What Causes Food Allergies?
Food allergies have long been a source of confusion for many people. We're accustomed to categorizing food as “healthy” or “unhealthy,” but when it comes to allergies, things get a bit more complicated.
Surprisingly, foods that appear healthy, like whole wheat or tofu, can wreak havoc on your body. How can seemingly ordinary foods cause such turmoil within your system?
What Are Food Allergies?
When your body targets a particular food as an enemy, it won't hesitate to attack, even if it's generally considered healthy. This leads to an immune reaction, which we call food allergies.
These allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful, triggering a response. That’s how even healthy foods may make you feel crummy.
Food Allergy Symptoms
Adding to the confusion, food allergies can actually trigger a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in intensity. Some symptoms may be mild and subtle, while others can be more aggressive and noticeable. Unfortunately, many individuals may never even consider that their symptoms could be linked to what they are eating.
Symptoms may include but are not limited to the following:
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea.
Skin conditions: Eczema, hives, rashes, redness, or itching.
Respiratory issues: Asthma, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sinus congestion.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or sluggish, experiencing a lack of energy or brain fog.
Headaches: Migraines or tension headaches.
Joint pain: Joint stiffness, inflammation, or achiness.
Mood disturbances: Irritability, anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
Weight issues: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
Autoimmune symptoms: Joint inflammation, thyroid disorders, or other autoimmune conditions.
Neurological symptoms: Poor concentration, “brain fog,” memory problems, or neurological disorders.
Why does your body target certain foods in the first place? It almost always concerns poor gut health, which you can learn about here.
Common Triggers of Food Allergies:
A wide range of foods can trigger food allergies. While some allergies are well-known, such as peanut or shellfish allergies, others can be surprising. Common triggers include:
Milk: Dairy allergies, particularly to cow's milk, affect many individuals, often manifesting in childhood but occasionally persisting into adulthood.
Eggs: Allergies to eggs are common, and the proteins found in egg whites are usually responsible for the allergic reaction.
Wheat and Gluten: Wheat allergies and gluten intolerance, including celiac disease, can lead to severe digestive symptoms and other complications.
Tree Nuts and Peanuts: Allergies to nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts, as well as peanuts, can cause severe reactions and are often lifelong.
Fish and Shellfish: Seafood allergies can be particularly challenging, as even trace amounts of allergens can cause significant reactions in some individuals.
Naturopathic Remedies for Food Allergies
There are a variety of ways naturopathic doctors can treat food allergies. Some remedies may help alleviate the symptoms of food allergies. These remedies include but are not limited to:
Probiotics: Consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements can support a healthy gut microbiome, which may help modulate the immune system's response.
Anti-inflammatory diet: Avoiding your trigger foods for an extended period of time will reduce or remove symptoms and help your body restore health and well-being.
Stinging Nettle: Nettle leaf, often taken in tea or supplement form, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Local Honey: While the evidence is limited, some believe that consuming local honey can help desensitize the immune system to pollen allergies.
Much more!
If you suspect that food allergies might be causing your discomfort, we encourage you to reach out to Mountain View Vital Medicine without delay. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in uncovering the root cause of your symptoms. Through comprehensive tests and lab analysis, we strive to empower you to regain control of your health and experience a renewed sense of vitality.
At Mountain View Vital Medicine, we are committed to providing personalized care that focuses on your unique needs. We aim to help you feel fantastic by addressing the underlying factors contributing to your food allergies. Don't wait any longer—take the first step towards improved optimal health and well-being!