. Environmental allergens<\/strong> that we inhale such as pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander can assault us every day and cause general fatigue, headaches, red and itchy, watery eyes, and runny nose and sinus congestion.[footnote]Allergy Denver. (2015). What are Environmental Allergens? In Allergy and Asthma Patient Education. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.allergydenver.com\/what-are-environmental-allergens\/[\/footnote]\u00a0 The general nature of some of these symptoms makes it difficult to ascertain the culprit.\r\n\r\nUndiagnosed and\/or undealt-with allergies makes your immune system work overtime, causing it to be overtaxed, weakened, and potentially not available when a real pathogen comes along, leading us to be more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.[footnote]Edwards, M., Strong, K., Cameron, A., Walton, R., Jackson, D., Johnston, S. (2017). Viral infections in allergy and immunology: How allergic inflammation influences viral infections and illness. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 140, (4), 909-920. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.jacionline.org\/article\/S0091-6749(17)31313-1\/fulltext[\/footnote] Conversely, there is considerable evidence that respiratory viral infections are associated with the development of allergies and asthma.[footnote]Xepapadaki, P., Papadopoulos, N. (2007). Viral infections and allergies. Immunobiology, 212 (6) 453-459. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0171298507000344[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nFood allergies and intolerances<\/strong> affect more than 20% of the population in industrialized countries, with the majority (15% to 20%) being non-immunologically mediated reactions.[footnote]Zopf, Y., Baenkler, H. W., Silbermann, A., Hahn, E. G., & Raithel, M. (2009). The differential diagnosis of food intolerance. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 106(21), 359\u2013370. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2695393\/[\/footnote]Foods that are considered healthy for the greater part of the population can cause problems for others if they have an allergy, a sensitivity, or an intolerance to them. Let\u2019s talk about each of these in turn.\r\n\r\nFood Allergies<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFood allergies are an immune hypersensitivity initiated by an IgE reaction. As described previously, IgE allergies are immediate<\/span> responses to an antigen that has entered the body. Often people who ingest an allergen have gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating and diarrhea) along with other IgE symptoms. IgE food allergies usually don\u2019t disappear but they can improve over time, because if a person has a strong immune system and a healthy digestive system, the better their body can tolerate accidental exposure. Accidental is the key word, here, as it\u2019s smarter to stay away from food you are allergic to.\r\n
Nine foods account for 90 percent of serious allergic reactions: egg, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat, and sesame.[footnote]Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team. (2023). Adults with Food Allergies. Education. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.foodallergyawareness.org\/education\/adults-with-food-allergies\/adults-with-food-allergies\/[\/footnote]<\/div>\r\nFood Sensitivities<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe term \u2018food sensitivity\u2019 is subject to a wide range of interpretation and therefore can be confusing. IgG antibodies have been implicated in delayed food allergies<\/span> or food sensitivities.[footnote]Shakoor, Z., AlFaifi, A., AlAmro, B., AlTawil, L. N., & AlOhaly, R. Y. (2016). Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms. Annals of Saudi medicine, 36(6), 386\u2013390. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6074204\/[\/footnote] Delayed food allergies are called as such due to the fact that symptoms can be seen up to 72 hours after eating a problem food. These types of reactions are inflammatory in nature and are not associated with the release of histamines<\/span> so you will not get the immediate hypersensitivity reactions of itching, hives, and swelling. IgG sensitivity reactions include symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, depression, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog.[footnote]Shakoor, Z., AlFaifi, A., AlAmro, B., AlTawil, L. N., & AlOhaly, R. Y. (2016). Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms. Annals of Saudi medicine, 36(6), 386\u2013390. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6074204\/#:~:text=It has been implicated in,as rashes, urticaria and asthma.&text=Gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of irritable,with IgG-mediated food intolerance.[\/footnote] Eliminating IgG positive foods has been shown in clinical studies to improve symptoms of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and migraines, and there is also ongoing research into potential benefits for those with autism and ADHD. [footnote]Atkinson, W., Sheldon, T. A., Shaath, N., & Whorwell, P. J. (2004). Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Gut, 53(10), 1459\u20131464. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1774223\/[\/footnote] [footnote]Biscetti, L., De Vanna, G., Cresta, E. et al. (2021). Headache and immunological\/autoimmune disorders: a comprehensive review of available epidemiological evidence with insights on potential underlying mechanisms. J Neuroinflammation 18, 259.[\/footnote] [footnote]de Magistris, L., Picardi, A., Siniscalco, D., Riccio, M. P., Sapone, A., Cariello, R., Abbadessa, S., Medici, N., Lammers, K. M., Schiraldi, C., Iardino, P., Marotta, R., Tolone, C., Fasano, A., Pascotto, A., & Bravaccio, C. (2013). Antibodies against food antigens in patients with autistic spectrum disorders. BioMed research international, 2013, 729349. Retrieved from: https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23984403\/[\/footnote] [footnote]Pelsser, L. M., Frankena, K., Toorman, J., Savelkoul, H. F., Dubois, A. E., Pereira, R. R., Haagen, T. A., Rommelse, N. N., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2011). Effects of a restricted elimination diet on the behaviour of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (INCA study): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet (London, England), 377(9764), 494\u2013503. Retrieved from: https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21296237\/[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nWhile you can test IgG for food sensitivities via a blood test,[footnote]Lavine E. (2012). Blood testing for sensitivity, allergy or intolerance to food. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 184(6), 666\u2013668. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3314037\/[\/footnote] these tests are controversial as the results are commonly not as reliable as [pb_glossary id=\"551\"]elimination diets[\/pb_glossary]\u00a0for uncovering food sensitivity. However, they can give individuals a starting point to eliminate some foods and assess if it helps their symptoms or not.\r\n\r\nFood Intolerances<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA food intolerance is not triggered by the immune system<\/span>. It is usually caused by a deficiency or absence of an enzyme needed to digest a food. One of the most common types of food intolerance is lactose intolerance, where an individual has a deficiency of the enzyme lactase that is needed to break down the sugar lactose found in cow\u2019s milk. This can lead to symptoms that may look like an allergy, such as bloating and diarrhea. Other non-immune mediated intolerances include sulfites (present in wine and medications), monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer), colorants and preservatives (such as tartrazine, benzoates, sorbates etc.), and sweeteners (aspartame).[footnote]Zopf, Y., Baenkler, H. W., Silbermann, A., Hahn, E. G., & Raithel, M. (2009). The differential diagnosis of food intolerance. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 106(21), 359\u2013370. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2695393\/[\/footnote]","rendered":"

Allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Allergies happen because our immune system responds to generally harmless substances (allergens) that it views as threatening. Allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or enter through the skin. These responses are linked to the IgE antibody and range from mild symptoms like a runny nose, asthma, or hives, to an extreme, life-threatening reaction known as\u00a0anaphylaxis<\/strong>.[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Anaphylaxis can happen within seconds or minutes of exposure to an antigen, or even a half-hour or longer. It results in a variety of widespread symptoms, including hives, swelling of the throat and tongue \u2013 resulting in difficulty breathing \u2013 dizziness, headache, pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, a weak and thready pulse, decreased blood pressure, and ultimately loss of consciousness and shock[2]<\/sup><\/a> If anaphylaxis isn’t treated right away, it can be fatal.<\/p>\n

Typically, allergies are more common in children, but they can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, and can begin or recur at any age. Having allergies can mean two things: 1) Your immune system is too active, and 2) Your immune system is misfiring (attacking the wrong substances). Use of the term \u201coveractive\u201d might give the impression that your immune system is strong, however it is misdirected and is actually an unbalanced response, thus the term \u201cover-reactive<\/strong>\u201d might be a better description. Among other things, stress can play a role in the development or severity of allergies.[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Many allergies are insidious<\/a> and numerous people don\u2019t realize they have them. Environmental allergens<\/strong> that we inhale such as pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander can assault us every day and cause general fatigue, headaches, red and itchy, watery eyes, and runny nose and sinus congestion.[4]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The general nature of some of these symptoms makes it difficult to ascertain the culprit.<\/p>\n

Undiagnosed and\/or undealt-with allergies makes your immune system work overtime, causing it to be overtaxed, weakened, and potentially not available when a real pathogen comes along, leading us to be more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.[5]<\/sup><\/a> Conversely, there is considerable evidence that respiratory viral infections are associated with the development of allergies and asthma.[6]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Food allergies and intolerances<\/strong> affect more than 20% of the population in industrialized countries, with the majority (15% to 20%) being non-immunologically mediated reactions.[7]<\/sup><\/a>Foods that are considered healthy for the greater part of the population can cause problems for others if they have an allergy, a sensitivity, or an intolerance to them. Let\u2019s talk about each of these in turn.<\/p>\n

Food Allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Food allergies are an immune hypersensitivity initiated by an IgE reaction. As described previously, IgE allergies are immediate<\/span> responses to an antigen that has entered the body. Often people who ingest an allergen have gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating and diarrhea) along with other IgE symptoms. IgE food allergies usually don\u2019t disappear but they can improve over time, because if a person has a strong immune system and a healthy digestive system, the better their body can tolerate accidental exposure. Accidental is the key word, here, as it\u2019s smarter to stay away from food you are allergic to.<\/p>\n

Nine foods account for 90 percent of serious allergic reactions: egg, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat, and sesame.[8]<\/sup><\/a><\/div>\n

Food Sensitivities<\/strong><\/p>\n

The term \u2018food sensitivity\u2019 is subject to a wide range of interpretation and therefore can be confusing. IgG antibodies have been implicated in delayed food allergies<\/span> or food sensitivities.[9]<\/sup><\/a> Delayed food allergies are called as such due to the fact that symptoms can be seen up to 72 hours after eating a problem food. These types of reactions are inflammatory in nature and are not associated with the release of histamines<\/span> so you will not get the immediate hypersensitivity reactions of itching, hives, and swelling. IgG sensitivity reactions include symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, depression, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog.[10]<\/sup><\/a> Eliminating IgG positive foods has been shown in clinical studies to improve symptoms of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and migraines, and there is also ongoing research into potential benefits for those with autism and ADHD. [11]<\/sup><\/a> [12]<\/sup><\/a> [13]<\/sup><\/a> [14]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

