microbiome specialist

Food allergy / intolerance

FOOD ALLERGY

It is an over-sensitivity to a specific food protein such as a particular nut, egg, milk, wheat or fruits. When we are exposed to food allergen, it causes a reaction in our body. This can affect different organs and can have a different range of symptoms from mild to severe. A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and can potentially be life-threatening. 

Food allergies rates are rising every year and also are getting more complex. It is thought that allergies and increased sensitivity to foods are probably environmental, and related to Western lifestyles. Factors may include pollution, dietary changes, less exposure to microbes and over-use of antibiotics; these alter our beneficial gut bacteria (microbiota) and change how our immune systems respond.

In immunYs we have extensive experience in molecular diagnosis (microarrays). In a single test we determine the patient’s reactivity to specific molecular components to several foods and assess the severity of the allergy condition.

We also have expertise in gut microbiota and barrier function; latest scientific evidence shows that plays a significant role in educating our immune system and preventing immuno-allergy conditions.

FOOD INTOLERANCE

It is a  food reaction with non-immunological mechanism.

Gluten intolerance: Gluten is a protein in cereals such as wheat, barley, and rye. A person with gluten intolerance or sensitivity may experience pain and bloating after eating foods that contain gluten. Gluten intolerance – a sensitivity- can cause similar symptoms to coeliac disease – an autoimmune condition-, but it is a different issue with different long-term effects. The symptoms of gluten intolerance may also resemble those of a wheat allergy or intestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Lactose intolerance: it is an enzyme-based adverse food reaction. It affects the intestinal villi because the body produces small amounts, or none, of the enzyme lactase. In this case our gut cannot metabolize lactose properly. This condition can be temporary (e.g after a diarrhea process) or permanent. It can also be congenital (born with this) or acquired during our life. This condition tends to trigger mostly abdominal symptoms. 

Fructose intolerance: Fructose is a sugar found naturally in  some fruits, vegetables and honey. Fructose is also a basic component in sugar (sucrose); high-fructose corn syrup is used to sweeten many processed foods and beverages. When your digestive system doesn’t absorb fructose properly, it can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and gas.

DAO (diamine oxidase) deficiency: It is an alteration of  DAO enzyme. In this condition, our body is unable to metabolise histamine properly causing histamine accumulation; it is also known as histamine intolerance. This enzyme´s function can be altered by different reasons such as medications, alcohol, gut or liver condition. The symptoms may vary, being more frequent hives, swelling and abdominal symptoms.

If you suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance, in immunYs we help you with:

  • extensive experience in food allergy / intolerance conditions
  • molecular diagnosis (microarrays) expertise. In a single test we determine the patient’s reactivity to specific molecular components to several foods and assess the severity of the allergy condition
  • genetic testing to support our diagnosis of food intolerances 
  • personalised management plan

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Unique integrated approach

  • at the forefront of immune, microbiota & allergy diagnosis

  • latest innovative treatments

  • specialist medicine with integrative approach

Diagnostics

We are at the forefront of the latest validated diagnosis techniques in our field with expertise in:

  • Microbiota / Gut barrier function : With a stool test we investigate inflammation, malabsorption, infection, maldigestion, dysbiosis and/or metabolite imbalance

  • Molecular testing (microarrays) : With a single test, we investigate over 100 allergic components and predict the likehood of severe reactions

  • Genetic testing for food intolerance: including coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, DAO deficit

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Treatments

Personalized prevention and treatment plans combining experienced clinical judgment with forefront immune, microbiota and/or allergy therapies with an integrative approach

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Second opinion

Personalized expert second opinion designed to help you feel confident about your diagnosis, treatment options and making decisions regarding your care

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