Some people have the idea that food intolerances are not ‘a thing’, but that is not the case. Certain foods cause the body problems because they have problems tolerating them. When this happens, there is a reaction and these reactions can take different forms.
Some reactions can be mild, some are severe allergic reactions and some of these can be life-threatening.
If you or someone you know is experiencing negative health symptoms, mild or severe, here are a few ways to tell if it is food intolerance.
Food intolerances can cause chronic pain
when we get chronic pain is not exactly a joy. It feels like the pain will never go away, no matter what you do. Chronic pain can have a huge impact on your quality of life, in all areas. Even small activities can seem impossible. Some things are avoided such as exercise or sex, and they are avoided because of the pain certain movements can bring.
When our bodies have food intolerances, they react. One of the more common causes is inflammation. Inflammation leads to chronic pain and this pain can manifest anywhere. Joints, legs, lower back, neck, shoulders… Nothing is sacred. Anybody suffering from chronic pain should have a food allergen panel done by their physician.
Acne, or skin rash
Our skin can tell us a lot about our health, and some people’s skin is more sensitive than others. Anybody that has experienced bad acne or unusual skin rash, could have food intolerances.
When it comes to acne, skin rashes, or eczema, the common food intolerance is dairy. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream contain a lot of hormones. Skin can react to these, giving your skin that ‘just hit puberty’ look.
For this reason, get tested for dairy intolerances or avoid dairy products for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference.
Food intolerances can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms
Lots of people that have food intolerances or allergies will experience gastrointestinal symptoms. That said, a lot of them will not. The symptoms can include cramps, poor digestion, excessive wind, constipation, and diarrhea. These symptoms can appear right after eating a certain food, or several hours later.
If somebody has been experiencing gastrointestinal issues their whole life or just recently, their body could have developed an intolerance. It doesn’t happen often, but the body can develop a food intolerance overnight.
Mental or mood disorders
Anybody with ADHD or who has issues with concentration, problem-solving, forgetfulness, brain fog, or is easily distracted may have food intolerances.
Food intolerances are also able to affect mood by altering brain chemistry. This alteration can make sufferers irritable, or elated just to bring the person crashing down again.
The that we eat is, of course, fuel for our body. This is why it does not make a great deal of sense that a lot of the main allergens can be found in the foods that we consume. These can include:
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Wheat
- Soy
- Nuts
- Corn
When we fuel our body by eating foods that the body cannot work with, our body will not work the way it should. Living with stomach issues, mood disorders, or chronic pain is not fun.
If you suspect that you have food intolerances, take charge of your health and wellness. Have a food allergen panel done to better understand which foods are better avoided.
Above all, remember the fact that nobody knows your body as well as you do. Listen to your symptoms and seek comprehensive testing to figure out what your body is telling you.
You don’t have to live with the symptoms of food intolerances.
