What is Food Sensitivity?
Food sensitivity occurs when your body has an adverse reaction to certain foods, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. This reaction can often be triggered by foods that are regularly included in your diet, or those you may crave more often. Many individuals experience sensitivity without fully understanding its cause, and it can sometimes be linked to the production of IgG antibodies when these “problem” foods are consumed.
Understanding IgG and its Role in Food Sensitivity
IgG stands for Immunoglobulin G, which is a type of antibody produced by the immune system. Antibodies like IgG play a critical role in defending the body against infections and foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. Immunoglobulins are proteins that help the body recognize and neutralize these threats. There are several types of immunoglobulins, with IgA, IgE, IgG, and IgM being the most common.
In the case of food sensitivity, IgG antibodies are produced when the immune system identifies a food as a potential threat, even though it is not harmful. This response can lead to inflammation and a variety of symptoms, even though the food itself may not be truly “dangerous” or an allergen. The immune system is simply reacting inappropriately, causing discomfort in the body.
How IgG Antibodies Contribute to Food Sensitivity
When your immune system mistakenly sees a food as harmful, it produces IgG antibodies in response. These antibodies bind to the food particles and form complexes that may accumulate in tissues, particularly in the digestive system. This accumulation can lead to a cascade of reactions that disrupt normal bodily functions.
Over time, IgG antibodies may trigger inflammation and other immune responses that can lead to common symptoms of food sensitivity. These symptoms can range from digestive issues (such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea) to more systemic effects like headaches, fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and even mood swings.
Why the Digestive and Immune Systems Matter
Both the digestive and immune systems are heavily involved in sensitivity. If either of these systems isn’t functioning optimally, food sensitivity reactions can become more pronounced. For example, an imbalanced gut microbiome or an overactive immune system can lead to an exaggerated response to certain foods. This makes food sensitivities more likely, and may explain why many people experience discomfort with foods they consume regularly.
Food sensitivity can be a complex issue driven by the body’s immune system reacting to certain foods. The presence of IgG antibodies may be a key factor in these reactions, and addressing digestive and immune system imbalances may help manage or alleviate symptoms.
Click here to learn more about our different Food Sensitivity Tests in Leicester
How Do I Know if I Have a Food Sensitivity?
Identifying food sensitivity can be tricky, as the symptoms are often similar to other health conditions, and they may appear gradually over time. However, if you frequently experience certain chronic, unpleasant symptoms after eating, it could be an indication that you have a food sensitivity. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
1. Bloating: Bloating is a common and uncomfortable symptom of food sensitivity. It occurs when the stomach feels full, swollen, or distended, often due to the accumulation of gas in the digestive system. If you experience bloating regularly, especially after meals, it could be linked to certain foods that your body is struggling to digest properly.
2. Constipation and Diarrhoea: Another sign of food sensitivity is persistent constipation or diarrhoea. These digestive issues can result from the body’s inability to process specific foods, leading to irregular bowel movements. In some cases, alternating between constipation and diarrhoea may occur, a condition often seen in individuals with food sensitivities or conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
3. Flatulence: Excessive flatulence (gas) after eating can be a clear indicator of food sensitivity. When your body has difficulty digesting certain foods, it can lead to an increase in gas production, resulting in bloating and discomfort. If you find yourself passing gas frequently, especially after consuming certain foods, it may be worth investigating potential food triggers.
4. Headaches or Migraines: Some people with food sensitivities experience frequent headaches or migraines as a symptom. Foods that trigger these headaches vary from person to person, but common culprits include dairy, gluten, or certain preservatives and additives. If you notice a consistent pattern between eating specific foods and the onset of headaches, it could be a sign of food sensitivity.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), food sensitivity could be playing a role in your symptoms. IBS causes a range of digestive problems, including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. Many people with IBS find that certain foods trigger or worsen their symptoms, making food sensitivity an important factor to consider.
