The Difference Between A Food Allergy Vs. Intolerance Part 2: Food Intolerance

In our last article, we took a look at food allergies, what they are and what causes them.

Today we will have a closer look at food intolerances, the annoying cousin of food allergies.

Although they are often mistaken for each other, they have some important differences.

A naturopathic doctor can help you manage your food intolerance symptoms.

What Is A Food Intolerance?

Food intolerances are difficulties with digesting certain foods which do not trigger a response of the immune system.

This means although there may be symptoms such as digestive issues, there is no histamine released by the body in these cases.

Causes of food intolerance include:

● The absence of an enzyme required for proper digestion
● Chemical causes – certain chemicals in food and drink can lead to food intolerances, including chemicals in some cheeses, as well as caffeine.
● Naturally occurring toxins in foods such as undercooked beans
● Histamine which occurs naturally in some foods
● Salicylates, occuring naturally in plants

What’s The Difference Between A Food Allergy Vs. Food Intolerance?

The difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance is all in how the body responds to the food trigger.

Allergies elicit an immune response, causing the release of histamine which is what causes symptoms which we associate with allergies, such as coughing, hives, and wheezing.

Food intolerances often are often confused with food allergies – an intolerance is the response of the digestive system to certain foods.

For example, lactose intolerance, which results in uncomfortable symptoms when one drinks cow’s milk is due to an inability of the body to digest lactose. However, no histamines are released.

Common Symptoms Of Food Intolerance

Many of the symptoms of food Intolerance overlap with those of food allergies, such as:

● Bloating
● Migraines and headaches
● Cold symptoms such as a cough or runny nose
● Digestive issues such as a stomach ache or irritable bowel
● Hives

For this reason, it is not uncommon for food intolerances to be confused with food allergies.

Common Food Intolerance Triggers

Many of the same foods which cause food allergies can be triggers for food Intolerance.

These include:

● Lactose
● Wheat and gluten
● Caffeine
● Artificial sweeteners, colours, and flavours

Naturopathic Treatments For Food Intolerance

There are a number of ways in which food allergies and intolerances can be treated using natural means.

Let’s have a look at some of these now.

Avoid Your Intolerance Triggers

If you have identified that you have an issue with eating or digesting a particular food, the best thing to do is to avoid it altogether.

Consuming foods which trigger an adverse response in your body only puts stress on your system and does not give you time to heal properly.

Avoidance of trigger foods gives your body the opportunity to calm down and begin to heal itself from the damage that has been done.

Sometimes this is easier said than done. If you’re lactose intolerant, for example, you’ll find dairy in places you wouldn’t expect, including most baked goods and packaged foods.

Address Any Gastrointestinal Issues

If you have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues, there are supplements which can help to address them.

Digestive enzymes which aid the digestive system in breaking down particles may be taken to help your body fully break down food particles.

Probiotic supplements can help the immune system deal with food, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) supplements can help to improve immune function and decrease inflammation.

Vitamin B5 is a vitamin which can help to maintain the health of the digestive tract, and L-glutamine can help repair leaky gut.

Eat A Gut-Healing Diet

There are many foods which can help to nourish and heal gut health issues.

Prebiotic foods such as kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut can help restore balance in the gut.

Polysaccharides are foods which can help to rebuild your gut flora, and include “slimy” foods such as onions, okra, eggplant, and aloe gel.

You can also take probiotic supplements, but these should be done only under the direction of a naturopathic doctor.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you concerned with the toll food intolerances are having on your body?

Do you need help identifying your food triggers, or managing the ones you already know about?

The Mindful Healing Clinic can help – contact us today to set up a consultation.

The post The Difference Between A Food Allergy Vs. Intolerance Part 2: Food Intolerance appeared first on Mindful Healing.

The Difference Between A Food Allergy Vs. Intolerance Part 1: Food Allergies

“Oh, I can’t eat that”

“I have a gluten sensitivity”

“I’m allergic to dairy”

These are all phrases you have probably heard at some point or another – maybe you’ve even used them yourself.

But what does it all mean? An allergy, vs an intolerance.

At our Streetsville naturopathic clinic, we can help you sort out the differences between food allergies and intolerances, and look at what you can do about it if you have one.

What Is A Food Allergy?

Food allergies trigger an immune system response, which can have effects on many different organs.

In the most severe cases, food allergies can have life threatening results, and even a tiny amount of the food can trigger symptoms.

With an intolerance, on the other hand, symptoms are less severe, and you may even be able to eat small amounts of foods you are intolerant to, with minimal consequences.

Although food allergies and intolerances are often confused, allergies are far more serious.

