Food Allergy and Intolerance – Know the Genetics behind Them

By | December 23, 2014

food allergy

There are a number of theories which revolve around the genetics and their relation to food allergies and intolerance. There are a few questions which are most commonly asked by many and we have tried to answer the same for you here in this article.

Do genetics really explain if you are allergic to any pollens or foods?

To know your risk towards pollen allergies it is always good to know the HLA DR and DQ type of the individual as these are the genes which are associated with the increased risk of dust, latex as well as food allergies.

To explain more in detail about the same, we need to understand that all of the human beings have proteins on the surface of the cells which are determined genetically. These genital patters of the cells can be deducted quite easily by testing the blood cells or also from the mouth with the use of Q tip type swab.

The gluten sensitivity

It is estimated that the HLA DQ2 is seen in more than 90% of those people who have a celiac disease and HLADQ8 is present in the rest.

Many of the experts also suggest one and all that they need to get evaluated by an expert in case they suspect any kind of a food allergy or sensitivity. These can be tested in special labs which are found in every country. More information on such labs can also be found online.

Experts then review the food and pollen connection and conduct the evaluations for Food Allergy, Intolerance and sensitivity too. Food sensitivity is mostly seen as cow milk and gluten sensitivity. In most cases food intolerance is lactose intolerance. One also needs to understand that food sensitivity is different from food allergies.

If you are one of those who suspect you have a food allergy or sensitivity, you can maintain a symptom dairy where you can note down any symptom which might have occurred when a certain food is taken. This also comes handy in case of any evaluations and the allergy medications will be given accordingly.