Have you ever wondered if you or your child is suffering from undiagnosed food allergies? Food allergies may present with a variety of symptoms from mild to severe. Typical symptoms of food allergies and sensitivities may include one or more of the following: itching, puffy eyes, constipation, diarrhea, bloody stools, hives, stomach upset, nausea, runny nose, sneezing, difficulty concentrating, poor attention, eczema, fatigue, fussiness, gas or darkness or swelling under the eyes (allergic shiners). There is also evidence that food allergies may be linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, depression, autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), headaches, fatigue, hay fever, and chronic ear infections. The most common food allergens are cow dairy, although wheat, citrus, soy, eggs, corn, shellfish, peanuts and other nuts are also common allergens. Individuals who have food allergies, eczema and asthma may also have a genetic disposition toward other common allergic family members.

Food allergies and sensitivities trigger a hypersensitivity reaction in the body which causes the release of one of two types of antibodies, termed IgE or IgG. IgE mediated allergic reactions typically occur within minutes to hours after exposure to the food of concern where as an IgG mediated sensitivity reaction may occur up to a few days after ingesting the allergen. This can make food sensitivities challenging to diagnose without proper testing.

Our preferred method of food allergy and sensitivity testing is both ELISA and RAST (radioallerrgosorbant test). Most ELISA food allergy tests screen for both allergy and sensitivity to 90-96 different foods by means of IgE food allergy and IgG antibody testing. To prepare for the test, your Naturopathic Physician will give you a list of foods to be tested. It is important to try to consume a serving or two of each food on the list within 10 days of seeing your Naturopath for testing.
*Never eat a food to which you suspect or know that you or your child is/are severely or anaphylactically allergic to.

Once your food allergies have been identified your Naturopathic Doctor will work with you to design a hypoallergenic elimination diet as well as an individualized treatment protocol to help treat your allergy symptoms, digestion, immune system, and to support their overall nutrition.

Scratch testing for Environmental Allergies

We are now proud to offer in office scratch testing for:

Trees (prevalent from February to May)
Grasses (May to July)
Weeds (July to September)
Dust mites (live in fibres of furniture, rugs, pillows, mattresses, etc)
Cat dander (proteins secreted by skin, saliva, feces, urine)
Ragweed
Mold (testing under development)

This quick procedure involves pricking the skin (usually the inner forearm) with a small amount of the allergen and measuring a response (within 30 minutes). Several allergens can be tested at one time. This type of testing is considered superior to blood testing for IgE antibodies.

Allergy Testing Important Patient Guidelines:

Prior to allergy testing, please avoid taking the following:

-Corticosteriod: Prednisone for 2 weeks
-Anithistamines: Claritin, Reactine, Allegra, Aerius for 1 week
-Antihistamines: Atarax, Benadryll, Chlor-tripolon, Sudafed, Dimetapp for 2 days
-Gravol, Cimetidine, Zantac, Famotidine for 2 days
-Analgesics and Anti-inflammatories for 2 days
-Nasal sprays and inhaler avoid day of appointment

Allergy Desensitization Treatment

Treatment is provided in the form of homeopathic sublingual immunotherapy which uses small doses of the allergen under the tongue to build tolerance. This type of therapy has minimal side effects, is less invasive than traditional allergy shots and easy to use (done at home). It is most effective to start therapy before the allergy season begins, usually 1-2 months before the season but can be started at anytime. This therapy is suitable for children 3 years and older, non severe-asthmatics and other populations who are unable to tolerate traditional injections.

Research shows that sublingual therapy is an effective method of treating and managing allergies (Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Aug 2006; Ear Nose and Throat Journal, Aug 2007) and is also supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an alternative to allergy injections.