If you’re here, then most likely you’ve been focusing on getting healthy. Perhaps you’ve transitioned to a healthier way of eating and are even eating the right balance of macronutrients for your body. But even though you are feeling a little better than before, you are still dealing with some stubborn health issues that just don’t seem to want to go away.
You may be experiencing a hidden food intolerance or sensitivity that hasn’t been discovered yet. And unfortunately, if you continue to consume the foods your body is sensitive to, the symptoms will continue.
What is the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy?
While the two may share some similar symptoms, a true food allergy can cause a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Food intolerances are not life threatening, but they sure can make you feel sick.
A food allergy happens when the body sees a certain food as a foreign invader. This prompts the immune system to react to the food. It releases histamine and creates and allergic reaction. Some of the symptoms that can occur with a food allergy include difficulty breathing, closing off the throat, vomiting, coughing, hives, or rashes, drop in blood pressure and swelling. The symptoms of a food allergy can develop almost immediately and become severe and potentially life threatening quickly.
Food intolerances do not trigger a response from the immune system the way an allergy does. Instead, they occur because of the inability of the digestive system to digest or breakdown certain foods properly. These foods may also cause irritation in the digestive tract. Food intolerances are common, and many people experience symptoms without recognizing that they even have a food intolerance. Some symptoms of a food intolerance can appear within 30 to 60 minutes after eating. Others may appear hours and even days after consuming an offending food.
Some of the signs of food intolerances
Regular digestive problems
People with food intolerances typically experience plenty of digestive issues Symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea or constipation are common. So, if you struggle from any of these issues regularly, then one or more food intolerances may be to blame.
Heartburn
If you have Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and experience regular heartburn, it would be good to be tested for food intolerances. Heartburn is a common symptom of hidden food intolerances and removing foods that are problematic can help reduce your heartburn.
Mood issues such as depression and anxiety
There is a strong connection between the gut and moods. And food that cause intolerance create inflammation in the gut. This inflammation has been linked to depression and anxiety. Many people who change their diet and eliminate the foods they are sensitive to report an improvement in depression and anxiety.
Migraines and headaches
Headaches are not uncommon and can have a few different causes. But food intolerances are one common cause that is often overlooked. Research has found that common foods such as sugar, wheat, dairy, yeast, corn and eggs can trigger headaches and migraines. The chemical additives in processed foods can also be a trigger. If you deal with frequent headaches and migraines, consider the foods you are consuming. Have yourself tested for sensitivities to uncover which foods are triggering your headaches.
Skin problems
Problems in the gut often manifest as skin issues such as eczema, Rosacea and rashes. Food sensitivities are linked to inflammation in the gut. And inflammation is strongly connected with skin issues as well. But most doctors don’t consider food intolerances when dealing with patients who have skin issues such as eczema, rashes, and Rosacea. So, if you have skin issues, it may be caused by one or more food sensitivities.
Fatigue
Each time you consumes a food that they react to, it creates additional stress in the body. It places stress on the digestive system and prevents optimal digestion. This can prevent you from being able to utilize the food you eat for the energy you need to get through the day. As a result, you may find yourself struggling to stay awake through the day and you may feel tired and foggy. This fatigue will be present, even if you are sleeping well each night.
Sinus, cold and allergy symptoms that won’t go away
Common symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, frequent throat clearing, seasonal allergies, ear infections can all be triggered by the foods you are eating. If you have these symptoms and can’t seem to get relief, look at what you are eating!
Can’t lose weight
Are you eating all the right foods, exercising, and not overeating…but no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to drop the pounds? You might just be eating foods that you are sensitive to! The inflammation in the gut is preventing the weight from dropping off. But when reactive foods are eliminated from the diet, they should be able to reduce their weight much more easily.
If you suspect that you may have hidden food sensitivities, you can do an elimination diet of all the most common reactive foods. But even better is to get tested for food intolerances. FDNThrive coaches have access to those types of tests. And they can help you uncover which food intolerances may be making you sick.
Discovering hidden food intolerances can be life changing for you! Removing foods that aren’t working for your body will help to reduce symptoms and get you on the road to feeling better!
