Allergic reactions occur when the immune system perceives a safe substance to be harmful and produces antibodies to that substance.  When antibodies are produced, inflammation occurs throughout the body causing different illnesses in different people.  The most common are eczema, asthma, hay fever, chronic sinusitis, headaches and food sensitivities.  Food sensitivities cause further gut inflammation.  Incontinence or bed-wetting can also be caused by allergies and sensitivities.  Allergies and sensitivities are common in people with autoimmune disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

 

An imbalance of microbes in the gut is a major trigger of allergies and sensitivities.  Eighty percent of the immune system is located in the gut wall (called GALT – gut-associated lymphoid tissue).  Beneficial microbes in the gut help to regulate immune function.  If there are not enough of the “good bugs” or too many “bad bugs” 2 major arms of the immune system, Th1 and Th2, become unbalanced.  Th2 function increases, making the immune system more reactive to substances that come in contact with mucous membranes (which line the digestive, respiratory and genitourinary systems), e.g. pollens, foods, chemicals etc.