According to recent studies, 60% of the population has undiagnosed food sensitivities which interfere with their life and health.  There is increasing evidence that food sensitivities are more common and have a wider and more varied impact on our health than previously realized.  Although often equated with food allergies, food sensitivities also include food intolerances which, unlike allergies, are toxic reactions to foods that do not involve the immune system and are often more difficult to diagnose.

Food Allergy

A food allergy is a reaction to a particular food within eight hours of ingestion.  This immediate response is often called a “fixed” food allergy.  Symptom onset is rapid and may include swelling of the tongue and throat, development of hives, wheezing, nausea and abdominal cramps.  Food allergies are typically what the medical profession tests for and food sensitivities/intolerances are rarely explored.

Food Sensitivity

Food sensitivity is a delayed food reaction.  Due to the fact that delayed food reaction symptoms can appear up to two days after the food is eaten, some people remain unaware of the foods to which they are truly sensitive.  Symptoms may include bloating, headache, and gastrointestinal discomfort along with other unidentified ailments.  Identifying these are difficult, as blood tests and elimination diets don’t always pinpoint delayed food allergies.

How do you know if you have a food sensitivity?  If you have any of the following, you may be reacting to certain foods.  Do you have:

• Gastrointestinal problems – indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, colitis, irritable bowel, gas, bloating, vomiting, nausea, gastritis or cramping?
• Eye, ear, nose & throat problems – itchy & watery eyes, redness, dark circles, blurring vision, discharge from eyes or nose, dry throat, ears stopped up, ear ringing or redness, ear infections, losing your hearing, bouts of vertigo or dizziness?  Many people who have been diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease may simply have a food sensitivity.
• Heart problems – racing or fluttering heartbeat, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and/or poor circulation?
• Immune system – chronic sinus, frequent colds and flu or mononucleosis (mono)?
• Nervous system – migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, fatigue, ADD/ADHD, irritability, mood swings, mental fogginess, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity?
• Muscular system – aches, joint pain, twitching muscles?
• Skin – rash, hives, eczema, acne or other skin problems?
• Respiratory system – trouble breathing, wheezing, sinusitis, congestion, bronchitis or asthma?
• Other symptoms – can’t lose weight, rapid weight loss (no absorption), swelling or water retention?

If you answered yes to any of these symptoms, you may have a food sensitivity that worsens with time.  At Advanced Body Dynamics, we test for your specific food sensitivities through a non-invasive procedure utilizing an FDA approved medical device known as the BioMeridian.  Click here for more details on the BioMeridian.

Once we have your test results, Dr. Kelly Bahr builds a home program specific for you to help guide you through the process.  There is an emotional side to giving up certain foods and we feel your pain, but think how lucky you will be to identify the cause of your distress and then do something about it.  This is not a fatal disease but what it will do for you will be life-changing.  It will help guide you into healthy eating!  Good luck and we hope to hear from you soon.