It is often thought that the symptoms of food intolerances are immediate, such as diarrhea right 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 antibody of the lgE type (immunoglobulin E), which causes a change in the body's cells. This imbalance triggers the release of chemicals into the blood, which in turn cause the allergic reactions in our body.
As for food intolerance, the presence of antibodies will be more of the IgG type (immunoglobulin G), the latter reflecting a physiological state, an immune system response to exposure to foods. These antibodies can cause inflammatory reactions, which may take up to three days to appear, making intolerances difficult to detect.
The symptoms of food intolerances can be both digestive and physical. Here are some examples:
- Bloating & water retention
- Flatulence
- Inability to lose weight despite a good diet and physical activity
- Headaches & Migraines
- Amplified menstrual symptoms
- Chronic fatigue
- Stiffness and joint and/or muscle tension
- Decrease in mental clarity or difficulty concentrating
- Various dermatitis (eczema, rosacea, acne, ...)
- etc.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In case of suspicion, I recommend the elimination diet. This diet involves the removal of allergenic or irritating foods for 3 to 4 weeks. The foods are as follows:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Dairy products⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Eggs⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Crustaceans⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Solanaceae (tomato, eggplant, potato, bell pepper)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Walnuts ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Wheat and corn⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Legumes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Sweeteners⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Sometimes pseudo-cereals
The goal of this diet is to allow irritants to rest for a sufficiently long time to reduce symptoms. The speed at which symptoms decrease varies from person to person. The benefits will be greater when the diet is combined with a naturopathic protocol with specific nutraceutical support. Reintroduction is as important as the diet itself. It must be done slowly, one food at a time. When the reintroduced food causes a symptom or a decrease in improvements, it must be removed again for a period of 3 months.
Warning, this diet should never last more than 3 months. Supervision by a specialist is strongly recommended.
Please note that it is also possible to conduct 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 media: Instagram or by email at: info@emilieriendeau.com