Food Allergies and Intolerances

Food allergies and intolerances fall within a spectrum from life-threatening reactions and hives to chronic fatigue.  Immune reactions can occur suddenly or 2-3 days later depending on the “type” of immune response your body is having.  The delayed immune response is less obvious to the person due to the time that lapses between.  This delayed response is labeled as an intolerance or sensitivity.  Environmental allergies can increase throughout life leading to more extreme reactions as we age. Similarly, food intolerance/allergies can lead to increased inflammation within the gastrointestinal system, resulting in nutrient malabsorption and chronic diseases.

Over time, with more exposure to your sensitivity (be it food or environment), the immune reaction your body has can build-up, become worse, leading to many symptoms such as joint pain, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, gas/distention, mental fogginess, skin dryness and rashes, acne, and irritability.

What are the most common foods that I could be intolerant to?

The most common foods that people are intolerant to tend to be the foods that we eat the most of in our society.  Certain grains, dairy products, and soy are some of the most common food allergens.  It is important to evaluate the possible foods you may be having a reaction to.

Celiac disease has also increased in rates since our wheat was genetically modified.

How can I test for food allergies and intolerance?

There is a variety of testing that can be completed to evaluate food allergies and intolerances.  It is important to complete a full health history, physical exam, and diet evaluation with your physician.  Your physician will determine the best testing options for you with an associated customized nutrition protocol.