Differences In IgE Allergies and IgG Intolerance Antibody Reactions

Elizabeth Bray - Body-Balance Nutrition Naturopathy, Reiki, Womens Health in Somerset August 05, 2015

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IgE reactions are immediate, after a food has been eaten, with sometimes very serious symptoms including anaphylactic shock, breathing difficulties, histamine release, including swelling and hives. 

IgG antibody reactions produce delayed symptoms including headaches, bloating, nausea, IBS, sometimes hyperactivity. Histamine release is not a factor.

Long term digestive problems contribute to the development of IgG food intolerances. Some individuals have leaky guts, meaning that food particles are entering the bloodstream. There is then an IgG immune response by the body. More antibodies are created to attack the foreign food particles. This can result in a weakened immune system.

Removal of an IgG reactant food from the diet helps to strengthen the immune system and optimise health. Other digestive problems play a major role in the development of IgG food intolerances.

One method of finding out which foods are causing a problem, is by using the Gold Standard in Nutritional Therapy – this is an elimination diet, where the possible problem food and some other suspected foods are removed from the diet for a few weeks. These foods are then gradually reintroduced one at a time to find out if a reaction occurs. This is a lengthy but accurate method.

Another faster way of detecting food intolerances is by having an instant IgG antibody blood test with a registered nutritional therapist. Results for just one to many different foods can be provided quickly, sometimes sent to the laboratory for analysis, sometimes at the appointment, depending which test is used.

The offending foods can then be removed or reduced, the diet optimised and any other health factors addressed.

The most common foods identified are wheat, cow’s milk, yeast,  grains, whole egg, gluten. Further tests may be recommended, depending on the results of the IgG antibody test. Symptoms produced by Candida albicans and gluten intolerance, will require further testing, possibly a coeliac screening test, sometimes referral to your GP is necessary.

By identifying problem foods and any other factors, overall immunity benefits and reduced symptoms can be achieved, to optimise health for the individual.