Food allergies vs food intolerances

Food intolerance's can be due to a number of reasons including

* lack of enzymes or chemicals that are required for the digestive process
* there may be a dysfunction in the absorption process
* you may have an overgrowth of certain bacteria and each bacteria (there are over 1000 different ones) has it's own set of signs and symptoms
* you may also have a parasite creating issues as well
* or it may be due to sensitivities such as salicylates, amines, certain medications, chemicals and additives in foods.

However most food intolerances are a build up of exposure over the years and your body reacts to the foods due to inflammation and leaky gut.

Signs and symptoms of food intolerance's may include:

* irritable bowel
* constipation
* fatigue
* itchy skin
* acne, rosacea
* bloating and/or abdominal pain
* joint pain
* migraines
* respiratory problems
* behaviour problems
* food cravings
* heartburn
* anxiety
* depression

Food allergies on the other hand can be life threatening.

A food allergy is an immune response. It occurs when the body mistakes a protein found in food as a danger and puts up a defense against it. The allergic reaction is when the antibodies that the body has developed to attack this food begin to attack it. The most common allergies are nuts, peanuts, seafood, eggs, and milk.

There is good news when it comes to food intolerance's. Depending on the level of intolerance, the reactions can be improved with some gastrointestinal repair work.

Food intolerance's create inflammation within the body.  Long term chronic inflammation plays havoc with your immune system which may also lead to autoimmune conditions.  For optimal health it is important to reduce your toxic load. 

How do you know if you have a food intolerance? We can request a test.

The test uncovers foods that trigger chronic inflammation and related health conditions, such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, and joint issues as well as migraine, dermatitis, fatigue, and metabolic disorders.

The test measures cellular reactions to 200 foods and scientific studies using this test to guide diet have shown significant improvement of many common symptoms.

When you have your results you will gain more of an understanding on what foods are affecting your immune system and you need to avoid for about six months while we repair your digestive system and it also includes all of the foods that you can easily eat without worrying if they are doing any damage.

Who am I?

I am a Bachelor qualified Naturopath who specialises in improving metabolic processes in the body. Major areas for improvement include gut, thyroid, kidney, skin and liver health. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, fatty liver, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, & irritable bowel conditions. I help my patients by giving them symptomatic relief while working on repairing the underlying causes of metabolic stress and waste accumulation. Patients experience amazing results which are seen in their blood tests with improved thyroid markers, cholesterol, and liver markers.  As well as lower blood pressure and see relief from improved gastrointestinal symptoms like the ones that mean you need to know where every single toilet is before you leave the house. 

Melissa Callaghan ND, BHSc, BTeach
Clinical Naturopath

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