Food sensitivities:

What are they and how do I know if I have any?

So what exactly is a food sensitivity?

The way in which food affects our everyday lives is complex and is an emerging area of understanding.

Diagnosing the cause of symptoms which seem to be ‘unexplained’ is often difficult.

The majority of adverse reactions to food are rarely life threatening, but may be a source of considerable discomfort in many chronic conditions and diseases. The symptoms are varied and individuals can react in different ways. Many people live with minor or major symptoms of adverse food reactions for years without ever suspecting the involvement of the immune system and the foods which trigger them.

Food sensitivities, although not life threatening should never be underestimated as it's impact on sufferers can be significant, sometimes affecting their ability to live normal healthy lives. The incidence of food sensitivity is extremely wide and it is estimated that 45% of the population could be affected. Many people with food sensitivities experience more than one symptom. Symptoms can often be vague and the root cause of the problem, food, is not always correctly diagnosed. Sufferers often complain of seeming to be in a ‘fog’, feeling bloated and being tired all the time.

Essentially food sensitivity is your body’s abnormal reaction to certain foods which can manifest itself in a number of ways. Some people will have one symptom such as a severe headache whilst others will be unfortunate to experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraine and skin or respiratory conditions.

The following symptoms may indicate a person is suffering from food sensitivity. Food sensitivity sufferers can also experience more than one symptom at the same time.

Symptoms
Anxiety (acute or chronic) Arthritis Asthma Bed wetting Bloating Bronchitis Coeliac Disease	Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Constipation Diarrhea Fibromyalgia Gastritis Headaches Inflammatory Bowel Disease	Insomnia Irritable Bowel Syndrome Itchy skin problems Malabsorption Migraine Sleep disturbances Water retention Weight control problems

Is a food sensitivity the same as a food allergy?

No. A classical food allergy (such as peanut or shellfish allergy) is usually characterised by

an immediate and often severe reaction of the immune system to exposure to a specific food.

The symptoms of food allergy include sneezing, rashes, skin irritation, swelling, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting. Normally symptoms occur within a few minutes of eating or coming in to contact with the offending food, although they can be delayed by up to two hours.

Food allergy is quite rare with only about 2.5% of the population being diagnosed with the condition. The most common instances of food allergy are to peanuts, tree nuts (almonds and brazils), eggs, milk, fish and shellfish.

Realizing that your food is a catalyst for particular symptoms is not easy as unlike the immediate reactive symptoms of food allergy, food sensitivity symptoms often appear hours or even days later. In fact many food sensitivity sufferers have commented post diagnosis and after having removed their problem foods that they realise they had been experiencing minor symptoms as a result of sensitivity for their entire lives.

Food intolerance and food allergy in brief

Food Sensitivity	Food Allergy
Reactions are usually delayed and symptoms may take several days to appear.	Reactions usually occur quickly, with a maximum of 2 hours after exposure to the ‘reactive’ food.
You  can  be   intolerant   to   several   different         food groups at the same time.	Food allergy involves the body’s immune system and is a reaction to a specific food
Sufferers can experience multiple symptoms, from migraine   to   bloating,   diarrhoea,   lethargy   and                 a general feeling of un-wellness.	Symptoms   include:   difficulty   breathing,                    rashes, swelling,    runny   nose   and   anaphylactic                 shock. These can potentially be life threatening.

So how do I find out if I have an sensitivity?

Your practitioner will work with you to establish if food sensitivity are causing or contributing to your health concerns.

There are 2 methods used to indicate food intolerance.

1.   An elimination or challenge diet.

2.   Food sensitivity/intolerance testing

What is an elimination diet?

Your practitioner will outline a comprehensive plan designed to help you to eliminate certain foods for a period of time, usually three or four weeks, then instruct you to slowly reintroduce specific foods one at a time and monitor your symptoms for possible reactions.

What is Food sensitivity testing?

Food sensitivity is identified by screening blood samples for IgG antibodies to a panel of foods.

The most common food sensitivities occur with cow’s milk, eggs, beans, nuts and cereals. Testing can be performed at the time of your consult and you can take the results with you when you leave. Further comprehensive tests (such as are also available and arranged via pathology laboratories).

If sensitivities are identified what happens next?

If food sensitivities are identified it is advisable to eliminate any ‘reactive’ foods from the diet for at least 3 months. Your practitioner will work with you to design a dietary plan that will allow you to eliminate problematic foods from your diet, while still allowing you to enjoy delicious healthy meals.

To assist you in regaining your health your practitioner will also speak to about implementing a digestive repair protocol to help improve the digestion of foods, rebuilding the digestive lining, eliminating overgrowth of unhealthy organisms and enhancing healthy bacteria. It may also be necessary to correct any nutritional deficiencies due to impaired digestion.

For further information or to make a booking call Wellness Innovations PTY Ltd and speak to one of our practitioners Karen (BHSc Western Herbal Med) or Caroline (BHSc Nutritional Med) on 1300 525 111.