Nutrition for Food Allergies & Food intolerances
Many people are confused by food allergies and food intolerances; however, they are both two completely different reactions to foods.
A food allergy is defined as “ An allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system responds defensively to a specific food when it is eaten”. The symptoms can be very similar for any allergic reaction including;
- Skin reactions, such as swelling and itching and flushing
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Coughing, wheezing or a runny nose
- Swelling of the lips
- Sore, red and itchy eyes
A food intolerance however, is the inability to digest certain foods and does not involve the immune system. An example of this would be lactose intolerance; this is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Typical symptoms would include abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea.
If you suffer from any of the following there is also a strong possibility that you may also have a food intolerance;
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Hay fever
- Rashes
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Under active Thyroid
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Low Energy
- Frequent, rapid colds or blocked nose
- Insomnia
- Dyslexia or learning difficulties
- Facial puffiness and/or dark circles around the eyes
- Crying spells
It never ceases to amaze me how many non digestive related conditions, as you can see from the list above, are affected by foods we have become intolerant to. Therefore, we can organise several different types of tests for you, to determine any food allergies or intolerances. A nutrition programme can then be recommended to remove any allergens but ensure a healthy balanced diet. Often once these foods have been removed from the diet for a while, they can then be gradually reintroduced and often tolerated again. When doing this symptoms are carefully monitored and it is important, after reintroducing these foods, not to eat them to excess, as this can cause the intolerance to return. What’s strange is that we often have cravings for foods that we are intolerant to, which only makes the situation worse!
Call now for a no obligation free chat, to find out how nutrition can help you.
Tele: 07879 657777 or email emma@thenutritionaltherapyclinic.co.uk
