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The difference between food allergies & food intolerance and their effect on children with Autism

The difference between food allergies & food intolerance and their effect on children with Autism

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique differences and strengths. We now know that autism is caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences; hence, the term ‘spectrum’ is used to highlight the wide variations in challenges and strengths exhibited by people with autism.

The most obvious signs of autism tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age, although some developmental delays associated with the condition may be diagnosed as early as 18 months or earlier. Symptoms of autism range in presentation and severity, with many children exhibiting an intellectual disability while others have normal intelligence. Children with autism may also exhibit other symptoms ranging from seizures, motor abnormalities, anxiety, and sleep cycle disturbances, to gastrointestinal problems, immune dysfunction, and sensory disturbances.

The Difference Between Food Allergies (IgE) & Food Intolerance (IgG)

Everything we eat can elicit a positive or negative reaction in the body. If you are intolerant to a certain food and you continue to eat it, your body will mount an inflammatory reaction that may manifest in a variety of conditions that affect your lifestyle, such as severe headaches, chronic pain, digestive disorders, and other issues. Food intolerance can be caused by several factors, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food poisoning, psychological factors, and sensitivity to certain processed or natural food additives. Studies show that less than 2% of the population suffers from food allergies. However, up to 45% of the population is estimated to suffer from some form of food intolerance. In the case of children with autism, food intolerances have been shown to affect mood, behavior, and anxiety levels, and once identified and removed from the diet, these children experience a healthier, calmer existence.

Key Differences Between Food Allergies And Food Intolerance:

Food Allergies

Occurs suddenly
A small amount of food can trigger a reaction
Happens every time the food is consumed
Can be life-threatening
Typically identified during childhood

Food Intolerance

Occurs when a food irritates your stomach or is not properly digested
Symptoms include gas, cramps, bloating, heartburn, anxiety, migraines, joint pain, skin issues, fatigue, depression, irritability, and difficulty losing weight
Symptoms may appear immediately or days after eating the food you’re intolerant to
Usually develops gradually, with symptoms sometimes not appearing before age 30
May occur after consuming large quantities of the food
May occur if the food is eaten frequently
Is not life-threatening

Most food allergy tests that are performed look at the reaction of the body’s IgE immune cells to various food types. An IgE reaction is a true allergy. This is something an allergist can test through a blood test to a food, pollen, dust, animal hair, etc. They can also look for an IgE reaction through skin prick testing. An IgE reaction is usually quite obvious. It can often happen within minutes of eating something. We’ve all heard of cases where someone reacts to peanuts or strawberries or pineapples or shellfish. In some types of reactions that are immediate after ingesting a food, hives may develop on the body, lips may swell, eyes may get runny, or the throat may become very itchy. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can lead to an anaphylactic reaction or anaphylactic shock. Someone who has a true allergy to bee stings, for example, can develop an anaphylactic reaction resulting in difficulty breathing and will need to be hospitalized to take medication to short–circuit that reaction. It is important to know if and what your child is allergic to, but usually these can only be identified by skin tests or a blood test during or very close to the time a reaction is actually happening and there is enough IgE circulating in the blood stream to be picked up by the test.

Most reactions to foods we come into contact with and are testing for are actually not IgE reactions but IgG reactions. IgG is the most abundant immune chemical (antibody) in the body that can sometimes react with food quite adversely, leading to low–level inflammatory and immune reactions in the body. These reactions are called IgG delayed hypersensitivity reactions. They are not life–threatening and often not immediate—making them different in that sense to allergic reactions – but in the digestive system, they can quickly cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. In the long run, these food ‘intolerances’ can lead to low–level inflammation that in turn can lead to joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, migraines, weight gain, insomnia, anxiety and depression, and several other symptoms.

Thus, a food IgG reaction, even though sometimes it is called an allergic reaction, is truly not an allergy but rather a hypersensitivity or an intolerance to food proteins. When you perform a food intolerance test, depending on the lab and the test type, you can test your IgG response to a panel of over 200 different foods types or more that you or your child are eating.

The Effect of Food Intolerances on Autistic Children

Gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation are very common for children on the spectrum. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gastrointestinal pain. Intestinal inflammation is typically caused by food sensitivities and an overabundance of unhealthy bacteria in the gut. Impaired digestion causes nutrient deficiencies and weakened cellular function, which manifests as poor brain function and immune system deficiencies. When food is not broken down properly, as is the case with food sensitivities or a food intolerance, it leads to foggy thinking, insensitivity to pain, withdrawal, and irritability.

Often, children on the spectrum have elevated food IgG reactions that, in addition to the above–mentioned symptoms, can weaken their immune systems over time, making them more susceptible to viruses and bacteria which they are exposed. A food intolerance lab result can help to minimize the physical symptoms through diet control, thus reducing the severity of symptoms and increasing overall health and well-being.

If you are interested in undergoing food sensitivity tests, head to MedLabs for trusted medical assistance.

References:

www.autismspeaks.org

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

http://iancommunity.org

http://autismrecoverytreatment.com