Fatigue, Anxiety or Depression? Get a Food Allergy Test

A food allergy test is usually a last resort when battling with a nondescript list of symptoms or a mystery diagnosis. The field of food allergies is still emerging, with new conditions being attributed to it all the time. Every person is different, and thus reacts differently. People who have the same symptoms may have a different allergy, and those with the same allergy may have vastly different symptoms. When you think of a food allergy, what comes to mind? Hives? Swelling? Itchy throat and cough? These are all common symptoms of the most prevalent type of food allergy. As we will discuss later, there are many different types of reactions that affect our bodies in subtle ways that we may not initially associate with allergies. Medicine is starting to see a link with allergies, food allergies in particular, with effects on the central nervous system. This intricate, interwoven web is showing us connections to fatigue/chronic fatigue, behavioral problems, psychiatric problems, depression, and anxiety/panic attacks.

Why You Should Consider a Food Allergy Test

Allergies are, very simply, an abnormal, unwanted reaction to a stimulus. Our body detects the allergen particle, or antigen, and responds in a hypersensitive fashion, getting the immune system involved. They way our immune system deals with the allergen particle is by using antibodies (Ig). Our immune system has 5 classes of antibodies, four of which are seen in food allergies. IgE is associated with the “true,” Type I reactions we talked about above- immediate, histamine-mediated, and sometimes leading to anaphylactic shock. But what about the other three antibodies? These type of reactions begin the inflammatory response much later, usually as a delayed response, and affect the tissues in a different fashion, manifesting in symptoms that we may not recognize. They can damage tissues on a cellular level, or deposit reactive complexes into various tissues throughout the body, affecting hormone secretion, endocrine function, and cellular signaling. These are what cause reactions that usually fly under the radar, or get diagnosed as other things.

Diagnose Your Symptoms With a Food Allergy Test

Many conditions that may be caused by, linked to, or triggered by food allergies are:  

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches/ migraines
• Hyperactivity
• Mood swings
• Joint pain
• Muscle Weakness
• Irritability

  In various different studies, in those who have been tested, a majority of people who suffer from anxiety, depression, and even schizophrenia, are susceptible to at least one food allergy. The results also show improvement in their condition when the allergen is eliminated.

Get a Food Allergy Test at Arrowhead Health Centers

Food allergies are much more widespread than previously believed. Even if your throat doesn’t swell when you eat certain foods, or if you don’t get hives, you may still be suffering from a food allergy. If you experience any of the symptoms listed, and even if you don’t, don’t wait to get a food allergy test. Knowing what you’re allergic to, and eliminating it from your diet may improve your quality of life in so many ways. Arrowhead Health Centers is the Phoenix allergy expert! We offer food allergy testing, along with many other diagnostic services, in-house. We have locations all over the Valley, and our dedicated family practice providers are standing by to show you how to live life allergy free. We make it convenient to get testing and treatment all in one place. If you suffer from fatigue or anxiety, of if you’d like more information on food allergies, call us at (623) 777-5587.