Are you tired of feeling discomfort after eating? If so, you are not alone. More and more people seem to be experiencing symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or nausea after eating a meal. Since it’s no fun to feel discomfort after eating a wholesome and satisfying meal, many people are looking for ways to determine why their food is literally making them sick.
When food makes you feel sick, then it’s time to look at allergies, sensivities, and intolerance. These are three problems that can develop when you eat certain foods. Let’s take a closer look at what they are and how they differ.
What is a Food Allergy?
Food allergies affect the immune system and cause it to release antibodies to fight the food it sees as a threat. These allergies are mediated by the immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibody. Food allergies cause allergic reactions like hives, swelling, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.
Are There Tests for Food Allergies?
Yes, there are tests that can be used to detect specific food allergies. The most common option is the Skin Prick Test (SPT). This test involves making a tiny prick in the skin on your forearm or your back. It is used to identify immediate IgE mediated food allergies.
A Skin Patch Test is sometimes used, but not for direct IgE mediated food allergies. In cases where the Skin Patch Test is used, it’s usually to identify reactions not related to the IgE antibody. This may include testing for Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome, for example.
What is a Food Sensitivity?
Food sensitivities is a more complex topic. The term “food sensitivity” isn’t really medically diagnosed. In terms of medical context, the term Non-IgE-Mediated Food Hypersensitivity is more recognized.
A food sensitivity generally refers to experiencing delayed allergy-like symptoms due to food you consume. It does not happen immediately such as with a food allergy. The IgE antibodies are also not involved in this reaction.
Are There Tests for Food Sensitivities?
Antibody-based food sensitivity tests are available from many manufacturers and with many brand names. They measure your levels of IgG antibodies in relation to the foods you eat. The accuracy and reliability of these tests are often questioned.
The best way to test for food sensitivities is usually through the elimination diet. Once again, the best solution is to contact a medical specialist or practitioner for guidance.
What is A Food Intolerance?
A food intolerance is when your digestive system can’t digest or break down a certain food properly.
Symptoms of a food intolerance usually occur within a few hours as the food makes its way through your digestive tract. These symptoms, while uncomfortable, are generally not considered life-threatening. They may include bloating, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and intense abdominal pain.
The most common food intolerances are lactose, histamine, and gluten.
With lactose intolerance, your body don’t make enough of the lactase enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals in foods like cheese, bananas, avocados, chocolate, and pineapples. In cases of histamine intolerance, your body don’t make enough diamine oxidase enzyme to break down the histamine.
Gluten, the protein in wheat, rye, and barley, can be hard for those with a gluten sensitivity to digest.
These are some examples of food intolerances a person can develop.
What causes Food Intolerance?
Experts aren’t exactly sure why people suddenly become intolerant of a food that they have eaten for years. Certain enzyme deficiencies have been linked to food intolerances.
There are also certain diseases that can cause symptoms that look similar to an intolerance. The cause behind these diseases, however, isn’t as simple as just looking at an enzyme deficiency. Chron’s disease and Celiac disease are two examples.
Are There Tests for Food Intolerance?
A hydrogen breath test may help to determine if you are lactose intolerant. With this test, you will drink a liquid containing lactose. Then, over the next few hours, you will breathe into a balloon-like object.
It measures the hydrogen in your breath. If you are lactose intolerant, your breath will contain high levels of hydrogen.
No standard tests are available for non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, for celiac disease, there are blood tests and biopsy tests that can be done to confirm a diagnosis.
Are There Comprehensive Tests Available?
Unfortunately, tests for foods that will upset your digestive system can be unreliable. Most medical experts agree that the elimination diet is a good test to determine which foods causes discomfort in your digestive tract.
You will be asked to eliminate suspect foods for a week or two and gradually add them back one at a time. It is a lengthy process. You’ll also need to put in the commitment from your side. Working with a healthcare provider with this type of test can help you get an idea of the foods causing problems for you.
How can Androgenix help?
If you’re struggling with food intolerence or sensitivity, getting a comprehensive understanding of your health can help. This includes some tests that gives you a chance to know what foods are causing problems with your gastrointestinal system.
At Androgenix, we specialize in providing a complete and personalized care program for every patient. We help you better understand your own body and health, and create a treatment program tailored to your needs.
Reach out if you’re ready to schedule your first appointment.
