OVERACTIVE IMMUNE RESPONSE
Recent research has shown links between CFIDS and the onset of allergies. In some studies, over half of those who develop CFIDS also develop multiple allergies or asthma. This tendency toward multiple allergies is seen as a genetic marker that identifies those who have an "overactive" or hair-trigger, immune system. To some, CFIDS, it’s self, is like an unusual immune response. But, the unanswered question in CFIDS research is, an immune response to what? Some think that an organism enters the body, causes an initial infection, and then is destroyed by the immune system. But, somehow the proper message is not sent to turn off the immune response. Then, our immune system continues to fight parts of our own body, much like many of the other autoimmune disorders (like arthritis, Lupus, and thyroiditis). But, then there are others who say that our immune system is in overdrive because it is fighting a slow-growing organism (like Mycoplasma) and it cause an allergic response because our body cells just get in the way of the immune system.
Whatever the cause, we do know that allergies can make our disease seem worse. For instance, mold spores are worse after a rain, or we react to flowering trees in the spring, or someone’s cat. These reactions can make our CFIDS symptoms worse.

BLOOD TEST FOR ALLERGIES
ALCAT or Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test, is a ten year old technology which accurately measures cell size shifts which can occur when a persons blood cells are incubated with various environmental substances. to which the person may be exposed typically. The substances are food proteins, but ALCAT can also be used to detect abnormal reactions to chemicals such as formaldehyde and even microorganisms such as Candida and mold.

FOOD ALLERGIES
A little recognized, but important paper, presented by German researchers at the CFIDS Conference in San Francisco, 1996, demonstrated that food protein hypersensitization was extremely common (>90%) in CFIDS as well as other immune activated medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.
The Germans went on to suggest that food protein hypersensitization might be the single most important environmental element fostering the continuation of these diverse medical disorders. In other words, as long as the patient unknowingly keeps eating foods to which they are hypersensitive, they will continue to maintain their abnormal immune state and never get well. Furthermore, patients cannot guess which foods are the offending ones because the hypersensitivity reaction is usually delayed by several days and often spans thirty or more different foods. Non-foods such as chemicals and microorganisms are also implicated in this immune and non-immune hypersensitivity response problem.

ELIMINATION DIET
Recent clinical experience in CFIDS patients in identifying and eliminating reactive foods, chemicals and molds has been very encouraging. A study by Russell Jaffe, Ph. D. in Virginia as well as the experience of many CFIDS clinicians has supported use of these hypersensitivity technologies and the subsequent use of elimination diets and mold desensitization. Significant clinical responses are reported in 50-80% of patients with particular benefits seen in gastrointestinal complaints, migraine, joint pains, recurrent upper respiratory infections including the sinuses and urinary tract infections. A few patients have experienced virtual elimination of their symptoms!
An interesting observation was recently reported by an Oxford University study that showed that unexplained weight gain was commonly caused by food hypersensitivity. Patients placed on an elimination diet which included ALCAT studies, identified food hypersensitivity reactions had significant weight loss with improved body composition (i.e. muscle mass was not lost). It appears that many comprehensive weight loss programs must now include food hypersensitivity screening. It also seems likely that much, if not all, of the weight gain commonly seen in CFIDS is due to food hypersensitization.