Symptoms of food intolerances are often thought to be direct like immediate diarrhea after consuming lactose. However, they can sometimes be as subtle as mild chronic fatigue.
Food intolerance is a reaction of the digestive system to a type of food consumed. During an allergic reaction, the immune system produces an IgE (immunoglobulin E) type antibody, which causes a change in the cells of the body. This imbalance causes the release of chemicals into the blood, which in turn cause allergic reactions in our body.
With regard to food intolerance, the presence of antibodies will rather be of the IgG (immunoglobulin G) type, the latter reflecting a physiological state, a response of the immune system in response to food exposure. These antibodies can cause inflammatory reactions, which can take up to three days to appear, making intolerances difficult to detect.
Symptoms of food intolerances can be both digestive and physical. Here are some examples:
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- Bloating & water retention
- flatulence
- Inability to lose weight despite good diet and physical activity
- Headaches & Migraines
- Amplified menstrual symptoms
- chronic fatigue
- Joint and/or muscle stiffness and tension
- Decreased mental clarity or difficulty concentrating
- Various dermatitis (eczema, rosacea, acne, ))
- etc⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When suspicious, I recommend theelimination diet. This diet consists of the withdrawal of allergenic or irritating foods for 3 to 4 weeks. The foods are:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Dairy products⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Eggs⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Shellfish⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Solanaceae (tomato, eggplant, potato, pepper)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Nut⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Wheat and corn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Legumes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Sweeteners⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Sometimes the pseudocereals
The goal of this diet is to allow rest from irritants for a long enough time to reduce symptoms. The speed at which symptoms diminish varies from person to person. The benefits will be greater when the diet is combined with a naturopathic protocol with specific nutraceutical support. The reintroduction is as important as the diet itself. It should be done slowly, one food at a time. When the reintroduced food causes a symptom or diminished improvement, it should be withdrawn a second time for a period of 3 months.
Be careful, at no time should this diet last more than 3 months. Follow-up by a specialist is strongly recommended.
Note that it is also possible to do food intolerance tests.
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Article written by Émilie Riendeau
Naturopath, B.Sc, ND, K.In
Émilie Riendeau can be reached on her social networks: instagram or by email at:info@emiliendeau.com