You might wonder how these two topics are related. Food sensitivities or intolerances are getting progressively more common. Sometimes as we grow older, we can become less able to digest certain foods and other times children are born or shortly develop sensitivities to foods that cause digestion, metabolic or mood problems. Symptoms may be expressed within hours to days after ingesting the offending foods. This delayed or IgG mediated response is different from food allergies that occur immediately after eating a food or IgE mediated responses, characterized by anaphylaxis requiring anti-histamines or Epinephrine. These intolerances to food, however, can come about in several ways including the following:

  • Regular consumption of limited foods
  • Antibiotics -  recent or prolonged use
  • Environmental pollution
  • Dysbiosis - a deficiency of beneficial bacteria in the GI tract
  • Early introduction to foods - that is, before the GI tract is fully developed
  • Impaired digestion
  • Genetic predisposition - runs in families
  • Hypochlorhydria and/or pancreatic insufficiency -that is, low stomach acid and digestive enzymes
  • Leaky gut - damaged cells in the gut lining that allows undigested food particles straight into your blood stream (Yikes!) instead of your cells
Once these intolerances are formed, the body will mount an immune response against these foods which results in systemic inflammation. It is the same response to any foreign agent in the body including bacteria and viruses. Inflammation is linked to insulin resistance which promotes fatigue, high blood pressure, bloating due to poor digestion, poor blood sugar control, fat storage and weight gain (especially in the abdomen).
 
Identifying and eliminating food intolerances can help reduce generalized inflammation. Reducing inflammation is a key component to reducing cardiovascular health risks including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes/insulin resistance and other aspects of metabolic syndrome in general.

Dr. Mead offers Rocky Mountain Analytical Food Allergy blood testing. Contact us today to have your food sensitivities/intolerances tested identified so you may continue your journey to optimal health and vitality!

 For more information, check out Dr. Mona Morstein's article on food allergies and weight. http://www.immunolabs.com/public/260.cfm
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