Allergies and Intolerance

!allergies

What is the difference between and allergy and an intolerance?

Both are a sensitivity to a certain food, which provokes an immune response.  An allergy is usually obvious and fairly immediate, whearas an intolerance can be much harder to identify , and symptoms can occur hours or days afterward.

Gluten intolerance – is it just a fad?

Did you know that 35% of the population have an intolerance to gluten, but only 1% has Coeliac disease?  Many people suffer from NCGS, ie. non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, but may not even realise it.  Others know that they just feel better when they don’t eat gluten. In fact no one can physically digest gluten, but for the majority it passes through without consequence. For others though gluten intolerance can be linked to a huge range of conditions. Here are just a few –

Addison’s disease, Anxiety, Depression, Arthritis, ADHD, Autism,Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,   Crohn’s Disease, Cystic fibrosis, Dermatitis Herpetiformus, Dyspepsia, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Follicular Keratinitis,  Hasimoto’s disease, Headachse/Migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Impotency, Infertility, Type I diabetes Mellitus, Multiple Schlerosis, Osteoporosis, Peripheral Neuropathy, Recurrent pericarditis, Sarcoidosis, Schizophrenia,  Schleroderma, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Thromocytosis, Thyroiditis, Vitamin K deficiency and vasculitis.

Whenever chronic illness is apparent, but  a diagnosis elusive, gluten intolerance should be considered. A trial elimination conducted with professional guidance can provide relief if not proof, and can do no harm.

Other food intolerances may include and are not limited to,

  • wheat  dairy, nuts, seafood, eggs and soy
  • The FODMAPs
  • The natural food chemicals Salicylates, Amines and Glutamates
  • Artificial food additives –  colourings, flavourings, preservatives, stabilisers, fillers etc

 

Food allergy and intolerance are serious, and not to be underestimated in our quest for better health and well being. It could be the answer to your child’s irritability, or indeed your own!

If you suspect a food intolerance, or need help to achieve a balanced diet while living with an allergy, then we can help.