6. Lethargy: Lethargy, or constant tiredness and lack of energy, is another potential sign of food sensitivity. If you feel unusually fatigued after eating specific foods, it could be due to the way your body is reacting to them. The digestive system’s struggle to process certain foods can divert energy away from other body functions, leaving you feeling sluggish and drained.
7. Nausea: Feeling nauseous or experiencing an upset stomach after eating may be linked to food sensitivity. Certain foods can cause irritation in the stomach lining or an imbalance in digestive enzymes, leading to nausea or even vomiting. If this is a recurring issue, it could point to an intolerance or sensitivity to particular foods.
8. Stomach Cramps / Abdominal Pain: Stomach cramps or abdominal pain are also common symptoms of food sensitivity. When the digestive system reacts negatively to a food, it can cause cramping or sharp pains in the stomach or intestines. These pains often occur shortly after eating, especially if the food is something your body has difficulty digesting or processing.
What can I do about it?
Talk to your healthcare professional about doing a sensitivity test. Many people will experience an improvement in symptoms and health after changing their diet in response to their Food sensitivity results. Like any diagnostic test, Food sensitivity testing will only produce meaningful results when you are having symptoms. Some symptoms of food sensitivity may be due to other health issues, and it is important to see your doctor to rule these out.
What should I do after the tests?
Your healthcare professional will work with you to create a diet which eliminates your problems with foods, offers healthy alternatives, and guidance on how to re-introduce foods.
Who are the tests suitable for?
- Anybody who is 2 years and older.
- A food intolerance test is not recommended during pregnancy as the immune system is suppressed. However, 4-6 weeks after giving birth should be ok.
- Customers should avoid the use of immunosuppressant medication if possible if performing these tests, as they may have an impact on the results.
- Serum blood samples are always preferable over a finger prick.
What food sensitivity tests do you offer at The Health Suite?
Here at The Health Suite Leicester, we have handpicked two of the best sensitivity tests, the results of which we could apply as an integral tool to help guide nutritional plans.
The advantages of each test can be found in each associated section. Please book an appointment with either our functional medicine doctor or nutritionist if you are not sure which one you need.
Click here to learn more about our different Food Sensitivity Tests in Leicester
Food sensitivity, often referred to as food intolerance, is a negative reaction to a food that does not involve the immune system, unlike food allergies. Symptoms can include digestive issues, headaches, fatigue, and skin problems, often occurring hours or days after consumption.
Food allergies involve an immune response that can lead to severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Food sensitivities typically cause milder symptoms and are not life-threatening. Allergies can be diagnosed through skin tests or blood tests, while sensitivities often require an elimination diet or symptom tracking.
Common food sensitivities include lactose (found in dairy), gluten (found in wheat and other grains), histamine (found in aged foods), and certain food additives like sulfites. Other foods like soy, eggs, and shellfish can also cause sensitivities in some individuals.
Symptoms can vary widely but may include bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, and joint pain. These symptoms often develop gradually and can be confusing, as they may resemble other health issues.
To identify a food sensitivity, you can keep a food diary to track what you eat and any symptoms you experience. An elimination diet, where you remove suspected foods for some time and then reintroduce them, can also help pinpoint sensitivities.
An elimination diet involves removing certain foods from your diet for several weeks and then gradually reintroducing them one at a time. This helps identify which foods may be causing sensitivity symptoms. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting an elimination diet.
Yes, food sensitivities can develop at any age and may change over time. Some individuals may outgrow sensitivities, while others may develop new ones. Factors such as changes in diet, gut health, and overall health can influence this.
There are various tests marketed for food sensitivity, including blood tests and skin prick tests. However, these tests are not always reliable. The most effective way to identify food sensitivities is through an elimination diet and careful monitoring of symptoms.
If you suspect a food sensitivity, consider consulting a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. They can guide you through an elimination diet, help interpret symptoms, and ensure you’re maintaining a balanced diet.
Managing food sensitivities typically involves avoiding trigger foods, reading food labels carefully, and finding suitable substitutes. A registered dietitian can help create a balanced meal plan that meets your nutritional needs while accommodating your sensitivities.