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Allergies 101

Allergies 101

Have you ever Wondered how your body responds to allergies (or even intolerances, sensitivities)? Have you heard about antibodys or why we react?

First lets give you a brief overview…

Allergies are really another word for altered reactivity. There are several words often used interchangably.  An intolerance if often used when there is an uncertainty of whether the immune system is involved (yes some reactions DO NOT involve the immune system).  The word allergy is used if the immune system is involved and the IgE antibody is involved.  A sensitivity is a catch all phrase for allergies and intolerances.

Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins produced by the body in response to foreign substances.  When a person is exposed to a foreign substance, antibodies are produced.  When exposed to the same substance again, the body remembers and that antibody is released.  An important thing to note is that allergic reactions can be immediate or delayed!  Delayed reactions can occur hours or days later, making the allergen difficult to identify.  Another important thing to note is that when symptoms appear, the body is telling you that it is struggling and is under stress internally and externally.  It has reached the maximum load of chemical, food and pollutant exposure it can handle.  A balanced body will NOT have allergies or symptoms!

IgA antibodies are found in areas of the body such the nose, breathing passages, digestive tract.  They are also found in your saliva, tears and blood.  Their role is to defend against outside foreign substances before they enter the body.   It neutralizes allergens by binding to them.  Over 50% of us are deficient in this antibody. Repeated consumption of foods to which you’re sensitive can deplete IgA.  These make up about 10% to 15% of the antibodies in your body.

IgE antibodies are found in the mucous, lungs and skin.  They make up 1% of the antibodies in your body.  These are what the traditional allergist often tests for.  They cause the body to react against foreign substances such as pollen, fungus spores, and animal dander.  They can form and flow through the blood stream causing reactions in other areas of the body.

IgG antibodies are found in all body fluids. They make up 75% to 80% of all antibodies in the body. IgG antibodies are very important in fighting bacteria and viruses. IgG antibodies are the only type of antibody that can hellp protect a fetus in the womb.  It destroys invaders by breaking down their cell walls.  They can be involved in over two thirds of reactions.

IgM antibodies are found in blood and lymph fluid and are the first type of antibody made in response to an infection. They also cause other immune system cells to destroy foreign substances. IgM antibodies are about 5% to 10% of all the antibodies in the body.

To summarize, allergies are a sign of toxicity and overload and the immune system may or may not be involved!

Aside from allergies, here’s a link to a great video on how someone healed MS through diet.

Have a Great Month!