Food intolerance symptoms are hard to identify. They can occur hours or days after eating particular foods. Is food intolerance a problem for you? Continue reading to learn if you could be eating “healthy” foods that are actually causing you problems internally and how to determine which foods you should avoid.
What is Food Intolerance?
Do you experience any of the following? Dark circles under your eyes, a mysterious rash, lethargy, bloating and blocked sinus…..how did these things gang up on you when you weren’t looking?
These happen to be food intolerance symptoms; that is, your body’s reaction to the certain molecules in a particular food. A common food intolerance that you’ve probably heard of is lactose intolerance. This is a reaction to a type of protein in milk.
These reactions are caused by IgG antibodies. They are different from the antibodies that cause food allergies (IgE). Both food allergy and intolerances can be detected with a blood test.
Food intolerances are surprisingly common, thought to affect over 75% of people in Western countries. For example, at least three quarters of all adults have some degree of lactose intolerance, and surprisingly most are not even aware of their intolerance.
Food intolerance is hard to identify as reactions can occur hours or even days after eating the offending food. In comparison, allergies cause immediate, severe reactions and are therefore easy to identify.
Food intolerance symptoms include:
• Headaches
• Frequent colds and infections
• Back pain
• Overweight or underweight despite healthy
diet and exercise
• Gas or burping
• Chronic tiredness
• PMS/menstrual symptoms
• Itching
• Heartburn
• Reflux
• Yeast infections
• Food cravings
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Skin rashes
• Hay fever/seasonal allergies
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Mouth ulcers
• Inflammation of the digestive system and/or of body in general
Many of these symptoms have other causes, and may not be food intolerance symptoms. However, if you have several of these symptoms, you might be more likely to have a food intolerance.
Food intolerance is a huge barrier to healthy weight loss. While your body is dealing with inflammation caused by food intolerances, your thyroid function is challenged and your metabolism is affected.
Could you have a food intolerance?
The three main causes of intolerances are:
1. Genetic predisposition;
2. Eating a particular food too often
(e.g. you eat lots of cashews every day); and/or
3. Leaky gut – a problematic digestive system, which can be caused by:
a. Medications (e.g. non steroidal anti-inflammatory meds);
b. Chronic dehydration;
c. Low variability in your diet;
d. Hormonal imbalances;
e. Processed foods
f. Reactive foods (genetic predisposition).
If you want to find out exactly what’s causing your food intolerance symptoms, the best approach is to have a blood test performed by an accredited laboratory.
More than 2,000 years ago the Roman poet and philosopher Lucretius expressed what we consider the basic concept for the Allcat test. He said, “What is food to one man may be bitter poison to others.” Now more than ever, diet plays a critical role in preventing a wide range of degenerative diseases. Available for over 25 years, The Alcat test is the most effective and comprehensive sensitivity/food intolerance test available. The test identifies harmful cellular reactions to over 400 foods, chemicals and other substances. These triggers of inflammation have been linked to chronic health problems like migraines, aching joints, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, eczema, hyperactivity/ADD, asthma and even obesity. The ALCAT Test is NOT an “allergy” or IgE test. This simple blood test is used to identify food and other factors that induce innate immune system activation. The Alcat test measures changes in size and volume of white blood cells in response to ex vivo challenges with foods, chemicals and other environmental stimuli.
Food intolerance is a complex issue, but with the right guidance and support, it is possible to address food intolerances and enjoy better health. Call ARCpoint Labs at 239-567-5505 to learn more about the Alcat Test and how it can help you discover the underlying cause to your symptoms.
ARCpoint Labs of Fort Myers specializes in laboratory testing services for businesses and individuals. We’re here to help you find answers. ARCpoint Labs can run any laboratory test for you. In addition to paternity and drug testing, we also do ancestry DNA tests, pregnancy tests, HIV tests, Doggie DNA tests (find out your dog’s breeds), cholesterol and glucose tests, STD tests, and allergy tests, among others. Our walk-in lab is the key to discovery.
If you have immediate questions call 239-931-1036 and talk to one of our helpful and experienced staff members.