Allergies and Sensitivities

Allergies result from the body’s histamine response to allergens. This reaction can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including itchy, red, watery eyes; pressure behind the eardrums; sinus congestion; skin irritation; gastrointestinal discomfort; and diarrhea/constipation. In severe cases, food allergy can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Exposure to allergens can also be related to other conditions, such as asthma and chronic migraines.

In contrast to IgE or anaphylactic allergies, food sensitivities comprise a delayed reaction to various foods, beverages, and additives. These immune-mediated reactions are similar to allergies, but do not involve the usual antibody production. They can cause gastro-intestinal issues, respiratory problems, and even skin rashes for up to 48 hours after ingestion. Dietary and environmental sensitivities can also cause non-traditional symptoms which are difficult to diagnose.

Patients can develop sensitivities to a variety of compounds—traditionally foods, but also beverages, additives, and other chemical or “hidden” components of the diet. Such patients are often diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome; their symptoms, if untreated, can lead to more serious health issues.

Food sensitivity can result from a variety of medical conditions. These can include a dearth of digestive enzymes, abnormal nutrient absorption, and reactions to chemicals in processed foods. Hormone issues can also play an important role: some chemicals mimic hormones in the body, potentially triggering inflammation in other systems. All of these problems can arise from genetics or environmental and lifestyle stressors.

Dr. Roberts has a special medical interest in allergy, and her world-class training at Johns Hopkins, Yale School of Medicine, and Mayo Clinic gives her a strong understanding of the biochemical and physiological foundations for these conditions. She has lectured to thousands of doctors on allergy treatments. Her approach is usually integrative, combining cutting-edge natural therapies with traditional medical solutions.

One approach Dr. Roberts uses for diagnosis is food sensitivity testing. She offers a comprehensive food sensitivity panel which evaluates the patient’s reaction to hundreds of edible substances and identifies those which cause reactions. The Yale School of Medicine, the doctor’s alma mater, completed a study which showed that following the results of this test significantly improved abdominal pain and distention in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

For those who prefer to forego testing, Dr. Roberts can also use elimination trials as an initial therapy. This path involves more trial and error, and patients must keep a meticulous diary to track exposures to potential irritants and symptoms; but the information can elucidate patterns of reactivity and enable the doctor to make recommendations. 

Having an experienced practitioner like Dr. Roberts is important for patients seeking these tests: they need guidance on how to implement test results without creating nutritional deficiencies and developing future sensitivities. Dr. Roberts can also often make a significant impact on patients’ allergies and sensitivities through natural supplements geared toward decreasing inflammation and allergic reaction.