Are You Intolerant to Some Foods?
You may be wondering what a food intolerance test is and does it help people? Food sensitivities are on the rise as more and more medical conditions are discovered to be impacted by diet. Food sensitivities cause a host of symptoms that are common with many other medical issues, such as the following:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Itching or hives
- Depression
- Runny nose
- Reflux
- Flushed skin
- Stomach pain
- Migraines or headaches
- If you have any of these symptoms or suspect you may have food sensitivity. Schedule a consultation with Brenda McIntosh, FNP-BC
What Is a Food Intolerance ?
Food intolerance is a lot like a food allergy but is not life-threatening. Many people have similar symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain. While not life-threatening, food intolerances cause many daily issues in those impacted by them. Food intolerances are chemical reactions in the body. A food allergy is an immune response. Nearly 20% of the population suffers from food intolerance. People with food intolerances tend to see symptoms within 48 hours of eating the intolerant food. Some people suffer from side effects for a few hours while others do for days. Intolerances are often identified through sensitivity tests. Schedule a consultation with Brenda McIntosh, FNP-BC, to discuss if food intolerance testing would benefit you.
Common Food Intolerances
As discussed in the intro, most food intolerances cause digestive upset. However, there are many other symptoms that many people do not link to food intolerances. These include:
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Skin reactions (hives, rashes)
- Respiratory issues (asthma, sneezing, coughing)
- Weight gain or inability to lose weight
If you have any of these symptoms and tests aren’t showing the cause, we encourage you to contact Be Well Medical Telehealth Weight Loss & More to schedule a consultation intolerance testing.
Types of Food Intolerances
A food sensitivity test that can give you insight into foods that may be causing uncomfortable symptoms. Many food sensitivity tests cover a large number of food and drink items. However, there are some very common food intolerances we’ll discuss below:
Gluten Intolerance
One of the more common food intolerances is gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. A gluten intolerance may be caused by an allergy, autoimmune disease (celiac), or not be related to either. Gluten is found in many foods, including pasta, baked goods, soups, and sauces.
Dairy Intolerance
Dairy intolerance, also known as lactose intolerance, is when someone reacts to a sugar found in dairy products (cheese, milk, ice cream). The body breaks down this sugar with lactase enzymes, but some people have a shortage. They see a variety of symptoms after eating dairy, including diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.
Caffeine Intolerance
Pretty much everyone knows what caffeine is. But did you know you can also be intolerant to it? Caffeine is found in sodas, coffee, teas, and medicines. Caffeine is a stimulant that combats fatigue by making people more alert when consumed. Some people are hyperreactive to caffeine and experience the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Jitters
- Nervousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
Is Food Intolerance Testing the Same as Food Allergy Testing
In short, no. An allergy test measures the body’s immune response to certain foods. A food intolerance test measures the delayed immune response to foods. These tests determine if foods negatively impact your body in any way, such as inflammation or gut responses.
Food sensitivities and intolerances are generally tested through hair sampling. Food allergy testing is only done through blood tests or conducted by an allergist. If you’re unsure which you have, it may be a good idea to discuss the next steps with a medical professional.
Food Intolerance Test?
This test is focused on improving the lives of others through science. They use hair strand sampling to determine food intolerances and sensitivities, gut health, vitamin levels, and more. When you purchase a hair sample test, you’ll receive instructions on how to take and send your sample. It only requires 10 strands of hair and gives you invaluable insight into your health! It showcases what foods are harming your gut and what vitamins, acids, and fatty acids your body is deficient in. This test also evaluates your body for external toxins, including heavy metals, environmental factors, and household dangers. You’ll even receive recommendations to improve your gut health. Brenda McIntosh, FNP-BC is well-versed in food intolerance testing and will guide you through the process.
Convenient Telehealth to discuss food sensitivity
Food intolerance tests are becoming more popular for those who have tested negative for food allergies. If you are curious whether food sensitivity testing would help you, Brenda would love to discuss it with you. She has helped many of her patient’s use this comprehensive test to help patient’s reduce inflammation, heal their guts, and solve issues that were ongoing.