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April 1, 2019

Can a Vaccine Provoke An Allergic Reaction To Food ?

I’ve shared my vaccine story and how the MMR vaccine ruined my health with the hope that it might save you from the downward health spiral that vaccines can trigger.  Part of what makes vaccines so hard on the body is the toxic effects that they have on the immune system. There is also emerging evidence that vaccines may trigger an allergic reaction to food. Yep- vaccines can cause food allergies, folks.

Does An Allergic Reaction To Food Start With Vaccines? | The Family That Heals Together

Autoimmunity is one side effect of vaccines. Allergies are another. 

In short, when we inject food proteins, rather than consume them, we get in the way of the immune system’s ability to accept the food as normal. 

We currently don’t know enough about vaccines to say that they can be safely given to everyone.

In this blog post, I’ll share about how vaccines might cause food allergies.

What does an allergic reaction to food look like?

When the body has an allergic reaction to food, the immune system produces signals specifically for that food. In the case of most food allergies, we call these signals IgE antibodies.

When antibodies come into contact with specific food proteins, this triggers the release of histamine. Not everyone will develop an allergy to common allergens, like dairy and egg. But when a food allergy develops, the body reacts when you eat that trigger food. 

With the release of histamine during an allergic response, you can expect to see things like:

  • Hives
  • Itchiness
  • Runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Vomiting

Sometimes, eczema or asthma accompany food allergies.

The most common ways to identify a food allergy are to use a skin prick test or a blood test that looks for IgE food antibodies. The current gold standard to confirm an allergy is with an oral food challenge.

What causes food allergy?

In order for a food allergy to develop in the first place, you must first be sensitized to the allergen. This is when you are first exposed to the trigger food protein and go on to develop antibodies. During sensitization, there are no symptoms of a food allergy.

After sensitization, your next encounter with the trigger food will cause allergy symptoms. Usually, this happens rapidly.

But what causes sensitization in the first place?

We know that food allergy and related issues like eczema and asthma are becoming more common. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to explaining how allergies arise.

The gut plays a role. Genes can also increase the risk of developing allergies. And so can the environment.  

And then there’s the hygiene hypothesis – that we’re too “clean.” Suggesting that living with pets, livestock, or even older siblings can reduce the risk of allergies.

Where do vaccines fit in?

Many vaccines contain food proteins. And as we’ll talk about later, how they’re administered matters too. 

The very act of injecting food proteins into the body – rather than ingesting them – may increase the risk of food allergies. 

How vaccines work

A vaccine works with your child’s immune system to educate it against infectious agents.

For example, when your child gets sick, special immune cells recognize the pathogen as an invader. Each invading pathogen contains antigens, which generate an immune response. Part of this immune response includes antibodies.

Once a pathogen is destroyed, the body stores antigens in the lymph nodes. This creates a “memory” of the infection and speeds up the body’s response so that next time it can release antibodies and quickly fight the invader.

A vaccine mimics an infection.

A weakened pathogen or parts of the pathogen kickstart an immune response so that after the mock infection has cleared, the body has a memory of the infection and the potential for a rapid immune response.

That said, we still don’t know all the ways that a vaccine interacts with the immune system.

This means that full safety cannot be confirmed.

Can vaccines cause food allergies?

The Institute of Medicine clearly says in a 2011 report called Adverse Effects of Vaccines that,

Antigens in the vaccines that the committee is charged with reviewing do not typically elicit an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. However… the above-mentioned antigens do occasionally induce IgE-mediated sensitization in some individuals and subsequent hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis.

In other words, scientists have noted a relationship between vaccines and the development of allergies, including severe allergy known as anaphylaxis which requires immediate medical care.

And yes, vaccines do contain food proteins.

For example, Tdap and DTaP vaccines contain milk protein. In children with severe milk allergy, these vaccines can cause anaphylaxis. In this case, the initial vaccine isn’t usually the problem.

It’s the booster.

Which means that sensitization occurs with injection into the body, when the food protein bypasses digestion. Then, when the time comes for a booster shot, a milk-sensitized child shows signs of food allergy.

