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SPD Or Food Allergies?

By Michelle Morris

(With Excerpts From: "Toxic Food Syndrome - Are you poisoning yourself?"
by Jeffrey S. Zavik & Jim Thompson)

Let's think about food allergies for a minute. Do you know which kind of allergy you or someone else has? There are two types, and it is very important. Immediate food allergy...AND Delayed food allergy.

We all know about the immediate food allergy:

Symptoms usually appear 2 hours or less after consumption.

Only one or two foods (usually) involved in causing allergic reaction.

Small, even trace amounts can trigger an intense reaction, including anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.

Primarily affects the skin, airway, and digestive tract manifesting in "classical" symptoms such as asthma, rhinitis, eczema, vomiting, diarrhea, anaphylaxis, and more.

Common in children, rare in adults.

Addictive cravings, and withdrawal symptoms rare to non-existent.

Offending food is commonly self diagnosed.

Commonly a permanent, fixed food allergy.

Frequently skin test positive.

Antibody not characteristically involved.

Now...DELAYED Food Allergy:

3-10 clinically food allergens involved (can be over 20).

Larger amounts of food, even multiple feedings, may be needed to provoke allergic reaction.

Symptoms commonly appear 2-24 hours AFTER offending food is eaten, and some report up to 48-72 hours, as well.

Virtually any tissue, organ, or SYSTEM in the body can be affected, including "classical" symptoms.

VERY common in children and adults. (over 50 medical conditions, and 200 symptoms have been reported to be provoked, worsened, or caused by allergic reactions to food)

Addictive cravings, and withdrawal symptoms significant in 20-30% of patients.

Due to multiple foods, and delayed reactions...rarely self diagnosed.

Delayed allergic foods are commonly favorite foods, and eaten in large amounts.

Delayed allergy to foods is commonly reversible. Symptoms often clear following 3-6 months of avoidance.

Skin test for these negative. IgG ELISA (Type II) positive.

An estimated 95% of population suffers from some delayed reaction to foods.

WHAT does all this mean, you might ask!?

There is now a blood test, done by Immuno Labs, called the Immuno One Bloodprint, which tests for allergens in 115 different foods. Through a high tech process, the results you receive include a list of toxic foods to avoid.

What I haven't said yet is all the possible symptoms a person can suffer from, that may be caused by delayed food toxins:

DIGESTIVE TRACT

Diarrhea
Constipation
Bloating
Gas
Stomach pain

EARS

Itchy ears
Ear aches
Ear infections
Drainage
Ringing
Hearing loss

EMOTIONS

Mood swings
Anxiety, fear
Irritability
Depression
Aggressiveness
Nervousness

ENERGY

Fatigue
Sluggishness
Apathy
Hyperactivity
Restlessness
Lethargy

EYES

Watery eyes
Itchy eyes
Swollen eyelids
Sticky eyelids
Dark Circles
Blurred vision

WEIGHT

Binge eating
Cravings
Excessive weight
Water retention
Underweight

JOINT & MUSCLE

Joint pain
Arthritis
Stiffness
Limited movement
Muscle aches
Feeling of weakness

MOUTH & THROAT

Chronic coughing
Gagging
Clearing throat
Sore throat
Swollen tongue, lips
Canker sores

NOSE

Stuffy nose
Sinus problems
Hay fever
Sneezing attacks
Excessive mucous

SKIN

Acne
Hives, rashes
Hair loss
Hot flashes
Excessive sweating

HEAD

Headaches
Faintness
Dizziness
Insomnia

LUNGS

Congestion, chest
Asthma, bronchitis
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing

MIND

Poor memory
Confusion
Poor concentration
Stuttering
Stammering
LEARNING DISABILITIES

OTHER

Irregular heartbeat
Chest pains
Frequent illness
Urgent urination

When a child has made little progress in SPD therapy, it MAY be delayed reaction to foods that is the culprit or hindrance to therapy. Sometimes, I have seen recommendations to have this ruled out first, before therapy, if at all possible. Children with autism and sensory issues are particularly at risk, due to the nature of over sensitivities...they can be oversensitive to food, as well, as their other body systems.

If any of this concerns you, you may want to look further into this possibility.

Their web site is: www.betterhealthusa.com or call them at 1-800-231-9197. They can refer you to a physician in your area familiar with this test, for information, and a prescription to go to a local lab and have the blood drawn.

They do accept most insurances, but do not, at last I knew, accept medicaid. I do not have their price sheet with me, but I think the test was between $200-300. For some families, this is a lot cheaper than years of wasted therapy. Others want to rule it out. Some are already fighting immediate allergies, and when the child is STILL not much improved, they look at this, too.

I have seen improvements in children who have had this done. Some suspected ADHD kids, simply had food toxicity. Some remain oversensitive even after all the therapy in the world, and this may be why.

As always, you know your children best, and what might be right for your family. Hope this information helps.

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About the Author:

Michelle Morris is the mother of six, and parent of a child with a Sensory Processing Disorder. She is whole heartedly dedicated to promoting awareness and advocacy for families with SPD children. She has published over 30 articles supporting and educating parents about SPD. Additionally, Michelle is the International Administrator of SPD Parent S.H.A.R.E. and owner of the Yahoo support group
SID-DSI_AllAboutKids.

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