Food Allergies in Pasadena, CA
Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain foods, mistakenly identifying them as harmful. This reaction can trigger a wide range of symptoms, from mild itching or digestive upset to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Because allergic reactions can vary greatly in severity and may be unpredictable, proper diagnosis and management are essential for safety and peace of mind.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, food allergy care is overseen by Kimberley Shine, MD, a family medicine practitioner with an integrative and functional medicine approach. Dr. Shine goes beyond treating reactions to identify root causes, improve gut health, and strengthen the immune system.
Causes and Risk Factors
Food allergies may develop at any age and can result from a variety of influences, including:
- Genetics: Family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema.
- Immune System Dysfunction: Overactive immune responses to harmless proteins.
- Gut Health Issues: Imbalances in the microbiome may increase sensitivity.
- Early Childhood Exposure: Timing and type of food introduction may influence allergy development.
- Other Allergies: Patients with seasonal or environmental allergies may be more prone to food allergies.
By understanding these contributing factors, Shine Health and Wellness helps patients create prevention and management strategies tailored to their unique health profiles.
Symptoms of Food Allergies
Symptoms may appear within minutes or hours after consuming an allergen and can vary in severity. Common signs include:
- Itching or tingling in the mouth
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
- Hives, rash, or eczema flare-ups
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening reaction)
Because severe reactions can be unpredictable, patients with known food allergies should seek professional care and have an emergency plan in place.
How Food Allergies Are Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary food restrictions while ensuring safety. At Shine Health and Wellness, evaluation may include:
- Medical History and Symptom Review: Assessing reaction patterns and triggers.
- Skin Prick Tests: Introducing small amounts of allergens under the skin to measure reactions.
- Blood Tests: Measuring IgE antibodies linked to allergic responses.
- Elimination Diets: Removing suspected allergens and gradually reintroducing them under medical supervision.
- Functional Medicine Testing: Assessing gut health and immune function, which may contribute to sensitivities.
This comprehensive process ensures patients receive precise guidance for managing their allergies.
Treatment Options for Food Allergies
While there is no cure for food allergies, effective management can reduce risks and improve quality of life. Treatment at Shine Health and Wellness may include:
- Avoidance Strategies: Education on identifying and avoiding allergenic foods.
- Emergency Preparedness: Prescribing epinephrine auto-injectors for patients at risk of severe reactions.
- Nutritional Counseling: Creating safe, balanced diets that avoid allergens while meeting nutritional needs.
- Gut Health Support: Probiotics and dietary strategies to strengthen the digestive system and immune tolerance.
- Lifestyle Coaching: Stress management and sleep optimization to reduce immune system overactivity.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to assess progress and adjust care as needed.
By combining medical management with integrative care, Shine Health and Wellness provides patients with the tools to live safely and confidently.
The Role of Gut Health in Food Allergies
Emerging research highlights the connection between gut health and allergic responses. An imbalanced microbiome may make the immune system more reactive to food proteins.
At Shine Health and Wellness, care often includes gut-focused strategies such as probiotics, functional medicine testing, and dietary adjustments. Strengthening gut health helps support immune regulation and may reduce the frequency or severity of allergic reactions.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, offers more than a decade of medical experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. With her integrative and functional medicine background, Dr. Shine addresses both the immediate risks of food allergies and their underlying causes, helping patients achieve greater confidence in their health.
The Shine Health and Wellness team includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist, providing patients with a supportive, multidisciplinary approach to care. Together, they ensure every patient receives well-rounded guidance for allergy management and overall wellness.
Manage Your Food Allergies With Confidence
Food allergies can be stressful, but with expert care, you can reduce risks and live with greater peace of mind. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide personalized, integrative care that empowers patients to manage allergies safely and effectively. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.