The 411 on Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities are becoming an increasingly talked about topic in the health industry. Yet, many people are still struggling to identify what foods are causing them unwanted symptoms that affect their quality of life. Food sensitivities occur when the body reacts negatively to certain foods, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll explore what food sensitivities are, how they can be identified, and what steps can be taken to manage them.

What are food sensitivities?

Food sensitivities are adverse reactions to specific foods that are not related to the immune system, unlike food allergies. Food sensitivities can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics, gut health, and environmental factors. The symptoms of food sensitivities can be mild or severe and may include bloating, constipation, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, weight issues, mood changes and even hormonal imbalances.

Identifying food sensitivities

Determining food sensitivities can be challenging, as unlike an allergy, symptoms may not appear immediately after eating a problematic food. The symptoms of food sensitivities can also be similar to those of other health issues, making it difficult to identify the root cause. However, there are several methods that can be used to identify food sensitivities.

At NYNG, our go-top food sensitivity test is elimination and reintroduction diets that include food journaling and monitoring by a dietitian. This involves eliminating suspected problematic foods for a period of time and then gradually reintroducing them to see if symptoms reappear.

Another, potentially more appealing, option is to get a test. We offer a few different food sensitivity tests at our practice: blood test and DNA tests. Blood tests can take out a lot of the guess work, although the accuracy of these tests is still debated in the scientific community. For that reason, we always proceed with caution.

Managing food sensitivities

Once food sensitivities have been identified, we work on eliminating or reducing possible offenders, as well as discussing other behavioral and diet changes to make to improve symptoms and overall well-being. It’s important to note that managing food sensitivities is a highly individual process. What works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important that we experiment with different approaches to find what works best.

Overall, food sensitivities are a growing concern and identifying and managing food sensitivities can be challenging. By meeting with a trained professional who understands the nuances of food sensitivity treatment, you can reduce the stress around this challenging process and find a personalized approach. If you suspect you have food sensitivities, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional who can help you identify the best course of action.