Allergy Testing

Dogs today are very much a part of a family setting. They keep us entertained, put smiles on our faces, they are our children's best friends, they are there for us to talk to when we are lonely and have no one else! They love us unconditionally and bring an abundance of joy and love into a family. There is no question in my mind that since the beginning of time dogs have been know as mans best friend!

Goldendoodles are no exception. A golden doodle is a mix between a golden retriever and a poodle. Breeders is Australia started breeding this cross in the mid 1980's and breeders in north America have been breeding them since the mid 1990's. They where first bred in Australia as guide dogs for people needing a larger, allergy friendly dog!

Goldendoodles are amazing, healthy, family dogs for so many reasons!

First of all the mix between a poodle and retriever gives the doodle a quality known as "hybrid vigor" (the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents) which means mix breed dogs are usually healthier and live longer then purebreds. This is because most genetic traits are recessive. Golden's and poodles don't have a lot of diseases in common so if both parents don't carry a particular trait for a certain disease the pups can't get it. This is the reason many mix breed dogs including the goldendoodle are healthier then purebreds. You still have to choose your breeder carefully and make sure they are performing all the required health testing, temperament testing and researching the lines thoroughly before they are breeding their dogs but in general mix breeds are genetically more sound!

Goldendoodles also possess many qualities of both the poodle and golden. Most goldendoodles are friendly, highly intelligent, goofy dogs who love to be part of the family. They love to swim, play fetch and interact with people. They are very social dogs and love to be active and have fun. I have donated dogs as therapy and service dogs and the doodle excels at this type of work! As a breeder I hear 100's of stories about how smart these dogs are and how they are at the top of their puppy class and how they are the best dogs my clients have every owned

Most doodles have a very low to non-shedding coat. This depends on the dog and what type of coat they have. There are 3 different coat types, wool (which is a tight curl and the most hypoallergenic), fleece (which is a wavy and usually still very low shedding and hypoallergenic) and hair (which is straighter and usually sheds the most). An experienced breeder can usually tell when the pups is 6-7 weeks old what type of coat it will have as an adult and the breeder will help you find the right puppy for your needs . Goldendoodles coat will continue to grow and can be between 3-8 inches if not clipped. A doodle requires regular brushing or they will mat and should go to the groomer for a clip every 4 months or so!

Goldendoodles also come in many colors and sizes depending on the poodle used. At our kennel we breed blonde, golden, apricot, red, black, silver and phantom doodles. We also have 3 different sizes, standards (any thing above 21" and 50lbs and up), mini's (13" to 20" and 25-49lbs) and tiny's (12" or less 10-24lbs).

Their life expectancy is usually about 12-15 years for the standards and 14-17 years for mini's.
Doodles also come in many different generations and depending on what you are looking for one generation may be better then another. F1's are a purebred golden mixed with a purebred poodle. This generation is usually the healthiest and posses the greatest amount of the "hybrid vigor" traits. F1b is a backcross and is a goldendoodle bred back to a poodle. These types of goldendoodles are usually best for people with severe allergies since the f1b usually has a curlier coat then an f1 (please note this isn't always the case and your breeder will be able to help you with this). F2 is a goldendoodle bred back to a goldendoodle. Pups in a litter of f2's tend to not sway as much in one direction or another. They seem to be a good mix between both the golden and the poodle (sometimes but not always in a f1 litter some pups will sway more towards a golden, some more towards a poodle and some will be between), f3 (f3 and higher is also known as multi generation) is and f2 golden doodle bred back to an f2 golden doodle and f4 is a f3 golden doodle bred back to an f3 golden doodle. The more you breed them back to one another the more you miss out on the hybrid vigor trait. A 7th generations (f7) goldendoodle is eligible for registration as a purebred (this hasn't been done as far as I know).

As I mentioned before goldendoodles are healthier then most purebred dogs but breeders should still be performing all the testing on the parents. It's better to wait for a good quality pup from a great breeder then to support careless breeders who are just out to breed as many pups as possible without caring about the breed as a whole.

If you buy your golden doodle puppy from an unrepeatable breeder you may end up with many health problems and expensive vet bills.

