Food Sensitivity

Sensitivities to food or also referred to as intolerances have become increasingly prevalent in the Australian population. Many people are unaware that they are sensitive to one or more foods because their reactions are masked by other symptoms, take some time to appear, or get lost in the crowd of other symptoms.

The symptoms experienced from food intolerances are varied as individuals can react in many different ways. Many people live with minor or major symptoms of food sensitivities for years without ever really knowing what the cause is.

There is a long list of symptoms that can relate to food sensitivities and intolerance.

Do you experience any of these?

Bloating
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Flatulence and burping
Nausea
Irritable bowel syndrome
Crohn’s disease
Reflux and indigestion
Abdominal pain
Fluid retention
Migraine and headaches
Asthma and shortness of breath
Fatigue and exhaustion
Difficulty concentrating
Skin problems – eczema, psoriasis, acne and blemishes
Nasal congestion
Hay fever
Mood swings and irritability
Depression
Memory loss
Weight gain
Auto-immune disease (Crohn’s, Hashimoto, Lupus, Sclerosis, etc.)
Behavioural problems in children
ADHD

What causes food sensitivity?

Food sensitivities generally develop due to poor lifestyle habits and choices, resulting in reduced functioning of digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down food and a common condition called Leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome is a condition where the gut actually becomes leaky; gaps are formed in the vital gastrointestinal and normally impermeable barrier. These gaps cause an increase in the permeability of the gut wall to toxins, microbes, undigested food, waste or larger than normal macromolecules which enter the blood stream, setting the body up to exert an immune reaction to foods.

What conditions may be exacerbated by food sensitivities?

Common conditions where food sensitivity may play a significant role include bloating and fluid retention, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, depression and mood swings, asthma, skin conditions and behavioural problems in children.

How do you test for Food sensitivities?

A wide variety of diagnostic food allergy test methods are available. Here at MNMC we choose the most reliable method called IgG Food Sensitivity Profile. This test covers many common foods known to cause food sensitivity reactions such as cow’s milk, eggs, beans, nuts and cereals. However, if needed our Naturopaths at MNMC can test for over 110 different Foods, Chemicals, Artificial colourings, Flavours and Preservatives.

It is a simple process where a small sample of blood is taken and sent to a Laboratory where your blood is then tested against these foods. Once the results are received your practitioner will advise you of the foods you are intolerant to and suggest removal of these foods from your diet for a period of time. After removing intolerant foods, many patients find an amazing improvement in their health and vitality with a massive reduction or complete disappearance of symptoms.

How can Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic correct the problem?

Our Naturopaths in Melbourne take a holistic approach to food sensitivities. Once identifying the food and removing it for a varied period of time, the aim is to rebuild, strengthen and repair the gastrointestinal system. We do this by prescribing nutrients and herbs which heal the gut wall and strengthen the vital barrier mucosal lining, decreasing inflammation and correcting the body’s response to the food insensitivity. After a period of time some patients are eventually able to re introduce and tolerate the foods which once caused so much havoc in the body.

Untreated, food sensitivity can damage the gastrointestinal system and contribute too many disease processes. Take a proactive approach and consult a naturopath at MNMC today. You can make an appointment online, email us, or phone us on (03) 9686 2566. Our clinic in 49 Chetwynd St, North Melbourne, is open six days a week.