Recent estimates suggest that about 10% of the population (US) exhibit clinical symptoms attributable to food hypersensitivity and food intolerance. Many more suffer from other allergies or ill defined medical problems which may be aggravated by their diets.

Food allergies are divided into two major categories:

A. Permanent or fixed allergies: Approximately 5% of food allergies are fixed allergies in which a patient already knows the offending foods which disagree with them. In such cases the relationship between food and symptoms is obvious.

B. Concealed or masked allergies: Approximately 95% of food allergies fall into this category in which a patient is not aware of the foods that disagree with them. These allergies therefore require special diagnostic testing and follow-up counseling and education. Masked allergies are associated with the foods that a susceptible individual eats frequently.

Food Intolerance Test:

In the food intolerance test a food allergen and patient blood, rich in white cells and platelets, are mixed together, incubated and observed under a microscope. In the presence of toxic foods,' the red blood cells, white cells and platelets show toxic effects during which the white cells become immobile and die and/or the platelets aggregate. In sharp contrast the red cells, white cells and platelets remain healthy with nontoxic foods.

the food intolerance test diagnoses fixed as well as masked allergies. Toxic reactions have been observed with food, pollen, epidermal and inhalant allergens. Reports in literature indicate a 70% success rate in patients who have underwent food intolerance testing and dietary manipulations. The skin test, on the other hand, has been reported, at best, to have a 20% accuracy in diagnosing food allergies.

BODY AREA	COMMON SYMPTOMS OF FOOD ALLERGY
HEAD	Dizziness, Drowsiness, Faintness, Fullness in Head, Headaches, Insomnia, Sleepy after meals
EYES	Blurring of Vision, Watery
NOSE	Recurring Sinusitis, Recurring Sores, Runny, Stuffy
EARS	Earaches, Fluid in Middle ear, Fullness in ears, Hearing loss, Itching, Recurrent infections, Ringing
THROAT	Canker sores, Chronic cough, Gagging, Itchy roof of mouth, Soreness
HEART & LUNGS	Asthma, Congestion in chest, Hoarseness, Increased heart rate, Palpitations, Rapid Heart Rate
SKIN	Dermatitis, Eczema, Hives, Rashes
GASTROINTESTINAL	Bloating, Colitis, Constipation, Pains or Cramps, Diarrhea, Gas, Nausea, Vomiting
OTHER	Binge eating, Fatigue, Hunger, Joint Aches and Pains, Muscle aches and pains, Swelling of Joints hands or feet, Vaginal discharge, Weakness
PSYCHOLOGICAL	Aggressiveness, Anxiety, Crying jags, Depression, Hyperactivity, Indifference, Irritability, Mental lethargy, Restlessness, Learning disabilities, Slurred speech, Stuttering

Allergy Management: Diagnosis of food allergy is only the first step in allergy management. Detailed dietary list and a rotary diversified diet may help patients eliminate the causes of current and future symptoms of food reactions.

Sources: Updegraff, T.R., Food Allergy and Cytoxic Tests, Ear, Nose and Throat Journal 56, pages 48-64, 1977

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