The concept of hypersensitivity disorders related to
the food supply is a potential breakthrough in the understanding of modern disease. The
texts available are intended as course material and may be used by professionals as an
introduction to immunology, allergy and the commonly misunderstood topic of food allergy.
We consider Celiac Disease to be food allergy - a type iii- iv
allergy to cereal grain proteins. Celiac disease is the prototype of delayed pattern food
allergy. The spectrum of diseases which appear in celiac patients who do not follow a
gluten-free diet can be considered the spectrum of delayed pattern food allergy.
You
simply have to assume that other food proteins can be pathogens
that act in the manner of gluten.
You also can assume that gluten proteins can cause a spectrum of disease without the
specific jejunal pathology typical of celiac disease.
A center on Immunology reviews basic knowledge of immune networks. The
Food Allergy Center provides links to localized diseases that are expressions of food
allergy.
The central role of gastrointestinal both in causing and in manifesting
food allergy is examined. An important pathophysiological concept - delayed pattern food
allergy is explained in some detail and the clinical concept of Type III pattern food
allergy is introduced to explain common and misunderstood syndromes such as chronic
fatigue, Fibromyalgia and depression.
Tests and treatments are reviewed.
