Is the food you are eating making you sick?

by Dr. Inda Mowett

Millions of people suffer from a range of symptoms, which can be attributed to undiagnosed food sensitivities. Only a small portion of the population have true “food allergies”, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Food sensitivities are more common and increase as we age.

Food Sensitivities are caused by the inability of the gastrointestinal tract to properly digest a particular food or group of foods, even when a person is eating healthy food. Also, the aging process can cause “weakening” of the lining of the gut, leading to tiny “leaks” and triggering an inflammatory reaction.

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, as well as intestinal permeability or “leaky gut” can trigger the immune system to perceive certain foods as “intruders” thus causing a reaction when that food is consumed. If inflammation continues to occur in our bodies these reactions can harm us in a variety of ways.

Conditions such as those listed below, can cause undesirable gastrointestinal symptoms, weakened immune system, and systemic inflammation.

Do you experience?

• Gas and bloating • Arthritis and joint pain
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Muscle pain
• Chronic diarrhea • Chronic fatigue
• Heartburn/GERD • Chronic sinusitis
• Celiac Disease & gluten sensitivity • Insomnia
• Weight gain/loss • Fibromyalgia
• Diabetes • Skin rashes & flushing
• Brain fog • Migraine & other headaches

There are three types of food reactions:

• Food Allergies are an immune system response caused by histamine release and are very serious. Symptoms usually occur within an hour of after ingestion. Only 1-2% of the population is affected. Examples of this type of reaction is allergy to shellfish or tree nuts.
• Food Sensitivities are a delayed food reaction combined with an immune system response. Symptoms can occur from 45 minutes to a few days after ingestion. An example is gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
• Food Intolerance produces digestive symptoms similar to food sensitivities, but it does not involve the immune system. An intolerance means the lack of an enzyme needed to break down and absorb certain ingredients. An example is intolerance to lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.

How can Food Sensitivity be tested?

In the past, food sensitivities were nearly clinically impossible to identify due to the fact that the reactions can be delayed, dose-dependent, and vary greatly among individuals. Food allergies, on the other hand, have been much easier to identify and diagnose.

Food sensitivities can now be diagnosed by a simple blood test. A variety of immunologic testing can be ordered to identify any sensitivity to a variety of foods, spices, vegetables, and gluten.

The results of the blood test are used to create an individualized healthy eating plan to help reduce or eliminate symptoms.

If you have been experiencing undiagnosed gastrointestinal symptoms or if you suspect you may have sensitivities to a variety of foods, call us at 941-749-0741 or email us at info@indam.sg-host.com . Initial consultation and follow-up visits can be provided at our medical facility or by telemedicine.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Aesthetic & Wellness Center is not responsible or liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services, or products that you obtain through this site. After reading articles, watching videos, or reading other content from this website, you are encouraged to review the information carefully with your professional healthcare provider or skin care specialist.