By Amy Davis, M.D.
Food intolerance is different from true food allergies. It is delayed in its onset and is less serious (not life threatening) but can be very annoying just the same. The symptoms are a result of a delayed immune response which occurs gradually 1-24 hours after eating.
If you have food intolerance, you may be able to eat small amounts of the offending food without trouble. You may also be able to take steps that help prevent a reaction. For example, if you have lactose intolerance, you may be able to drink lactose-free milk or take lactase enzyme pills that aid digestion.
Food intolerance may be caused by a variety of reasons.
- Poor Digestion from low levels of digestive enzymes – e.g. lactose intolerance
- Dysbiosis – lack of healthy gut bacteria
- Altered stomach pH
- Low bile production – intolerance to fatty foods
- True intolerance – like gluten or casein including a more severe form of gluten intolerance – Celiac disease
- Sensitivity to food additives – dyes, MSG, sweeteners, preservatives
- High stress
Understanding the cause of the food intolerance gives guidance to how you can best manage and treat them. Identifying them is the first step. We routinely do this at Crossing Back to Health with the help of the Zyto evaluation. We can also test for antibodies (IgG) to the various foods that may be impacting you.
Typical symptoms of food intolerance may include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea (irritable bowel symptoms)
- Gas , bloating, heartburn
- Congestion
- Headaches (including migraines)
- Irritability and nervousness
- Fatigue
- Brain fog and attention issues
- Hyperactivity
- Agitation
- Behavioral problems in children
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Frequent infections – ear and sinus infections
- Poor sleep
More and more it is common for children to struggle with food intolerances. They frequently run in families but often parents may not know that they have an issue. When the root cause can be identified (e.g. poor digestion or unhealthy gut flora) and treated frequently, the intolerance will resolve and the food can continue to be eaten. Less commonly a food needs to be avoided. Either method will work.
We have successfully treated many people with food intolerances eliminating the annoying symptoms associated with the intolerance.
If you would like help with your food intolerance call us or visit our website:
www.crossingbacktohealth.com.
Amy Davis M.D.
Crossing Back to Health
16216 Baxter Rd. Suite 110
Chesterfield, MO 63017
636-778-9158