Food Allergy Symptoms

An allergic reaction may show responses such as:

● Itchiness or tingling in or around the mouth
● Hives
● Swollen lips, face, tongue, or throat
● Difficulty breathing
● Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
● Lightheadedness and fainting

The most severe food allergies can result in an anaphylactic response.

This is a life-threatening response, which causes swelling in the throat and a constriction of the airways, which makes breathing difficult or impossible.

Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

● Shock
● Severe drop in blood pressure
● Rapid pulse
● Loss of consciousness

If you suspect someone is suffering from anaphylactic shock, emergency medical intervention is critical – call 9-1-1 immediately.

People with serious known allergies may also carry an EpiPen- this provides a shot of epinephrine, which can temporarily help open airways. Check them for an EpiPen, or ask somebody with them if they know where it is.

Common Food Allergens

Although allergies can develop to literally anything, there are certain foods which seem to be more commonly the cause of allergic reactions.

Some common food allergens include:

● Fish, including shellfish
● Peanuts and tree nuts
● Eggs
● Wheat
● Soy
● Cow’s milk

What Causes Food Allergies?

Food allergies occur because your immune system mistakes specific foods or substances as being harmful.

This causes the immune system to respond by releasing the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) in an attempt to neutralize the substance it deems harmful.

On subsequent exposures to the offending food or substance, IgE antibodies send signals to your immune system to release histamine into your bloodstream, which causes allergy symptoms.

Naturopathic Treatments For Food Allergies

There are a number of ways to treat food allergies naturally.

These treatments and supplements can help to boost the immune system, enhance the gut microbiome and reduce the development of food allergies and symptoms.

Again, we should note if someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock, emergency medical intervention is required, and use of an EpiPen if available.

With that in mind, let’s look at some natural ways to deal with food allergies.

Avoid Your Allergens

This one is probably obvious, however depending on what your allergies are, may be easier said than done.

An allergy to eggs, for example, is more complicated than simply opting for pancakes instead of an eggs benedict. Eggs are an ingredient in many of the foods we eat on a day-to-day basis, so it’s important to be vigilant.

Avoid Other Common Allergens

Although you may not be allergic to everything, avoiding other common allergens can be a smart order if you already have issues with allergies.

Foods such as gluten, eggs, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, and peanuts can increase inflammation, weaken the immune system, and cause digestive issues.

Eat More Leafy Greens

While some of the foods listed above are more likely to cause allergic reactions, on the other end of the spectrum are foods which are very unlikely to cause a reaction, and can actually help to boost your immune system.

Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collard greens, and arugula are among these.

These veggies are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Keeping these foods as a regular part of your diet will help to boost your immune system and can help to increase antibody response.

Eat More Probiotics

Probiotics are great for supporting the immune system and can help to repair damage to the intestinal lining.

Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut may help to reduce your sensitivity to triggers which lead to allergy symptoms.

Try An Elimination Diet

A 2013 study in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice showed that an elimination diet can help to treat eczema; however, when restricting food it is important to be aware of nutrients.

Elimination diets involve removing possible allergens from your diet, and then gradually re-introducing them over a period of time, to determine which ones are the cause of your allergies.

They will typically last for three to six weeks, to give your body a chance to clear itself of the antibodies which react negatively to food, and to allow your body to heal.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Do you suspect you have food allergies, and want to know for sure?

Or do you know you have allergies and need help managing them?

Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic today, and we will help to create a plan to manage your allergies.

If you have reactions to certain foods, but suspect they are not full-blown allergies, keep your eyes on this space, when we will talk about food intolerances.

The post The Difference Between A Food Allergy Vs. Intolerance Part 1: Food Allergies appeared first on Mindful Healing.

Top 5 Illnesses All But Eradicated By Nutrition

Getting proper nutrition is a very important part of living a full and healthy lifestyle.

Living in Canada, diseases brought-on by malnutrition are not something we need to think about too much; there was a time where a lack of understanding as to how these illnesses developed meant they were far more prevalent than we realized.

So while nowadays there are probably still some stress-relieving nutrients which some of us might not get enough of, let’s learn about some of the illnesses which have been nearly eradicated due to proper nutrition.

There’s Still Work To Do

Let’s be clear, although we generally don’t need to worry about these illnesses in Canada or the US, they are still common in the developing world, where there is a lack of access to clean water and proper nutrition.

Also, there is still a risk for young babies to develop some of these ailments, so ensuring all food and formula has a proper balance of nutrients is important.

Keep reading to learn more about illnesses that can be greatly impacted by your nutrition.

1. Rickets

Caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphates, rickets results in soft bones, and stunted growth.

