ADHD symptoms are commonly made more severe by allergy, and sometimes allergy is the primary underlying disorder among people who are misdiagnosed with ADHD.
Arthritis is often made far more painful by the swelling caused by allergic inflammation. In addition to exacerbating osteoarthritis, allergic symptoms also often mimic the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Asthma is inextricably linked with allergy. Almost all people with asthma have allergies, and allergies are the most common trigger of asthma episodes.
Candida problems are exacerbated by food allergy, and food allergy is exacerbated by candida overgrowth, in a self-perpetuating cycle. In addition, individuals can be hypersensitive to yeast.
Chronic ear infections are frequently triggered by allergic congestion. When these infections require repeated courses of antibiotics, it can harm the immune system and gut.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is closely associated with allergy. Allergy symptoms mimic and trigger the symptoms of this syndrome, including those of malaise, fatigue, poor cognitive function, depression, swollen glands, and night sweats.
Chronic pain is often amplified by the inflammation of allergic reactions, and by the decreased activity of serotonin that allergies can precipitate.
Cognitive and mood disorders are commonly linked with allergies. This includes depression, anxiety, impaired cognitive function, and hyperactivity. Allergies can initiate these conditions, or contribute to existing conditions.
Diabetes can be made much worse by allergy. Food reactions disrupt insulin metabolism, destabilize blood sugar levels, and contribute to inflammation of the pancreas.
Digestive disorder go hand in hand with food allergy. Food reactions commonly cause symptoms of indigestion, including heartburn, gas, and bloating. Autistic children with bowel dysbiosis can be particularly sensitive to problems with digestion and elimination.
Eating disorders often occur among people with food allergies. Food reactions typically trigger craving, which then causes people to binge on favorite foods. Allergies also contribute to bulimia and anorexia, by lowering serotonin levels.
Eczema, acne, and hives are extremely common reactions to food allergies and sensitivities. In one study, 100 percent of patients with hives, and 66 percent of patients with eczema responded positively to restriction of various allergenic foods.
Fibromyalgia, or widespread chronic muscle pain, has been linked to low levels of serotonin. Low serotonin is often caused by food reactions.
Hay fever is typically caused by airborne allergens, and when food reactions occur simultaneously, they can make hay fever much worse.
Headaches are a common symptom of food reactions. Migraines are frequently triggered by various foods. In one study, 93 percent of young migraine patients stopped having headaches when they eliminated all of their reactive foods.
Hypoglycemia commonly results from food reactions. The food reactions spike blood sugar, which then plummets.
Insomnia can occur when food reactions disrupt the normal balance of hormones and neurotransmitters, including serotonin and melatonin.
Irritable bowel syndrome, which accounts for about one-third of all visits to gastroenterologists, is often triggered by diary products, animal fat, sugar, citrus, and cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower and broccoli. Symptoms of food reactions also often mimic symptoms of IBS.
Obesity is much more common among people with chronic food reactions. Weight gain is often triggered by allergic inflammation, which disrupts the metabolism. Food reactions also cause food cravings. In addition, food reactions typically create a false fat of tissue swelling, abdominal bloating, and water weight.
Sinusitis is very common among people with airborne allergies, and also among those with food allergies. Both types of allergies cause swelling of nasal tissues, as well as inflammation, and production of excess mucus.
- Allergies make many existing problems worse.
- Allergies initiate or trigger a variety of serious disorders.
- Allergies create symptoms that mimic those of many other disorders.
Sometimes the dreadful damage that allergies can do begins subtly, and almost innocently-as a runny nose, or a cough, or heartburn. But the damage can escalate, step by step, until tragedy is suddenly just one step away.