Tests required for Breeding of Golden Retrievers

1. Hips (HD) OFA or Pennhip or OVC
2. eyes (CERF) Required Yearly
3. Hearts......tested and certified by OFA
4. Elbows (OFA)

Tests required for the Breeding of Standard Poodles

1. Hips (HD) OFA or Pennhip or OVC
2. elbows OFA
3. Eyes (CERF) Required Yearly
4. Von Willebrands (vWd) (bleeding disorder) DNA or Blood screen
5. Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) Skin Disorder
* Thyroid malfunctions - Not Required but a highly recommended test for all breeding dogs.

Tests required for breeding of Miniature and Toy Poodles.

1. Hips for HD and Legg-Perves Disease OFA, Penn hip or OVC
2. Stifles for Luxating Patella's
3. Eyes (CERF) Required Yearly
4. Von Willebrands Disease (vWd) DNA or Blood screen
* Thyroid malfunctions - Not Required but a highly recommended test for all breeding dogs

I have given you a brief description of the doodle. If you have more questions about this breed you are more then welcome to visit my website. These dogs are becoming very popular and there is no question in my mind why this is. They are amazing with kids and can live in almost any type of environment. The best way to describe these amazing dogs are "Little people in fur coats"

Prior to changing my lifestyle, I never would have imagined that I could have the tenacity to do so. I could not foresee my feeling satisfied with a diet that did not include all of my favorite foods: processed foods, cheese and desserts. But it was those very foods that were making me ill. When I was diagnosed with a potentially deadly degenerative disease, I knew it was time to make some changes.

I came to the realization that by modifying my lifestyle, I could have a profound influence on my long term health and survival. The first step I took was to have allergy testing performed. It was through these tests that I discovered allergies to dairy products and eggs. I realized that by removing these foods from my diet, I could not only improve my current diagnosis but also manage some chronic ailments that had plagued me for years - nasal congestion and headaches.

As soon as I eliminated dairy products and eggs from my diet, my nasal congestion resolved. As an added bonus, the frequency of my headaches dissipated by about 90%. Through my information gathering, I learned how detrimental processed foods can be to our health and the role that they have played in the epidemic numbers of heart disease, diabetes and cancer today. I knew that in order to regain my own good health, I needed to cut these out of my diet as well.

Among the eliminations I made were processed grains and refined sugars. I replaced these foods with more fresh, organic produce. I also incorporated raw nuts, whole grains and seeds into my regime. I was able to successfully shift my diet from almost no raw food to a daily intake of between 75% and 95% raw. And, I started to feel better.

The amazing thing was that while attempting to improve my health, I also started to shed excess weight. The goal was not weight loss, but it was certainly a welcomed side effect. The cooked foods that I prepare at this point in my recovery plan (which I now consider to be a life long lifestyle change) are made from scratch without meat, dairy or eggs.

Many of the raw foods that I consume are in the form of beverages. In the mornings several times each week I make a green smoothie that includes organic baby spinach, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, banana, mango and enough coconut water to blend. I also prepare freshly pressed vegetable juices several times each week. These are packed with nutrition and include an assortment of organic greens such as kale, celery, parsley, cucumber, swiss chard, collard green with green apple and carrot to sweeten. I also add a half of a fresh organic lemon in order to cut the pungent taste of the greens.

Keeping up this regime has enabled me to lose 50 pounds. I have regained my health and vitality and feel better and stronger than I have in years. That is my successful raw food before and after story!

Unless you've got lips a la Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Beyonce Knowles, Monica Belluci, or, yes of course, Angelina Jolie, it's absolutely normal to long for some improvements on them. Although getting yours to become fuller & well-proportioned will not necessarily land you a role as the next Lara Croft, it will definitely make you look good and feel even better.

With fuller lips, not only will you look more attractive, you'll also look healthier and younger. Not that there are no celebrities who have thin lips, but it's undeniable that those who have fuller ones have that extra appeal. Also, the effects of gorgeous lipstick can be more pronounced. All things being equal, you know where bright colored lipstick are best applied on.

