If you have ever wondered what the difference is between food sensitivity, a food intolerance, and a food allergy, this post is for you! Learning if you have a food sensitivity, a food intolerance, or a food allergy is certainly interesting information, but more importantly, I will tell you what to do about them!

Food sensitivities:

These are very common. Most people are walking around with a handful of sensitivities. Some have been able to determine many of the foods they are sensitive to by utilizing trial and error, but the majority of people have no idea that food sensitivities are at the root of their symptoms. One of the problems with food sensitivities is that they are generally delayed, only showing up a day or two AFTER you have eaten the offending food. This can make it hard to troubleshoot which foods are causing your symptoms.


Symptoms that can be caused by food sensitivities:

  • headache
  • weight gain
  • brain fog
  • dry skin
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • breakouts and acne
  • fatigue
  • joint pain
  • digestive discomfort
  • bloating
  • gas
  • stiffness
  • migraines
  • hormonal irregularities

 

Food Sensitivities, Intolerance, and Allergies

 

Most common food sensitivities:

  • gluten
  • dairy
  • eggs
  • peanuts
  • corn
  • soy
  • nightshades
  • yeast
  • shellfish
  • tree nuts

 

Food intolerances:

This is when your body has lost (or never had) the ability to digest a particular food. Lactose intolerance is the most well-known example. Some other common foods that people may have lost tolerance to are things like beans, garlic, or wheat (this is different from a gluten sensitivity that is described above.) When someone loses tolerance to a food, we look to the digestive system and the microbiome. Either there is a lack of the bacteria that is needed to help digest these foods, or a lack of the needed enzymes. When someone is lacking enzymes, it is generally is due to nutrient deficiencies or an organ that needs support. Symptoms usually show up quickly after eating or drinking the offending food and include bloating, gas, and intestinal discomfort. This makes it much easier to determine an intolerance than it is to determine a sensitivity.

 

Common Food Intolerances:

  • Lactose (milk)
  • Legumes
  • Garlic and onions
  • Sugar
  • Fruit (fructose)

 

Food allergies:

Most people know what a food allergy is and most who have food allergies know which foods they are allergic to due to the severe reactions. The reaction with food allergies happens in your tissues (rather than the blood) and this means that the reactions are immediate and often severe. Hives and anaphylaxis are two of the most common. To discover if you have food allergies, you visit an allergist for a skin test.

Common Food Allergies:

  • Peanuts
  • Shellfish
  • Dairy
  • Berries
  • Tree nuts

 

Ok, so now you know the differences between food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies. Now, what should you do?

  • If you suspect or know you have food sensitivities or, intolerances, don’t despair! Homeopathy can help! Book yourself in with a Homeopath who practices Phenolic Therapy. This form of Homeopathy is basically homeopathic allergy desensitization. It can help you uproot your food sensitivity and intolerance symptoms. It is also useful if the utilize Banerji Protocols!
    • I know this firsthand! I was gluten-free for years due to symptoms of bloating, hives, dry skin, fatigue, and immune issues. Now, I can not only eat at restaurants and friends’ houses without worrying about getting “contaminated”, I can also eat foods containing wheat and gluten without suffering consequences. I was also able to add back pork, nightshades, yeast, and corn. This is all due to Homeopathy and led me to become a Homeopath!
  • Homeopathy can even help with food allergies. If your allergy is life-threatening, you will not be intentionally exposing yourself, of course. However, you may get peace of mind from undergoing homeopathic treatment for your allergies since your reaction if accidentally exposed is likely to be much less significant.

Have you been living with food sensitivities, intolerances, or allergies for a long time? How have you coped with this in the past? Comment below!

 

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