Likewise, it’s also been shown that IgE antibodies to egg white can increase after receiving the flu vaccine.

Food proteins found in vaccines include:

  • Chicken egg
  • Milk casein
  • Gelatin
  • Soy
  • Yeast

Beyond this, vaccines also contain polysorbate 80 and sorbitol which are manufactured using food sources like wheat and corn. And at this point, no one can guarantee that vaccines with polysorbate 80 and sorbitol are free from allergenic proteins.

Food proteins aren’t the only problem

In addition to allergenic food proteins from egg and dairy, vaccines contain adjuvants or “helpers.” An adjuvant stimulates the immune system and helps to make a vaccine more effective, maintaining immunity over a long period of time.

Manufacturers often use aluminum as an adjuvant, which unfortunately is also a neurotoxin. Aluminum can make the brain inflamed and may even lead to autoimmunity. 

And in the case of food allergy, aluminum supports the production of IgE, making food proteins more allergenic.

We also see this in the case of peanut allergy: a vaccine containing an aluminum adjuvant leads to increases in cow milk protein IgG and peanut protein IgE, even with food avoidance. 

Does An Allergic Reaction To Food Start With Vaccines? | The Family That Heals Together

Vaccines cause food allergies

Even though there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that vaccines cause foods allergies – enough to at least warrant more caution – many parents feel pressured to get their child fully vaccinated.

Sometimes the connection is tough to pinpoint since food allergies might be diagnosed weeks or months after a vaccine.

Meaning that even though the vaccine caused a food allergy, it comes across as far less obvious than anaphylaxis.

With up to five vaccines given to a young child at one time, why aren’t we doing more to investigate the safety of food proteins and adjuvants in vaccines?

Did your child have an allergic reaction to food after vaccines? Share in the comments!

By: Megan Garcia · Filed Under: Blog, health, Vaccines · Tagged: allergic reaction to food, allergies, autoimmune, cow milk, egg, food allergies, gut health, immune response, nuts, vaccines

October 29, 2017

What is MTHFR? And Why Should You Even Care?

If you find yourself wondering “what is MTHFR?” you’re not alone. I, too, found this topic mysterious and overwhelming not so long ago, though I’ve long suspected it could be partly responsible for my health problems. Here, contributor Danielle gives us a simple overview.

What is MTHFR? And Why Should You Even Care? | The Family That Heals Together

MTHFR is a popular topic right now. You may have thought that it was a new curse acronym, or maybe a true natural health woo topic. But alas, it’s real and that’s it’s real name! And you have this gene in your body right now, so you better know what it is and how to manage it.

Unless you’re a geneticist, this can all be a bit confusing and frustrating. However, it can greatly benefit your health to know your MTHFR status and live accordingly, so here is your very basic primer on all things MTHFR.

What is MTHFR?

MTHFR, which is short for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, is an enzyme which helps in numerous important processes, including processing amino acids and converting the vitamin B9 (folate) to a usable form. This affects your cardiovasular system, hormones, metabolism, and detoxification.

Let’s go back to science class real quick. Everyone’s DNA has two sets of each of the 23 chromosomes. At each of these chromosomes, you may have mutations, which can affect how your body functions, just like your genes affect your hair color, eye color, and height.

In the case of mutations, you can have one “bad” gene, which means you’re heterozygous for a certain trait or mutation, or both genes can be “bad”, which is called homozygous. Your DNA is in all the trillions of cells in your body, and holds the instructions on how to do everything your body needs to do.

If there is a mutation in your genes, your cells may have a hard time following the instructions, trip up, and not complete the process the body needs to occur. Though there are many genes and genetic mutations, MTHFR is one of the main antagonists to the methylation (read detoxification) process.

The two most commonly known MTHFR mutations are named A1298T and C677T, with C677T being more serious. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population has the A1298T mutation, and 30-40% of the population has the C677T mutation.

What does the MTHFR gene do?