As we grow older, it's not only our skin that can develop wrinkles, but also our lips. Thus, to maintain that youthful look, you'll have to get rid of those fissures and crevices by filling them up from the inside. Cosmetic surgeons use injections and a selection of injectables to achieve this. Some of their favorites are: autologen, collagen, dermalogen, alloderm, radiance, and Gore-Tex implants.

Today's lip enhancement procedures involve injections using very narrow needles that can be targeted to specific regions of your lips. Thus, you may focus only on those areas that need augmentation. What you want is a well-proportioned pair, not a trout pout. In this regard, such injections are therefore not only for those with thin lips but also for those who have specific areas that need to be enhanced.

One of the most common lip injectable is collagen, having been in the market since the 1980's. The entire injection procedure can be very quick, typically lasting for only 10 minutes with very minimal discomforts, if ever. One of the reasons why the doctor can expedite the procedure is because  collagen lip injections already contain lidocaine, a kind of anesthetic. 

Best of all, the results are instantaneous. Immediately after the procedure, you can walk out of the clinic, with that new noticeable pout. 

There are a few things you might want to know about before seeing your cosmetic surgeon though. 
Because of the bovine collagen ingredient, some allergic reactions can occur. As such, be prudent enough to undergo allergy-testing before proceeding. Also, you might want to be aware that although the effects can last for many months, it won't be that way forever. You'll need to set appointments for follow-up treatments. 

Finally, don't expect to have an alluring pout right after the procedure. Yes, I know what I said, and I said 'noticeable', not alluring. At first, you'll have to contend with a tender and swollen lip or lips (depending on where you had the collagen injected). But after a few days, you'll finally have the pout you've always wanted.

Taken From a Health Talk Given Recently

I've been practicing alternative health care over the last twenty-five plus years and we do a lot of functional health care testing in our office to help people get well from chronic conditions that they have been suffering from. In a variety of conditions, we will rely on information from food sensitivity and food allergy testing as part of our protocol for helping these individuals get well. These difficulties with food sensitivities can be found in the most obvious situations such as reflux disorders, digestive disorders, colitis and irritable bowel as well as in other less obvious situations where people may have hidden allergies that they are really not aware of, and these may be undermining their immune system and their energy levels such as in adrenal fatigue syndromes and in other chronic health problems where people are worn down over a long period of time and progress to more degenerative processes that spiral-down their health.

There are three major ways of looking at food allergy outside of skin testing that I would like to address. Many people familiar with skin testing where many items are tested at once and this is a valid form of allergy testing and, in my opinion, should be reserved for those who have medically threatening conditions related to allergic responses where they may be at risk for anaphylaxis or closing up of the throat and disorders leading to compromise of the kidney and other grave medical conditions. Those are the kinds of patients that belong with a medical allergist. On the other hand, the vast majority of people with sensitivities and food allergies that are hidden from their awareness would likely be best served from the evaluation by a simple blood test, where your blood is drawn in the usual fashion and then reacted with, let's say, a hundred different foods, to see whether or not certain reactions occur to the blood indicating that there is a problem with that food.

So, in the area of food antibody testing, there is the classic IgE antibody assessment and the blood will be reacted with a number of foods and the laboratory will measure whether or not your blood has developed an antibody to the particular food substance and then measure how severe the antibody response is. The IgE food allergy assessment and IgE assessments in general, such as for other environmental elements like molds and trees, etc., that type of allergic response is more of an immediate response. Sometimes we call it an atopic response. An example would be the classic strawberry and hives reaction where you eat strawberries and some minutes later, you notice that you are developing hives. So these are the types of allergies that very often people would be well aware of and indeed, some authorities state that when somebody has an IgE allergy, that they are generally always aware of it. My experience has been different. There are actually many people who do have IgE allergies to foods and other inhalants and environmentals that are not aware of it, and so that is an important point to keep this in mind.