While you can test IgG for food sensitivities via a blood test,[15]<\/sup><\/a> these tests are controversial as the results are commonly not as reliable as elimination diets<\/a>\u00a0for uncovering food sensitivity. However, they can give individuals a starting point to eliminate some foods and assess if it helps their symptoms or not.<\/p>\n

Food Intolerances<\/strong><\/p>\n

A food intolerance is not triggered by the immune system<\/span>. It is usually caused by a deficiency or absence of an enzyme needed to digest a food. One of the most common types of food intolerance is lactose intolerance, where an individual has a deficiency of the enzyme lactase that is needed to break down the sugar lactose found in cow\u2019s milk. This can lead to symptoms that may look like an allergy, such as bloating and diarrhea. Other non-immune mediated intolerances include sulfites (present in wine and medications), monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer), colorants and preservatives (such as tartrazine, benzoates, sorbates etc.), and sweeteners (aspartame).[16]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

  1. Immune Deficiency Foundation. (2022). Allergies. Retrieved from: https:\/\/primaryimmune.org\/allergies-4 ↵<\/a><\/li>
  2. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Anaphylaxis. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/anaphylaxis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351468 ↵<\/a><\/li>
  3. Dave, N. D., Xiang, L., Rehm, K. E., & Marshall, G. D., Jr (2011). Stress and allergic diseases. Immunology and allergy clinics of North America, 31(1), 55\u201368. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3264048\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  4. Allergy Denver. (2015). What are Environmental Allergens? In Allergy and Asthma Patient Education. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.allergydenver.com\/what-are-environmental-allergens\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  5. Edwards, M., Strong, K., Cameron, A., Walton, R., Jackson, D., Johnston, S. (2017). Viral infections in allergy and immunology: How allergic inflammation influences viral infections and illness. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 140, (4), 909-920. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.jacionline.org\/article\/S0091-6749(17)31313-1\/fulltext ↵<\/a><\/li>
  6. Xepapadaki, P., Papadopoulos, N. (2007). Viral infections and allergies. Immunobiology, 212 (6) 453-459. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0171298507000344 ↵<\/a><\/li>
  7. Zopf, Y., Baenkler, H. W., Silbermann, A., Hahn, E. G., & Raithel, M. (2009). The differential diagnosis of food intolerance. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 106(21), 359\u2013370. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2695393\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  8. Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team. (2023). Adults with Food Allergies. Education. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.foodallergyawareness.org\/education\/adults-with-food-allergies\/adults-with-food-allergies\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  9. Shakoor, Z., AlFaifi, A., AlAmro, B., AlTawil, L. N., & AlOhaly, R. Y. (2016). Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms. Annals of Saudi medicine, 36(6), 386\u2013390. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6074204\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  10. Shakoor, Z., AlFaifi, A., AlAmro, B., AlTawil, L. N., & AlOhaly, R. Y. (2016). Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms. Annals of Saudi medicine, 36(6), 386\u2013390. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6074204\/#:~:text=It has been implicated in,as rashes, urticaria and asthma.&text=Gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of irritable,with IgG-mediated food intolerance. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  11. Atkinson, W., Sheldon, T. A., Shaath, N., & Whorwell, P. J. (2004). Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Gut, 53(10), 1459\u20131464. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1774223\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  12. Biscetti, L., De Vanna, G., Cresta, E. et al. (2021). Headache and immunological\/autoimmune disorders: a comprehensive review of available epidemiological evidence with insights on potential underlying mechanisms. J Neuroinflammation 18, 259. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  13. de Magistris, L., Picardi, A., Siniscalco, D., Riccio, M. P., Sapone, A., Cariello, R., Abbadessa, S., Medici, N., Lammers, K. M., Schiraldi, C., Iardino, P., Marotta, R., Tolone, C., Fasano, A., Pascotto, A., & Bravaccio, C. (2013). Antibodies against food antigens in patients with autistic spectrum disorders. BioMed research international, 2013, 729349. Retrieved from: https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23984403\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  14. Pelsser, L. M., Frankena, K., Toorman, J., Savelkoul, H. F., Dubois, A. E., Pereira, R. R., Haagen, T. A., Rommelse, N. N., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2011). Effects of a restricted elimination diet on the behaviour of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (INCA study): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet (London, England), 377(9764), 494\u2013503. Retrieved from: https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21296237\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  15. Lavine E. (2012). Blood testing for sensitivity, allergy or intolerance to food. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 184(6), 666\u2013668. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3314037\/ ↵<\/a><\/li>
  16. Zopf, Y., Baenkler, H. W., Silbermann, A., Hahn, E. G., & Raithel, M. (2009). The differential diagnosis of food intolerance. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 106(21), 359\u2013370. Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2695393\/ ↵<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>
    definition<\/span>