Food Intolerance and Allergies
Food intolerance can result from your body reacting adversely to certain foods. Although not life-threatening, food intolerance is associated with a range of unpleasant, often unexplained symptoms which can make daily life miserable for sufferers.
Food Intolerance and Allergies
Food intolerance can result from your body reacting adversely to certain foods. Although not life-threatening, food intolerance is associated with a range of unpleasant, often unexplained symptoms which can make daily life miserable for sufferers.
Food intolerance or allergy? What is the difference?
Food intolerance is a condition where the body struggles to digest specific components in food, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. They occur when the body struggles to digest certain components in food, such as lactose or gluten, leading to digestive problems, skin issues, or other discomforts.
Managing food intolerances often involves adjusting one’s diet and carefully scrutinising food labels to avoid trigger ingredients.
Food allergies are an immune system response to certain proteins in food, and they can cause a wide range of reactions, varying from mild to life-threatening. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy, and eggs, among others. When an individual with a food allergy consumes an allergenic food, their immune system overreacts, releasing chemicals like histamine that lead to symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a critical, potentially fatal reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Managing food allergies involves strict avoidance of the allergen, meticulous reading of food labels, and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies. Food allergies can significantly impact a person’s daily life, and raising awareness about them is crucial for prevention and proper management.
Symptoms of food intolerance
Distinguishing between the symptoms of a food allergy and food intolerance can be challenging. Typically, food allergy produces an immediate IgE antibody reaction with symptoms manifesting shortly after consuming the problematic food, often within minutes. In contrast, food intolerance is a delayed IgG-antibody reaction producing symptoms which can appear immediately or may have a delayed onset, sometimes taking up to 3 days to surface.
Do you suffer from any of the following? Symptoms of food intolerance can include:
Bloating, diarrhoea or IBS
Headaches or migraines
Chronic fatigue
Depression or anxiety
Skin problems
ADHD
Arthritis
Food Intolerance and Food Allergy Testing
Research has shown that food intolerance is linked to antibodies produced by your immune system when you eat certain foods.
The good news is that simply identifying these “problem” foods and eliminating them from your diet can result in a great improvement in symptoms. A simple and painless food intolerance test is designed to identify potential problem foods that might be contributing to your symptoms.
Testing is quick and easy to perform. Just a finger prick blood sample is required.
Finger-prick blood sample
Laboratory test
Over 220 foods tested
Personalised food report
Using a small blood sample, food intolerance tests can identify IgG antibodies raised to over 200 foods.
Take the first step towards a healthier you
Take the first step towards a healthier you
Changing what you eat can help to improve the health issues you are struggling with today and can positively impact your life. Discover your trigger foods and reclaim your well-being. Order a food intolerance test today.
Client Journeys
Clients sharing the transformative effects of naturopathy in their lives.
I was introduced to Cath by my former Acupuncturist, Caitlin Allen, from whom I had received treatment for my anxiety and adrenal fatigue. At the time I was suffering with poor digestion and IBS problems and had gained a lot of weight. My stomach distress included severe trapped wind problems and bloating. Cath did various tests and introduced me to a much healthier eating regime which included eliminating gluten and dairy (the main causes of my digestive stress) and supplements of vitamins and digestive aids. Over the following two years or so I have lost about 10kgs (back to my ideal weight) and have found the secret to a happy digestive system. Although I admit that I don’t always stick rigorously to the diet, at least I am now armed with the knowledge to better manage my health and overall I have never felt better.
Cath is also very understanding and a willing counsellor, especially as I am still recovering from anxiety and many of my symptoms have been eliminated through improved diet. I would recommend her to anyone wanting to fix their digestive health problems and have a healthier, happier life.
S Acton