FOOD SENSITIVITIES

Food sensitivities are caused by a different branch of the immune system. A person can have a food sensitivity to a particular food but not an allergy.

A food sensitivity occurs when our immune systems react inappropriately to a food which causes inflammation within the digestive tract. This inflammation can cause damage to the intestinal lining which in turn can cause the lining to allow particles through to the bloodstream that normally shouldn’t pass through. When this happens, these particles can cause inflammation in all areas of the body. The most commonly noticed symptoms of a food sensitivity include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, joint pain, acne, eczema, fatigue and mood disturbances. Food sensitivities can also exacerbate current medical conditions such as autoimmune conditions.

Food sensitivities are difficult to identify because the immune reaction to a food can be delayed up to three days and therefore you will not notice an immediate symptom after eating a food you might be sensitive to. Naturopathic doctors can assess for and treat food sensitivities utilizing food sensitivity testing, elimination diets and supplementation to heal the digestive tract and decrease immune reactivity.