Vitamin D plays an important role in helping your body absorb calcium from the intestines.

When you don’t get enough vitamin D and the body cannot maintain sufficient calcium levels, hormones are produced which cause calcium to be released from your bones, causing them to become weak and soft.

Risk factors for developing rickets include:

● Age: It is more common in children between six months and three years of age.
● Diet: Those who do not eat fish, eggs, or milk are at higher risk.
● Skin colour: darker skin produces less vitamin D.
● Location: Those who live in areas which don’t get a lot of sunlight are at higher risk.
● Genetics: Hereditary rickets prevents kidneys from absorbing phosphates.

Some symptoms of rickets include:

● Pain in the arms, legs, pelvis, or spine
● Stunted growth
● Muscle cramps
● Skeletal deformities
● Teeth deformities

If you have a child who you suspect is showing signs of rickets, early medical intervention is important for preventing long-term effects and deformities.

Rickets is diagnosed via a blood test and X-rays to check for deformities.

Treatment for rickets is focused on replenishing missing nutrients, such as vitamin D through diet and exposure to sunlight.

2. Scurvy

Scurvy results from a deficiency of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is important to a large number of bodily processes, including:

● Absorption of iron
● Healing wounds,
● Formation of collagen, which gives connective tissues stability
● Metabolizing protein and cholesterol
● Producing neurotransmitters

Symptoms of scurvy can begin to show up after four weeks of continual vitamin C deficiency.

Early Warning signs include:

● Feelings of exhaustion
● Weakness
● Low appetite
● Fever
● Irritability

Left untreated, scurvy may result in the following:

● Anemia (a condition where the blood lacks enough red blood cells to carry oxygen)
● Soft, tender gums and tooth decay
● Bruising
● Swollen joints
● Light sensitivity and blurred vision
● Headaches

The body cannot produce vitamin C naturally, it must be consumed through food or drink, or taking a supplement.

Although not generally a problem for us in North America, people in some developing countries who lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be at risk.

3. Beriberi

Caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1, there are two types of beriberi – wet (which affects the heart and circulatory system), and dry (which damages nerves).

Although rare, this disease can be found in those with an alcohol use disorder, women who experience extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, people who have AIDS, and after bariatric surgery.

Symptoms include:

Wet beriberi

● Shortness of breath during exercise, or upon waking up
● Rapid heart rate
● Swollen legs

Dry beriberi

● Lowered muscle function in the lower legs
● Tingling and loss of feeling in the feet and hands
● Pain
● Confusion
● Vomiting
● Paralysis

Beriberi is caused by a deficiency in thiamine, and is rare in regions with vitamin-enriched foods.

Diagnosis is done through blood and urine tests which measure levels of thiamine in the body.

A neurological exam can test for loss of coordination and weak reflexes.

Treatment will generally involve thiamine supplements, via a shot or pill – in severe cases it may be administered via an IV.

4. Pellagra

Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin, or vitamin B3.

Key symptoms, known as the “three Ds” are dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis.

This illness is most common in countries which rely on corn as a primary source of food.

Corn contains a form of niacin that is not digestible by humans, called niacytin.

Other factors which may prevent someone from absorbing niacin include:

● Alcoholism
● Eating disorders
● Crohn’s disease and other gastrointestinal issues
● Some medications
● Cirrhosis of the liver

There is no specific test used to diagnose niacin deficiency because it has a range of symptoms – a doctor will generally test for symptoms related to the “three Ds” as well as looking at how the patient responds to niacin supplements.

5. Xerophthalmia

Xerophthalmia is an eye disease caused by a lack of vitamin A.

This can cause dryness, and potentially develop into night blindness or result in corneal damage if left untreated.

As xerophthalmia progresses, lesions form on the cornea, and corneal ulcers may appear.

The body does not produce vitamin A on its own – it must be obtained through diet or supplements.

Some dietary sources of vitamin A include:

● Poultry
● Fish liver
● Meat and eggs
● Green, leafy vegetables
● Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables

It should be noted that it is less efficient to get vitamin A from vegetables than from meat and animal products, as it needs to be converted from beta carotene.

Xerophthalmia is diagnosed by a physical examination and blood tests – a person experiencing night blindness may start vitamin A therapy before the results of the blood tests are known.

Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you worried about getting the right nutrients?

Perhaps you have a condition which limits how your body absorbs nutrients.

Or maybe you have dietary restrictions which make it difficult to get all the nutrients you need in your diet.

For this and other health concerns, the Mindful Healing Clinic can help.

Contact us today to book a consultation with Dr. Maria.

The post Top 5 Illnesses All But Eradicated By Nutrition appeared first on Mindful Healing.