We do have testing for what we called "hidden allergies" and that would be IgG food allergies where a different type of antibody is produced by the food and this type of response can take anywhere from 72 hours up to a whole week to develop and so the impact on the body is delayed by the timing of the reaction in such a way that it is very hard to track. One cannot usually tell that the sweet potatoes that they were allergic to, that they had at dinner four days ago, is what is impacting their health and perhaps dragging down their energy levels at this point in time. So the finding of hidden food allergies can be a gold mine of value to the person who is suffering chronic health disorders in enabling them to get a hold of a list of foods that is pulling down their health quotient that they did not even know about, and that with that list, they are then equipped to eliminate those foods and avoid that "drag" on their physiology and help open up a new avenue towards healing and improved health.

The third area of food testing that I would like to talk about is leukocyte sensitivity testing and that is where we react your blood samples with the various foods that we are testing and we look to see what happens with the white blood cells. The white blood cells, the leukocytes swell in size, and they are rated as to a level of sensitivity; if they burst open they are considered severe reactions and these are rated for you. This is another form of testing in which we can detect foods that are offensive to your system, actually damaging your white blood cells which would signal alarm reactions in your body as it does in any form of allergic insult.

This alarm mechanism is then distressing to the rest of your system and your body has to deal with this. If you are compromised in one area and you are fighting this hidden allergy at the same time, you are left with less reserve. Solving food sensitivities and food allergies can follow a process to recovery in a variety of chronic health conditions especially fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic digestive problems, and often chronic headaches. There are many conditions in which this can be a very valuable tool.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, and other grains. (NB some people are able to tolerate oats)

Do you or your family have any of these problems?

* tired, exhausted, lethargic, lack of energy, weakness
* iron deficiency, anaemia
* diarrhoea or constipation, uncomfortable tummy, bloating and gas troubles
* gastric reflux or heartburn, nausea or vomiting
* unhappy with weight (over- or under- weight), not growing well, eating problems
* runny nose, sneezing and sinus problems, itchy and/or watery eyes
* asthma, wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
* osteoporosis, bone and joint pains
* dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin flushing, hives
* infertility
* headaches or migraine
* depression, mental health problems, mood swings, hyperactive, cranky
* disrupted sleep, insomnia, foggy thinking, poor concentration
* Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
* Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Aspergers

There are many causes of the problems in the list but all could be related to food sensitivity or intolerance in many individuals. If you have a lot of these symptoms it is quite likely that you would benefit from seeking a diagnosis or testing for food allergies. Often tests are affected if the allergen has already been removed from the diet - this is especially true for gluten intolerance and coeliac disease. A diagnosis of a food allergy or sensitivity should be sought before eliminating food groups from your diet.

It is important to note that you should seek advice from your medical practitioner/health provider/allergy specialist or a registered dietician before embarking on any 'new' or restricted diet. This is especially important with children as an unregulated diet that is too restrictive could result in mineral and vitamin deficiencies and lead to future problems with growth and development.

All of the problems in the list above have been linked with individuals who have an intolerance to gluten. Gluten is the cause of coeliac disease, a serious and lifelong auto-immune condition (meaning that the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues). Coeliac disease is genetic so your risk is increased if you have family members who are sufferers.

In coeliac disease, the villi that line the gut are attacked and damaged leading to problems with absorption of essential nutrients. Symptoms vary from mild to serious and can include stomach pains, bloating, diarrhoea and nausea. Symptoms are often confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or stress. Recognizing and diagnosing coeliac disease can be a lengthy drawn out process and some people go years before finding a diagnosis and some people are simply never diagnosed and suffer with general ill health.

Food allergy and food intolerance are adverse reactions that affect certain individuals when eating foods or food ingredients that most consumers can tolerate with no problem. Food allergies are abnormal immunological responses to a particular food or food component, usually a naturally occurring protein. Allergic reactions may occur even with the slightest amount. Food intolerances are adverse reactions that occur when the body has a physical reaction to food which does not cause immunological reaction.

Food sensitivity has a very wide range of symptoms. These include fatigue, lethargy, sleepiness after eating, drowsiness, poor concentration and memory, mental agitation, mood swings, compulsive eating, food cravings, cravings for sugar, carbohydrate, or starch, water retention, weight problems, mood swings, depression, restlessness, irritability, headaches, migraines, swollen and painful joints, muscle pain, stiffness, gas, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, heartburn, constipation, blurry eyes, spots in front of eyes, and sleep deprivation.

