The link between allergies and the gut. "Purify and strengthen the intestinal flora."
First of all, it is necessary to distinguish between allergy and intolerance. An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to contact with an allergen. It induces an inflammatory response that can be more or less benign to much more serious: itching, runny nose, throat clearing, redness, eczema, hives, asthma or swelling (angioedema). The most common allopathic treatments are corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants and epinephrine for anaphylactic shock.
Intolerance or non-allergic sensitivity is a variable physiological response associated with foods or other compounds e.g. gluten, dairy products and its derivatives, additives, chemical colorings etc. A food intolerance is often a delayed reaction (not immediate, it can manifest itself after 2 days) which induces symptoms such as: migraines, eczema, constipation, diarrhea or bad mood. To detect a frank allergy (immediate reaction) we measure immunoglobulin E (IgE). For intolerances we measure immunoglobulin G or A (IgA or IgG).
Whether it is allergy or intolerance, both operate according to the same mechanism. Namely, it starts with a disturbed intestinal flora, the cells located on the intestinal wall (enterocytes) degenerate and those allowing to filter what should not be absorbed no longer function correctly because the intestinal barrier becomes porous (openings). Thus, partially digested food will pass the intestinal barrier to end up in the blood. Then the immune system will activate and attack them by creating antibodies because these are toxins that do not have to circulate outside the intestine. It is these antibodies that are measured in the blood through IgE, IgA, IgG. Environmental toxins also pass into the blood and are also attacked by the immune system.
It is therefore essential to set up a specific diet and focus on repairing the digestive system while rebalancing the intestinal flora by feeding it with lactofermented foods, probiotics (to strengthen it) and eliminating all irritants for the mucosa (chemicals, toxins, industrial foods, refined sugars, etc.). We must help the body to detoxify.
Summary from the GAPS protocols: "Gut and psychology syndrome" or "enteropsychological/physiological syndrome".
This term was coined by neurologist and nutritionist Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to describe the direct link between the state of the gut and the brain. The GAPS diet aims to restore gut health to improve neurological, psychiatric, or immune disorders such as autism, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder, autoimmune diseases, allergies, or chronic digestive problems.