Hi Maff,

Just a quick query.

I was wondering whether through an ASI test and an intestinal permeability test you would get a better idea as to the cause of food allergies?

I assume that an inflammatory histamine reaction is involved with both adrenal fatigue and leaky gut, so any markers measuring this won't help distinguish between the two. However if you are measuring directly the absorption of the test liquids, would a negative result for the intestinal permeability together with low cortisol on the ASI give a reasonable indication that weak adrenals are the cause?

Or are there too many variables involved.....

Many thanks,

Hi,

Neither of these tests is specific to food allergies/sensitivities but they will still provide useful information.

While an inflammatory IgE (allergic) reaction with subsequent histamine release could contribute to both adrenal fatigue and increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome) it is certainly not the only, or even major, cause.

Adrenal fatigue can come about of any persistent stress that is placed on the body. This stress can take the form of psychological stress, chronic infection or illness, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, chronic exposure to chemicals or molds, gut dysbiosis (e.g. Candida overgrowth) and leaky gut syndrome. These are just some common examples but ANY \"stress\" can be the cause.

Many factors can increase the permeability of the intestinal mucosa. It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise to find that many are the same as those which contribute to adrenal fatigue. Gut dysbiosis and food allergies/sensitivities would be high on the list. Use of alcohol and other drugs known to increase intestinal permeability such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (e.g ibuprofen) would also be up there. Deficiencies of nutrients vital for intestinal barrier function could also be pivotal - these nutrients include zinc, vitamin A, the amino acid l-glutamine, and essential fatty acids (EFAs). There is also a strong connection to psychological stress that may not be immediately obvious. When we are stressed the fight-or-flight response is activated and the adrenal glands release adrenaline, cortisol and other hormones. One effect of these hormones is to effectively shut down digestion and divert blood supply away from the GI tract to the skeletal muscles. Chronic stress therefore leaves the intestines starved of blood, oxygen and nutrients so their health suffers and they become more permeable to toxins, allergens, and microogranisms.

Doing the ASI and intestinal permeability test will tell you if you have problems in these areas that may be contributing to your symptoms but will not tell you the cause. For this you need to be your own detective or work with a health care professional to determine the factors contributing in your individual case.<br /><br />Post edited by: Maff, at: 2009/11/17 20:06

I don't understand. Konnor I think is asking if leaky gut and adrenal fatigue are the cause of food allergies...

And Maff, you answer that food allergies are causing leaky gut - of that I have no doubt.

So which way is it?

I have been diagnosed with allergy to 27 different food items. This was done through a blood test and they tested 97 different foods. Am not allergic to yeast- and therefore it is assumed from that that I do not have candida as candida sufferers are allergic to yeast.

Many of the symptoms I associated with candida were due to food allergies! All this crazy sensations of itchy sand under my skin, I thought were toxins from candida, or candida, or whatever under my skin.

But it was food allergies!!! Everything I was eating last year - trying to reduce candida proliferation - I was allergic to!!! Almonds, chicken, eggs, butter, beef, carrots, beans - just to name a few. No wonder I was insanely itchy.

Food allergies with cryptosporidium infection - no wonder I had burning lava in my gut, acidity in the stomach, itchiness all over.

But right now that crypto is back, my reaction to allergic foods is intensified. Before that goddamn parasite came back, I could cheat all the time with not so much problem.

But now, I am forced to cut out these 27 foods from my diet - that includes all dairy, wheat, rye, almonds, sesame, peanuts, eggs, carrots, barley, goat milk, etc. And I thought I could finally eat normally.

Hi guys,

Sorry for the slow reply - I have been on holiday/vacation in Turkey for two weeks after completing my degree. I came back to the fantastic news that I have been awarded a first class BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Health

In reply to your question Dechen - in simple terms environmental illnesses as a whole generally involve a viscious cycle of contributing factors that maintain them. As such food allergies/sensitivities can contribute to leaky gut and adrenal fatigue but the reverse can also be the case. The key, as I believe you have found at SCNM Dechen, is to treat each problem area at the same time or you are unlikely to make progress.

I'm really sorry to hear your cryptosporidium infection has recurred and left you on a very restricted diet again. I'm sure you will overcome it once more...just go a little more slowly on introducing \"naughty\" foods back into your diet this time. Unfortunately we have to be patient!