Identifying a Food Sensitivity
Food is our body’s fuel to function correctly. It can also act as a medicine to help our body’s immune system prevent and treat diseases.
People enjoy eating food, but sometimes what they eat doesn’t like them. Stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea often happens to people who are sensitive to certain common foods. This condition is known as food sensitivity or food intolerance.
What Are Food Sensitivities?
Food sensitivity happens when a specific food or ingredient irritates a person’s digestive system, when they cannot properly digest the food, or when the food causes an allergic reaction. This reaction can occur when your body lacks the necessary enzymes to break down specific proteins properly.
Some of the main symptoms of food sensitivity are the following:
● Diarrhea
● Gas
● Cramps
● Bloating
● Heartburn
● Nausea
● Stomach pain
● Vomiting
● Irritability or nervousness
● Headaches
Food intolerances are often related to the amount of the offending food consumed. This means that you can eat the food that irritates your gastrointestinal tract in moderation.
Common Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivity or food intolerance is not usually life-threatening, but it can make you feel miserable. Here is a list of some of the most common types of food sensitivities:
1. LACTOSE
This is the most common food intolerance. The shortage of the lactase enzyme in the body of a lactose-intolerant person results in an inability to digest lactose, which is the sugar found in milk and dairy products.
For most people with lactose intolerance, this condition develops over time as the body produces less and less lactase. However, it can also occur after having a health condition or surgery involving the small intestine.
2. GLUTEN
Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. There are several conditions related to gluten, including celiac disease and wheat allergy.
Some people are so sensitive to gluten that they must avoid eating or drinking anything which has been contaminated with even trace amounts of gluten. Consult with a health expert for an analysis and treatment options.
3. EGGS
Intolerance to egg may be associated with egg whites, egg yolks, or the whole egg. Egg intolerance can last for only a few years or for the affected person’s entire lifetime.
4. SULFITES
A sulfite is a chemical used as a preservative in foods, drinks, and some medications. This type of food sensitivity is believed to cause mild to severe asthma in some people.
Foods that may contain sulfites include wine, beer, shrimp, and potatoes. Some medications used to treat asthma even have sulfites, so it is in your best interest to see a health professional for an evaluation.
5. FOOD ADDITIVES
An example of a food additive that irritates the digestive system is monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is a flavor enhancer found in many packaged foods and restaurant dishes. It is also popularly used in Asian cooking. People with asthma are particularly prone to MSG sensitivity.
Symptoms of food sensitivity, even when they are not life-threatening, are unpleasant and take the joy away from eating.
Celebrating Your Optimal Health,
Dr. Catherine Olusolape Oseni
Pharm.D., ABAAHP, FAAMFM, FICT
As a board certified and fellowship trained Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner, I address my patients with a holistic point of view, treating not just symptoms, but the person as a whole. This perspective comes from my foundation as a clinical pharmacist in addition to my extensive training and knowledge of herbs, nutritional supplements and medication interactions. With my diverse medical expertise, I guides my patients on a journey to wellness through optimal health. I am presently accepting new patients virtually. To schedule your virtual consult click here or call (817) 550-6332 for further information. Thank you!