What is a food allergy?
When we hear the term “food allergy” we often picture a person covered in hives, swollen beyond recognition, and gasping for air. This certainly can be the case, especially in the case of shellfish or peanut allergies. However, not all allergies are created equally. Individuals with Celiac disease have a food allergy against proteins in grains like wheat and barley known as gluten. Their symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to fatigue, depression, and even mental fogginess.
How are food sensitivities different from food allergies?
Many individuals do not have severe reactions to the food they eat, but may be experiencing less obvious symptoms that they are unable to recognize. In the examples used above the reaction to the food is usually fairly immediate; however, in the case of food sensitivities the reaction may be what is known as a “delayed hypersensitivity reaction”, and the symptoms may not occur until 1-3 days after the initial exposure. As the body reacts to the food, it triggers the immune system. As you continue to eat the same foods, your immune system is continually activated.This constant activation of the immune system may result in chronic inflammation and can lead to chronic, autoimmune, and degenerative diseases.
What are some common symptoms associated with food sensitivities?
It is important to note that the degree and severity of symptoms may be dose-dependent. So, if you eat a small amount of a food you may not have the same reaction as if you eat a lot of the same food. That said, common symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Nasal Congestion
- Puffy Eyes
- Gas, Bloating
- Diarrhea or Constipation
- Frequent Colds
- Mental Fogginess
- Forgetfulness
- Mood Changes
- Headaches, Migraines
- Joint Pain, Arthritis
What causes food allergies?
There are a lot of theories as to what may cause food allergies. Many studies suggest that much of what occurred in the first few years of life may be the root cause of food sensitivities. Infants who were breastfed often have stronger immune systems and healthier digestive tracts. The maintaining the proper health of the both the immune system and the digestive system is one of the most important ways to prevent food sensitivities. It is also one of the most effective ways of treating individuals with food sensitivities. Other studies suggest that introducing solid foods, particularly those that are genetically modified, at too early of an age can also result in the development of food sensitivities.
Are there certain foods that are commonly associated with food sensitivities?
Yes, the following is a list of foods that are often associated with food sensitivities:
- Coffee
- Wheat
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Soy
- Shellfish
- Citrus Fruits
- Corn
- Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Potatoes
How can I know for sure if I have food sensitivities?
The best way to find out if you have food sensitivities is to have your blood tested. Your immune system responds to foods you are sensitive to by creating antibodies against that food. These antibodies are measurable in your blood and can be key in determining your food sensitivities.
Another great way to determine foods that you might be sensitive to is to do an elimination diet. By eliminating certain foods and reintroducing them you will experience, first hand, how the food is affecting your body.
