Food Allergies, Intolerances and Sensitivities...Oh My!
It’s hard enough to feed a family healthily, we hear ya, mommas! Added to an already long list of to do’s, navigating food allergies can be exhausting and overwhelming. We’re here to help!
First off, it’s important to know that there are major differences between a food allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity…
Food Allergy (per the Mayo Clinic)
A food allergy is an immune system reaction, mediated by IgE (a special immune system molecule) that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-invoking food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. It can put a person in immediate danger and the particular offending food needs to be avoided 100%. Always.
Food Intolerance (per the Mayo Clinic)
A food intolerance means there is an absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. So although not necessarily encouraged, people may eat small amounts of that food without causing too much disruption within the gut or body. Overall, intolerances are less serious and tend to result in self-limited digestive problems such as diarrhea or temporary discomfort.
Food Sensitivity (per us 😊)
A food sensitivity – buckle up, we’re entering the gray zone here-- is a very real health issue, for adults and kiddos alike! despite not being well recognized in the conventional medical world. This type of reaction is IgG-mediated (another type of immune system molecule) and involves a delayed reaction, that may take up to 3-4 days for symptoms to occur, making food sensitivities super hard to distinguish and diagnose. Symptoms are also much milder and may be confused as belonging to other health issues, they include-- gas, bloating, rash, headache, poor sleep, low energy, constipation, stomach aches, acid reflux, brain fog, joint pain, hyperactivity, and other behavioral issues, etc. Foods that cause sensitivities may continue to be eaten without significant danger however they certainly impact the quality of life.
Here are the most common foods to be suspicious of…
Cow's milk/dairy
Wheat/gluten
Eggs
Peanuts
Tree nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
Shellfish
Soy
If you feel like your child (or adults, you too!) is suffering from one of these 3 reactions, certainly talk to your health care provider. There are blood tests, elimination diets, gut healing protocols and many more natural options to help overcome dietary issues. We’re here to tell you that proton pump inhibitors and Miralax do not fix the problem!! By starting with an appreciation for the different types of food reactions and in being ready to make dietary changes, you will be working towards the root cause and well on your way to happier, healthier eating. And a happier, healthier, blossoming family!