For most people, allergies are considered somewhat separate from other aspects of health, such as cardiovascular health. However, new research shows that this is not the case and that the impact of food allergies on cardiovascular health needs to be more strongly considered.
The new research Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunologyas detailed in “Challenging the current paradigm that sensitization without overt allergy is benign.” press releaseThe study “suggests that sensitivity to common food allergens, such as dairy and peanuts, may be an important, previously unrecognized cause of heart disease,” it said, adding: It also points to the fact that “the increased risk may be equal to or exceed the risk posed by smoking.” Not only diabetes rheumatoid arthritis“Surprisingly, the UVA Health scientists behind this study drew an association with ‘milk sensitivities,’ but other allergens were also found to cause problems. “This finding does not conclusively prove that dietary antibodies are responsible for the increased risk. However, this study builds on previous research linking allergic inflammation and heart disease.”
Approximately 15% of adults are allergic to milk, peanuts, and other foods. Additionally, some people are completely unaware of their allergies or antibodies because they have no symptoms. “What we looked at here was the presence of IgE antibodies to foods detected in blood samples,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, in a release.
The team reviewed data collected from more than 5,300 participants and found that “285 people died from cardiovascular causes.” In addition to the dairy and peanut allergens mentioned above, shrimp sensitization is also a factor recognized as a “significant risk factor for cardiovascular death.”