4 min read
Dr. Andrea Gruszecki, ND: March 16, 2022 at 5:35 PM
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also called pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS), is an odd phenomenon. OAS patients present with local IgE-mediated allergic reactions to raw fruits and vegetables. The symptoms of OAS include itchy mouth, scratchy throat, or...
4 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: February 3, 2022 at 12:53 PM
The risk of dying from a broken heart is real. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome) presents with the weakening of the left ventricle arising from severe emotional or physical stress. This concept is captured beautifully for us clinicians is...
4 min read
Dr. Andrea Gruszecki, ND: July 13, 2021 at 10:06 AM
There are many different reasons for unexpected IgG results. Pre-analytical errors, which are outside of laboratory control, are responsible for the majority of our unexpected laboratory results.
5 min read
Dr. Andrea Gruszecki, ND: June 10, 2021 at 10:25 AM
The scientific community is finally documenting what Naturopathic physicians and functional medicine practitioners have known for years: there are three different ways that wheat and wheat proteins can affect the human body. Celiac disease, wheat...
6 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: April 7, 2021 at 8:15 AM
Up to 60 percent of all food reactions occur because of cross-reactions between food and pollen. A great example is birch pollen cross-reacts with hazelnuts, apples, celery, carrot, soy, and countless other foods. So, what happens when a patient that has...
2 min read
Dr. Andrea Gruszecki, ND: February 8, 2021 at 2:05 PM
February is American Heart Month and is the perfect opportunity to consider our cardiovascular health. One measure of cardiovascular risk is total IgE. Several human studies have documented higher total IgE as a cardiovascular risk factor after adjusting...
3 min read
Dr. Andrea Gruszecki, ND: November 6, 2020 at 1:26 PM
‘Tis the season for dietary indiscretion. Between Halloween leftovers, Mom’s famous Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole, and traditional December holiday treats, there are many opportunities for unexpected exposures to harmful food antigens….
3 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: September 2, 2020 at 12:45 PM
As the world becomes increasingly connected through the internet, travel, and immigration, traditional cuisines from across the globe have become more and more available to us all.
4 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: July 21, 2020 at 4:03 PM
When the allergy season arrives, many patients are focused on avoiding pollen from trees and grasses. Yet, they're not always aware of an important fact—if they're reacting to tree and grass pollen, they are also are likely reacting to specific foods as...
5 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: March 3, 2020 at 2:35 PM
Intestinal barrier function is regulated by tight junctions, which play an important role in the passage of ions, water, and molecules through the intestinal walls. However, when intestinal epithelial barrier function becomes impaired—otherwise known as...
6 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: January 14, 2020 at 2:02 PM
Prior to starting my patients on any weight loss regimen, there are three tests I always employ. These tests are extremely important to ensure the success of immediate weight loss as well as sustained weight loss over time. They also are necessary to...
1 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: November 22, 2019 at 11:22 AM
If you have food sensitivities, the Thanksgiving meal can seem like a minefield to be navigated rather than a joyous celebration. But don't despair. If you have food sensitivities, take sensible precautions like checking for the most common allergens in...
3 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: October 2, 2019 at 11:08 AM
When the intestinal epithelial lining barrier is compromised, it leads to a leaky gut. The foundation of this barrier consists of only a single layer of specialized epithelial cells joined by tight junction proteins. However, other factors are involved...
1 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: September 24, 2019 at 1:51 PM
A leaky gut can lead to the initiation and progression of autoimmune disease, especially in people who are genetically predisposed. Autoimmune diseases associated with increased intestinal permeability include
4 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: July 29, 2019 at 4:48 PM
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) testing has long been an important means of identifying delayed hypersensitivity reactions to food and other environmental irritants. One of the most prolific proteins in circulation, IgG comprises approximately 10% to 20% of the...
1 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: February 20, 2019 at 8:41 AM
Children with ADHD are more likely to suffer from allergic diseases. In one study of 100 children with ADHD compared with 60 healthy controls, 35% of the ADHD children had allergies. Most of the allergies were a combination of allergic rhinitis and...
1 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: February 20, 2019 at 8:40 AM
Food intolerance has been known to cause ADHD symptoms since at least the 1970s when Feingold observed hyperactivity and learning disabilities in children who ate artificial food flavors and colors. In 1992, Egger and colleagues published a study where...
2 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: February 20, 2019 at 8:39 AM
As with ADHD, there is a relationship between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and gluten intolerance. Researchers have observed a greater risk of ASDs in children whose mothers have celiac disease. Furthermore, compared to controls, individuals with...
2 min read
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND: February 20, 2019 at 8:36 AM
In mice with cow’s milk allergy, diets that reduce mTOR activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala improve behavioral problems similar to those seen in autistic children. This suggests mTOR may be a mechanism of action by which allergies can lead to...