The ALCAT test is a food sensitivity test used to identify foods that can trigger harmful reactions to body. It can identify reactions to 350 foods, chemicals, and other substance associated with inflammation that are linked to different chronic health problems such as migraines, aching joints, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, eczema, hyperactivity/ADD, asthma and even obesity. This test uses electronic, state of the art, hematological instrumentation.

The blood is the common pathway of all mechanisms. ALCAT examines the blood directly for possible reactions. It observes the reaction of red blood cells and white blood cells when exposed to certain foods. Unlike other food allergy or food intolerance tests, there is no guesswork involved; only reliable and reproducible results.

ALCAT test has been scientifically proven to work effectively. One study showed that 98% of the subjects were reported to decrease in weight and/or improved muscle to fat ratio. Other beneficial effects were reported including improvement in skin, increased energy, elimination of migraines, reduced sugar cravings, better mood, and better sleep.

ALCAT test has been a successful tool in overcoming a number of food sensitivity symptoms. Hundreds and thousands of people around the world have already been helped by the ALCAT test in improving their health by successfully preventing the symptoms.

Most people who have an experience with ALCAT testing are satisfied with the results and are now enjoying living their lives in their best. If you know what food you need to avoid, then you are a step closer to a life free of symptoms and illnesses.

Although most of the pregnancy tests make tall claims of being 9%-99% accurate it is a misleading fact. It is because the HCG level varies from woman to woman in the early stages of pregnancy and accurate result can be determined after a week of the period being due. The manufactures make tall claims because today's products are perceptive than yesterday's products.

Of all test, blood test is considered to be the most accurate, but here again if a woman has been on medication for infertility she could be misguided. Moreover the accuracy of pregnancy tests depends largely on the methodology and technique used in the lab.

Although at home pregnancy test claims 97%-99% accuracy, not following instructions given in the kit will maximize inaccuracy. If tests are tampered and done incorrectly it will obviously give inaccurate results. Excessive intake of fluid could dilute the level of hormone present in the urine, thus leading to inaccuracy too. At home pregnancy test may be accurate only after a week of missed period and not in the initial days.

Recent studies have revealed that of 18 products tested, first response early result -a brand was the most sensitive brand and detected pregnancy in 95% women. Clear blue came second in the sensitivity test study.

Blood test is even more effective than urine test as it can detect even lower level of hormone. Some of the things that affect accurate pregnancy test are: - fertility drugs, HCG containing medicines. But birth control pills, antibiotics and allergy medications don't affect the pregnancy test.

Thus accuracy in pregnancy tests also depends upon our personal choice and brand of products we decide to use and also on how cautious, hasty and perturbed one is. Sometimes people have the tendency to turn simple instructions into complicated ones, and thereby not doing the test efficiently. Improper testing, double checking also leads to inaccuracy and ambiguity.

Thus to accept the fact, you will find that a verity of pregnancy tests are available in the market. You can try any of those, but not all of those are accurate. The results from these tests may or may not be accurate. The accuracy of these tests depends on various factors. Not all tests are made keeping these factors in mind. Some of the tests lack in research background. Others lack in the accuracy of results they produce. Still, overall, these tests can be really helpful in making the judgment if a woman is pregnant or not. By making this judgment it becomes easier for the woman to decide to go to a doctor to discuss pregnancy with him or her. You need to be more careful about your health while you are pregnant. Thus it is important that you consult a doctor in this regard as soon as you can.

Please do not feed the dust bunnies... Remove them! Dust can be unhealthy for us and our family. Microfiber cloths along with green cleaning products have become a staple for anyone seeking a safe green clean.

Our objective in cleaning is to remove the dust. What is this dust? It is a mix and combination of soil, pollen, skin flakes, bacteria, dust mites, mold spores, microscopic particles, and fungus. All of these particles contribute to the spread of illness and can serve as a source for allergies and asthma attacks. Traditionally we dust with a variety of gadgets, including dust mops, feather dusters, disposable dusting cloths, lambswool, treated wipes, rags, and the good old used cotton t-shirt. Although some of these are fancier than others, they all do the same thing... move the dust around. We do not want to keep the stuff around, it only adversely impacts our health, so we need a new method or technology that will get rid of the dust.

