By Alane Palmer, ND, CNC and Annah Gillette
www.NutritionallyYours.net
Are you aware of the warning signs your body is communicating with you? Have you ever eaten something and felt terrible afterward, felt sleepy in the middle of the day, or become itchy? Have your children turned into little monsters after eating? Let’s take a look at what may be going on.
Many patients feel they are allergic to a food product because they reacted to it after eating. Although adverse food reactions are common, true food allergies are only present in 3 to 4 % of adults. An allergy is defined by having an adverse immune response to a food protein. One of the most common food allergies is an intolerance to gluten, known as celiac disease. Celiac disease is a common problem, affecting 1 in every 133 people in the United States. It is a lifelong autoimmune disorder in which the body creates a toxic response to the ingestion of gluten. Gluten is the protein found in all forms of wheat, barley, rye, and some oats. This causes damage to the small intestine, which does not allow for absorption of essential nutrients and minerals into the body. Thus, celiac is classified as a disease of an autoimmune reaction to gluten. Celiac disease involves an allergy or sensitivity to gluten, which is found in wheat.
Some of the most common food allergies are peanuts, milk, soy, shellfish, fish, nuts, and eggs. Some people can have very severe reactions to those foods if they are allergic. The digestive tract is the first line of contact with food, so it is where allergic reactions originate. The gastrointestinal reaction is to rapidly get rid of or neutralize the irritant or the allergen. Common gastrointestinal reactions are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Food allergies occur when your immune system identifies a particular food as something foreign or harmful. Your immune system triggers cells to release antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). This is what triggers histamine release that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. The most common allergies include shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, and crab; peanuts; tree nuts, such as walnuts and pecans; fish; and eggs.
Food allergies are an immediate reaction to a particular food. Normal allergy symptoms can be itchy throat, a cough, itchy eyes, a rash or hives.
Food intolerances or sensitivities are a delayed reaction to a particular food. Normal intolerances symptoms can vary from acne, headaches, upset stomach, bloating, pain, inflammation and more.
Nutritionally Yours understands food allergies and Food Allergy Testing so you can figure out the best nutrition for you!
Want to learn more about what food that is right for YOU? Contact our office today!
Phone: 678-372-2913
Email: alanepnd@gmail.com
Website: Nutritionallyyours.net
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Reference: https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/experts-how-do-food-allergies-affect-digestion.aspx
Medical disclaimer: Nutritionally Yours is not a medical clinic. Testing cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All test results are to be used as educational materials and as a guide to help support your overall health and wellness. Always discuss health concerns with your medical doctor. We have a nutritionist, naturopath and a medical doctor on staff to help you feel your best.