How your MTHFR enzyme functions is based on your MTHFR genetic mutation status. This enzyme is a key factor in the methylation process, which repairs, builds, and destroys our cells.

The methylation process is a very detailed process, but you can see a somewhat simple diagram here. You can see that the MTHFR enzyme is used to turn folate (vitamin B9) into a usable form for our bodies and to complete the methylation process. Without it, methylation is not completed, folate is deficient in our bodies, and we cannot detoxify and rebuild cells properly.

That can lead to chronic illness, behavioral disorders, susceptibility to acute illness, and food sensitivities and allergies, as well as a gamut of other small issues which may work together to produce a larger issue.

MTHFR Symptoms

Though numerous genetic and lifestyle choices affect your health, some symptoms are indicative of a MTHFR mutation. The most common symptoms associated with MTHFR are:

  • Metabolism issues
  • Inability or difficulty to detox toxins
  • An abnormally prominent vein through the forehead
  • Lip ties
  • High homocysteine levels
  • Behavioral disorders, including ADHD, depression and anxiety
  • Autism
  • Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
  • Miscarriage
  • Bladder and prostrate cancers
  • Poor digestion and nutrient absorption

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have the MTHFR mutation, but it is more likely. In general, those with MTHFR cannot detoxify toxins as well as those without, and therefore are more likely to experience imbalance in the body which brings disease. Here is a full list of symptoms this mutation may cause.

If you have MTHFR, you may or may not have any symptoms. Your lifestyle, including the foods you eat, sleep and stress levels, detoxification attempts, sunlight and much more, will dictate if you experience significant symptoms, or if this mutation is barely noticeable.

Our lifestyle choices can, in effect, activate or deactivate our genes, meaning you have more power than you think. You are not at the mercy of your genes.

MTHFR treatment

A number of tests can be used to identify your genetic mutations, including MTHFR. Your doctor may be able to order genetic testing, which may be covered by insurance if you have a health concern. Otherwise, you can simply do a saliva test through an online provider like 23 And Me.


You can then bring your information to a genetic counselor, biomedical doctor, or naturopath who is schooled in MTHFR mutations. You can also plug your information into databases which analyze your detox and methylation abilities, such as Genetic Genie.

If you experience have an MTHFR mutation, you can make lifestyle changes to improve your body’s methylation cycle. You can also add intermittent fasting to your routine, which will allow your body more time to detox.

Lifestyle changes

Managing an MTHFR mutation will require you to cut out some foods and supplements to achieve better health, as well as take care to be sure your body is getting what it needs.

Remove these:

  • Folic acid (the chemical-substitute of natural folate). This is added to everything processed. Check that your supplements do not have this form of folate.
  • Processed foods
  • Fluoridated water
  • Conventional, GMO-fed meats and dairy
  • Non-organic foods
  • Vaccines, and unnecessary antibiotics and OTC medications
  • Pork and shellfish (these meats have the highest concentration of toxins).

Get plenty of these:

  • Natural folate (methylfolate in supplement form) (Jaclyn’s note: not everyone will tolerate supplementation of methylfolate. When in doubt, work with a knowledgeable practitioner.)
  • Raw fruits and vegetables
  • Foods rich in natural folate, like grassfed liver
  • Probiotics
  • Natural sunlight
  • Good sleep (at least 8 hours a night).

Your best course of action to combat a MTHFR gene mutation is to get tested, move to a balanced, natural lifestyle, and see a naturopath or biomedical doctor for continued testing and a customized supplementation routine.

You can research for weeks on this mutation, as well as DNA’s role within health. However, balance is key in life as well as in DNA study. Just because you have this or other mutations does not mean you have a death sentence. Do not become overwhelmed in researching, but test how foods and supplements make you feel and listen to your body.

If you suffer from the symptoms listed above, it may be a good idea to get tested and use this information. Remember, our genetics do not dictate our health, but they are a big piece of the puzzle.

By: Danielle · Filed Under: Blog · Tagged: autism, autoimmune, behavioral disorders, genes, genetics, lyme, MTHFR, what is MTHFR

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