Posted Sept 12, 2009
Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, or fibromyalgia pain? Maybe you have frequent heartburn or “brain fog” and have just chalked it up to getting older. You might be surprised to learn that these ills can be caused or made worse by some common foods you’re eating everyday-even foods you consider to be healthy. You could have a food sensitivity and not know it.
Food Allergies-More Well Known
Food sensitivities are not the same as food allergies. A classic true food allergy only affects about 2% of the population. Food allergy reactions are usually easily identified. Symptoms often come on quickly and can range from a tingling in the mouth to hives, swelling, difficulty breathing and even death. Some common foods associated with true allergies include peanuts, eggs, milk, and shellfish. People who have food allergies are usually only allergic to one or two foods and just one molecule can lead to symptoms. Tests a doctor may use to make an official diagnosis include a skin prick test or a RAST blood test. These tests will not uncover food sensitivities as they occur through a different pathway in the body.
Food Sensitivities- A Problem for More
Many more people actually suffer from food sensitivities than food allergies. It is estimated that 15-20% of the population has developed sensitivities to food and food chemical additives-such as MSG, nitrates, sweeteners, and food colorings. It can be difficult to determine the foods you are sensitive to for the following reasons: