What Are Allergies?

Allergies are reactions to foreign substances by the immune system. The body’s defense system responds to foreign invaders or pathogens and this response triggers some form of immediate reaction in the body. Children today experience allergies at a much more alarming rate than ever before.

Environmental allergies tend to be seasonal; much worse in the spring and the fall when there are airborne allergens from trees, flowers, grasses, and pollen. Other common allergens are foods such as eggs, milk, wheat, soy, and peanuts.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Allergies

Allergens can cause an over-production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the body. This antibody elevates levels of histamine which causes inflammation and triggers an immediate allergic reaction. In some cases severe allergic reactions can trigger anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

What Your Doctor May Tell You About Allergies

A pediatrician will likely refer your child to a pediatric allergist. The pediatric allergists do skin-prick and blood testing (RAST radioallergosorbent) to determine IgE environmental or food allergies. Food allergies are more critical because they can be life-threatening so allergists recommend elimination of the allergenic foods and provide a prescription for epinephrine in the form of an “epi” pen to use in emergency situations.

Pediatric allergists are trained to diagnose, provide a treatment protocol and manage the allergies. Depending on the type of allergy, the allergist may prescribe antihistamines, cromolyn sodium (nasal spray), decongestants, eye drops and steroid sprays.

Allergists might also recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) injecting the allergen into the body to create immunity to that allergen, but many times the risks can be potentially more dangerous due to severe reactions such as hives, rashes and even anaphylactic shock.

Another Way to Think About Allergies

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Allergies

A second type of allergic reaction is Immunoglobulin G (IgG). The IgG is much less understood as being an allergy because the inflammatory reaction is affecting the immune system. Symptoms are usually delayed manifesting two or three hours later and are not usually life-threatening. IgG symptoms are often referred to as being an intolerance or sensitivity rather than an allergy. They also tend to be more cumulative in nature and respond on a deeper level within the immune system. Typical IgG reactions include:

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Bladder infections
• Chronic sinusitis

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Allergies

A third type of allergic reaction called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) develops usually when there is autoimmunity present. Due to leaky gut syndrome, immune function is impaired and inflammation in the gastrointestinal lining causes the protective coating of antibodies called IgA to be released. The body is unable to fight off infection and becomes vulnerable to all types of pathogens.

Because the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is unable to eliminate toxins, they overload the liver and deplete the sulfur-containing amino acids, so the detoxification process becomes impaired. High levels of ammonia may develop due to liver toxicity which affects brain functioning. Any chemicals or toxins at this point that are ingested cannot be detoxified out of the body by the normal process, and consequently, cause a misfiring of the neurotransmitters in the brain. This is the reason why children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism may have “neurological” reactions such as:

• Hyperactivity
• Mood swings
• Meltdowns
• Inappropriate behaviors
• Sensitivity to sounds and lights

Consider removing gluten and casein and all toxic ingredients from the diet to help heal the gastrointestinal tract.

Learn more about how improving liver detoxification pathways can help lessen allergic responses here.

Allergies Healing Checklist

Use homeopathy specific for allergies:

• Natrum muriaticum
• Nux vomica
• Arsenicum album
• Allium cepa

Consider using Schueller’s cell tissue salts, which can be effective as well. Individual homeopathics can be specific for whatever the allergic symptoms or condition is.

Consider hypnotherapy:

Hypnotherapy can lessen or completely prevent allergic reactions and assist the immune system in responding in a different way.

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