Fortunately the high quality microfiber cloth is here. Coupled with the high efficacy of green cleaning products, these cloths is one the most significant breakthroughs for both the custodial and janitorial green cleaning businesses, as well as for natural green home cleaning.

Each microfiber has a system of hook like claws that will capture the dust and allergy producing particles common in homes and offices. The individual microfibers act like a scraper while they lift and trap the dust and moisture in the nooks and crannies of the individual fibers rather than just pushing the dust from one point to another as the traditional cotton fiber or feather does. At the end of a swipe with these cleaning cloths, the microfiber will actually store the dust within the cloth until it is washed.

Microfibers are synthetic fibers. Each strand is about 1/16th of the thickness of our hair. The best microfiber cloths for a safe and green clean are those that have the yarn split during the manufacturing process and are a blend of 80 percent Polyester (the scrubbing and cleaning fiber) and 20 percent Polyamide (the absorbing and quick drying fiber). Additionally the fiber absorbs six times its weight in water.

UC Davis Medical Center switched from conventional loop mops to microfiber mops in patient-care areas because they found that microfiber mops did a better job of penetrating surface pores and removing dust particles than conventional string mops. Testing showed, after a surface was cleaned with conventional tools, the bacteria culture was reduced by 30 percent, while with the microfiber materials testing found bacteria reduced by 99 percent.

After another set of tests by Royal Roads University showed the combination of microfiber cloths with green cleaning products were 99.94 percent effective in removing bacteria from smooth surfaces. This was compared to traditional cotton rags and mops used with Lysol or bleach. This combination was only 91.89 percent effective.

Since the microfiber is eliminating the dust by trapping it, a single cloth should not be used to clean an entire room. If the cloth begins to streak it is time to wash it. Frequently janitorial and custodial green cleaning services will also take advantage of the color coded cloths to align with different cleaning tasks and green cleaning products to avoid cross contamination.

Maintaining your microfiber cloths at their peak performance is easy as it only requires washing with a laundry detergent that is free of any chemical softening agents. Hot water is the best way to release the trapped dust. It is paramount that no form of fabric softener is used on the microfiber cloths. If you do, the fibers will become clogged up and the cloth will become ineffective. While you can machine dry the cloths, air drying works. If handled correctly a microfiber cloth will withstand over 500 washings!

Today, to protect your family's health, microfiber is required for a true green clean. Microfiber cloths used with green cleaning products will ensure you have a safe green clean in your home and business.

Can genetics explain if you are allergic to some pollens or foods?

White blood cell patterns determined genetically and designated as HLA DQ and DR genes have been identified with an increased risk of pollen, dust, latex, and food allergies. The intriguing part of this story is that there is an advantage to knowing your HLA DR and DQ type when evaluating your risk for pollen allergies and their associated food allergies or cross reactions.

Genetics of Food Reactions and Allergies

As I explain in more detail in my articles on the genetics of gluten sensitivity, we all have proteins on the surface of our cells that are genetically determined. These patterns are easily detectable by testing cells from blood or from the mouth obtained by a Q-tip type swab. Specific patterns have been associated with increased risk for autoimmune conditions, gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.

HLA DQ Genetics and Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity

HLA DQ2 is present in more than 90% of people who have celiac disease while HLADQ8 is present in most of the rest, though not all people with celiac have been found to have DQ2 and/or DQ8.

DQ and DR Genetic Patterns Associated with Food and Pollen Allergies or Sensitivities?

Now it appears certain DQ or DR patterns are associated with food and pollen allergies as well. As the Food Doc, I continue to search the literature for more information about genetic links to food allergy and intolerance. My search has led to me to a couple of interesting articles in the unusual area of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The relationship between seasonal and perennial nasal allergies and food allergies is certainly well established but not generally known by most doctors or patients. It appears that some of us need to avoid eating certain foods if we have hay fever or allergies, especially during the hay fever season. This problem also appears to be inherited.

