Food Intolerances
Food sensitivity testing is designed to identify specific foods that may trigger inflammation in an individual's body. While there is still ongoing debate in the scientific communities about this test, the reality is that the other option currently available is to simply go blindly through an elimination diet to determine what foods trigger reactions. This testing allows us to have a "starting" point in identifying foods that might be causing inflammation in the body, and allows us to optimize your diet to your particular body needs
Intolerance vs. Allergy
Commonly, physical reactions to certain foods stem from food intolerance rather than a food allergy, often leading to confusion due to overlapping symptoms. Unlike food intolerance, a true food allergy involves the immune system and can elicit severe or life-threatening symptoms even with minimal exposure to the allergenic food.
In contrast, food intolerance primarily impacts the digestive system, resulting in less severe symptoms. Individuals with food intolerance may tolerate small amounts of the problematic food without significant issues and can sometimes take preventive measures. For instance, individuals with lactose intolerance might consume lactose-free milk or use lactase enzyme pills (Lactaid) to aid digestion.
Factors contributing to food intolerance encompass:
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Insufficient production of an enzyme required for complete food digestion, as observed in lactose intolerance.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition linked to cramping, constipation, and diarrhea.
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Sensitivity to food additives, such as sulfites found in preserved dried fruit, canned goods, and wine, which can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.
Understanding the distinctions between food intolerance and food allergy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of symptoms.