Do you struggle with food reactions? Food intolerances and food sensitivities can often be related to a wide range of symptoms – from digestive issues and skin flare ups, to headaches and much more.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to pin-point the exact foods (or groups of foods!) that may be triggering your symptoms. In these instances, conducting food sensitivity testing or undertaking a temporary elimination diet can often help us to determine problem foods. If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to food or would like to arrange a food sensitivity test, book a consultation.

It’s also important to know that there are several different types of food intolerances and food sensitivities (which both differ from a food allergy).

Food Intolerances

Food intolerances occur where there is deficiency in the enzyme required to breakdown a particular food component (typically carbohydrates). These differ from food allergies and sensitivities, in which the immune system is often involved.

It’s likely that you’re familiar with lactose intolerance. However, there are several other foods to which we can develop an intolerance. Common symptoms include digestive disturbances such as bloating, GI discomfort and excessive gas. In some instances (e.g. histamine intolerance), reactions may also include headaches, itchy skin, hives and more.

Common food intolerances include:

• Lactose intolerance (dairy)
• Fructose/ FODMAP intolerance
• Histamine intolerance

Food Sensitivities

Unlike food intolerances (that are based on enzyme deficiency), food sensitivities are thought to involve immune reactivity and formation of IgG antibodies. It’s important to distinguish between food senstivities (IgG response) and food allergies (IgE response). Whilst food allergies often result in short-onset and potentially life-threatening symptoms such as anaphylaxis, IgG food sensitivities typically cause delayed-onset of symptoms which are less severe.

Food sensitivities can develop towards a range of different foods, and in some cases it may be helpful to conduct IgG food sensitivity testing. To learn more or to arrange a food sensitivity test, book a consultation today!

Other Food Reactions

Depending on your symptoms, there may be other types of food reactions suspected such as salicylate sensitivity.