Research Documents Genetic Association With Certain Food and Pollen Allergies

Boehncke, et al. from the University of Frankfurt reported in 1998 that certain white blood cell types known HLA class II genotypes or HLA DQ and DR genetic patterns were found more frequently in people with certain pollen associated food allergies. HLA-DQB1*0301 is present in more people with grass pollen allergy. Those with HLA-DRB1*08, an inherited white blood cell protein pattern linked with a grass pollen allergy, have six times the increased risk of peanut allergy. Those who have inherited the HLA-DRB1*12 white blood cell pattern are 13 times higher at risk for carrot allergy.

Tree Pollen Allergy to Birch Tree Pollen Appears to be Worst

Birch pollen associated hazel nut allergy is linked to HLA-DRB1*01, DQA1*0101, and DQB1*0501. Hazel nut, almond, walnut and apple are the most common food allergies associated with birch tree pollen. Allergies to those foods are commonly associated with birch tree pollen in other studies.

Weed Allergies Also Associated With Food Reactions

In 2004, Wang et al. from China published that the inherited white blood cell type DQA1*0302 is found in more people with Artemisia pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, hay fever due to Mugwort or Sagebrush weeds. Mugwort allergy is associated with several food allergies including apple, celery, hazelnut, pistachio, lettuce, almond, peanut, and carrots.

Where to Get Genetic Testing

There are three commercial labs that I am aware of that offer full HLA DQ typing. They are Quest Laboratories, The Laboratory at Bonfils in Denver, and Enterolab. Bonfils runs the Enterolab genetic tests. Enterolab offers the test run on samples of cells obtained from a Q-tip swab of the mouth. The test can be obtained directly from Enterolab without a doctor's order though it is not covered by insurance. It however is very reasonable from a genetic testing standpoint at $149. Bonfils also does the DQ typing on cells obtained from blood samples sent to them from other labs.

The Future of Genetic Testing in Pollen and Food Allergies

In the future such testing should be very helpful in evaluating suspected food allergies, intolerance and pollen allergies. In the meantime those of us interested in this interesting story anxiously await more research findings in this exciting area. Dr. Fine, founder of Enterolab, has previously published the HLA DQ patterns associated with microscopic colitis. He has found that microscopic changes in the colon or large intestine are similar if not identical to what is seen in the small intestine in celiac disease. Several articles now document that a gluten free diet works in many people with microscopic, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis. It also helps many with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

A finding of intraepithelial lymphocytosis in the distal small intestine (terminal ileum) is associated with an increased incidence of celiac disease in the proximal small intestine. Now, adding to the intrigue, are these articles linking certain inherited white blood cell protein gene patterns to pollen allergy and food allergy cross reactions that are well recognized but rarely pursued clinically. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also called the "burning mouth syndrome", occurs in many people but frequently goes undiagnosed. Symptoms include burning, painful and/or itching sensation of mouth or throat with or without swelling that occurs almost immediately after eating certain foods. The foods causing these reactions are commonly associated with pollen, latex or dust allergies.

Unusual Association of Pollen Allergies and Mouth Burning or Food Reactions

This unusual association of tree, grass, and weed pollens, latex and house dust mite allergies to food reactions, though well documented in the medical literature, is not commonly recognized by doctors or patients. The OAS literature contains numerous reports of food allergy or intolerance reactions that are associated with specific pollen, dust, mold or latex allergies. One of the best examples is ragweed pollen allergy. It is associated with a higher risk of food allergy or intolerance to only a few foods. These include foods in the gourd family (cucumbers and melons) and bananas. On other the hand, Birch tree pollen allergy is associated with sensitivity to many foods. The list includes those foods in the Rosacea family (apples, pears), tree nut family (hazelnut, almond, walnut), potatoes, and carrots. Reactions include classic allergic reactions such as skin rashes (atopic dermatitis, hives), wheezing (asthma), runny nose (allergic rhinitis), as well as the burning mouth OAS symptoms and other food intolerance symptoms.

