iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll tcdhsfThtbseIgG antibodies to these foods. These are the same kind of antibodies
formed to thyroid tissues. As intestinal permeability is always present in
autoimmune conditions, most people with Hashimoto’s have multiple
IgG food reactions, often to the foods they eat most frequently.
Reactive foods seem to perpetuate the autoimmune thyroid reaction. The
presence of IgG4 subtype antibodies (the antibody types related to food
sensitivities) seems to correlate with the amount of thyroid damage.
Leaky gut was observed in 50 percent of patients with food intolerance.
Furthermore, food intolerances increase intestinal permeability, thus cre-
ating a vicious, self-perpetuating cycle. Studies show withdrawal of foods
causing intolerance for six months does not reverse leaky gut. While re-
moving trigger foods is an important first step, it won’t completely solve
the problem since food intolerances seem to develop as a result of leaky
gut, which the intolerances perpetuate but do not cause.
IgG intolerances are also known as delayed type intolerances and may
take up to a few days to manifest. These intolerances may cause systemic
inflammation and perpetuate intestinal permeability. Although IgG food
intolerances haven’t been studied as well as other types of food reactions,
research suggests they may be associated with a multitude of symptoms,
including gastrointestinal disturbances, migraine headaches, drowsiness,
and discomfort.
Some professionals believe these intolerances are specifically associated
with intestinal permeability and any food eaten excessively will trigger an
IgG reaction in the presence of intestinal permeability. Instead of removing
these foods completely, they recommend removing them for a short period
(three to six months) and then rotating them every four to seven days while
working on healing intestinal permeability. Once the intestinal permeabil-
ity resolves, so should the IgG reactions.
In my experience, IgG tests may help pinpoint foods that may be causing
additional reactions, which may need to be removed or rotated short-term.
Unfortunately for most, removing IgG food intolerances may only be
a temporary fix if intestinal permeability is not addressed. You might
remove the foods that were positive on IgG antibody tests, only to find a
month later you have become sensitive to other foods.
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, creator of the GAPS diet, cautions that
the intestines of those with Hashimoto’s are like sieves and they often