Suspect You Might Have a Food Intolerance? Find Out with Food Intolerance Testing
If you were looking for a sign to get your gut health sorted and figure out the cause of your digestive issues, then here it is! It’s true what they say – the gut really is the centre of everything, and when your gut isn’t happy with you, it can affect various other systems in your body. From your immune system to your nervous system, the gut has a hand in it all, and it has a more complex job than what was previously thought. Therefore, it is important to first notice when your gut is not playing nice and recognise that what you’re experiencing is not “normal”, and then conduct food intolerance testing and other investigations to get some solid answers. For example, you might get bloated regularly, feel tired and sluggish after a meal or have irregular bowel motions, or maybe you can’t put your finger on what’s wrong, but you know that something isn’t right! Investigating potential food sensitivities or intolerances could be a good place to start.
What is the Difference between a Food Allergy and a Food Intolerance?
Food allergies and intolerances are both adverse reactions to certain foods that can cause discomfort and impact overall health. Food allergies involve an acute and instantaneous immune system response triggered by specific proteins in food, such as anaphylaxis to nuts. Food intolerances are non-allergic, delayed reactions that can stem from various factors such as enzyme deficiencies, bacterial overgrowths, leaky gut or inflammatory gut conditions.
Common Symptoms of Food Intolerances
Food intolerances can manifest in a variety of ways, making them challenging to pinpoint. Some common symptoms include digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, as well as headaches, fatigue, skin problems and joint pain. It’s important to note that these symptoms may not occur immediately after consuming the problematic food, making identification more difficult. Some people find keeping a food and symptom diary handy in this case!
Food Intolerance Testing Options
For individuals looking to identify specific food intolerances, two commonly used tests are the IgG food sensitivity test and ALCAT testing:
- The IgG test – Measures IgG antibody levels in response to various foods, such as wheat/gluten, dairy, fruits, vegetables, animal proteins and more, helping to identify potential sensitivities.
- ALCAT testing – Analyses immune cell reactivity to various foods, as well as additives, environmental toxins and chemicals, providing a comprehensive assessment of potential triggers.
Both of these food intolerance testing options, as well as many others, including Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) breath testing and comprehensive stool tests, are available at Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic, however you should discuss with your practitioner which is most suitable for you based on your individual health history.
Nutrients & Herbs that Can Support a Healthy Gut
Maintaining a healthy gut is crucial to decrease the risk and severity of food intolerances. There are a few key nutrients and herbs that can promote a healthy gastrointestinal lining, reduce inflammation and decrease food intolerance symptoms overall:
- Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains can help rebalance gut flora and avoid overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria (bacteria that when given the opportunity, can overgrow and start to cause gut symptoms).
- Fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains aid in regular bowel movements and support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
- Herbs such as ginger, peppermint, liquorice and chamomile can soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation.
- Glutamine, zinc and vitamins A and D can strengthen and rebuild the gut lining, which can prevent conditions such as “leaky gut” and worsening of food triggers.
Overall, food intolerance testing can be a good way to identify the potential cause of your gut, skin or nervous system symptoms and provide bloating help in Melbourne. Testing is very straightforward, and once we identify the facts, we can then put together a tailored treatment plan that supports a healthy gut lining, reduces inflammation and improves your overall health and wellbeing.
Arrange a 15-minute complimentary strategy chat today to discuss the process towards a healthier gut, or book in right away for your initial consultation to get your gut health sorted! We can also provide fatigue help in Melbourne and other services to support natural health and wellbeing.