If You Suspect Food Allergy, Intolerance or Sensitivity Get Evaluated By an Expert

Individuals who suspect food allergy or intolerance are encouraged to review the food-pollen connection and undergo appropriate evaluations for food allergy, intolerance and sensitivity. Food sensitivity includes gluten sensitivity and cow's milk (casein) protein sensitivity. Food intolerance includes lactose intolerance. Food allergies are separate and distinct from either food sensitivity or food intolerance.

Consider Getting Genetic Testing or Asking Your Doctor to Test You

This new information about the link of white blood cell protein patterns, HLA DQ types, suggests that we should consider having genetic testing done. After an adequate evaluation,

Establish a Baseline Symptom Score and Start a Food Symptom Diet Diary

I encourage everyone to establish a baseline symptom score. A detailed food symptom diary before a trial of elimination diet is also extremely helpful. An elimination diet that excludes major food lectins (dairy, grain, legumes, and nightshades) and any foods from the pollen list that one is allergic is recommended before accepting diagnoses of IBS, fibromyalgia, unexplained neuropathy or headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Any symptoms not readily explained or improved with other diagnoses and treatment should be considered to be possibly due to a food reaction until proven otherwise.

Selected Bibliography

Boehncke, et al. Clin Exp Allergy. 1998 Apr;28 (4):434-41.

Fine KD et al. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Aug;95(8):1974-82.

Wang et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Feb; 130(2): 192-197.

An alternative to Ritalin that has helped many children is the Feingold diet, developed by Benjamin Feingold, MD. The theory of this diet is that a child can be sensitive or have intolerance towards salicylates and artificial additives. Salicylates are a natural chemical made by many plants and related to aspirin, a derivative of salicylic acid. Plants manufacture the salicylate acid as a protection in nature from insects, so even though salicylates originate in healthy foods, some children have trouble tolerating even small amounts. Also in the Feingold diet eliminating synthetic additives, dyes and chemicals common in processed foods has also helped many children.

It is estimated that as many as 25% of children might be sensitive to salicylates. They may be able to tolerate some foods that contain salicylates and not others mainly because the amount can vary tremendously even within the same food. If you are interested there are web sites available that list the various levels in a particular food. Some foods from the fruit family are apples, avocados, blueberries, dates, kiwi, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, and prunes. Vegetables like cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms, radishes, eggplant, spinach, zucchini and broccoli. Also included are some cheeses, dry spices, tomato paste and sauces, vinegar, soy sauce, jams and jellies.

Salicylates are in many products, some more than others. Those related to children and adolescents and used in the home which children can be exposed to are acne products, bubble baths, cleaning products, detergents, essential oils, fabric conditioners, fragrances, gum, hair products, some herbal products, lotions, lozenges, medications, aspirin and NSAIDs, Pepto-Bismol, skin cleansers, soaps, sunscreens, and supplements derived from rose hips or bioflavonoids, toothpaste, topical creams and wart remover.

Other food sources that can cause problems related to food allergies are berries, buckwheat, chocolate, cinnamon, citrus fruits, coconut, corn, dairy products, egg whites, nuts, peas, peanut butter, pork, shellfish, soy, sugar, tomatoes, wheat and yeast.

Another alternative to Ritalin that has shown remarkable results are nutritional supplements. Children with ADHD have shown low or non-existent levels of certain nutrients such as magnesium and essential fatty acids. There are also homeopathic remedies available using formulas specifically designed for ADHD that many parents swear by and those studies have shown to work as well as drugs in some cases.

Ritalin alternatives should be a consideration because of the negative health issues that can result from most any prescription drug. Sometimes the best options may be a combination of therapies. Starting with a more healthful approach first; trying a diet, allergy testing or homoeopathic methods might be all that is needed. If your child is going to use a prescription medication or any remedy tell your doctor about all health problems before they take any drug.

The main concern before a treatment is chosen is to have a qualified clinician perform a comprehensive battery of tests. Choose you or your child's therapy with awareness, look at all your options before taking medications as it might not be the right one for your child. Just keep in mind that an alternative to Ritalin and other harsh medications are available.