Allergies, autoimmune diseases and intolerances can be confused with each other but are actually three separate conditions, for example let’s look at wheat allergy, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity:
A wheat allergy involves the reaction of a certain type of antibody (immunoglobulin E) to wheat, resulting in the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances. This can cause symptoms such as skin eruptions, runny nose, itching, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis and even death. Allergic reactions can appear and disappear within minutes to hours after contact with an allergen
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, not an allergy. Autoimmune disease reactions are enduring and highly destructive. It can have reactions in the GIT, brain, nervous system and other body parts.
When wheat allergy and celiac disease have been ruled out, having a beneficial response to dietary elimination of gluten-containing foods is considered non-celiac gluten sensitivity. In some people, it may actually be poorly-absorbed carbohydrates called FODMAPs that contribute to sensitivity reactions.
To make an allergy/ autoimmune/ intolerance appointment:
