Test and Identify Your Food Sensitivities with Us at Our San Diego Clinic: 317 N El Camino Real #106, Encinitas | 858-201-3171 |
What Are Food Sensitivities?
Food sensitivities refer to a range of physical reactions that occur after consuming specific foods, affecting residents and visitors alike in cities like San Diego. Unlike food allergies, which can trigger immediate and often severe responses, food sensitivities usually produce more subtle and delayed symptoms.
Which means:
These can appear anywhere from a few hours to a few days after ingestion.
For instance, you might eat a seemingly harmless sandwich and not feel its effects until two days later. This latency can make it challenging to pinpoint which foods are causing discomfort.
Is it common?
Food sensitivities are more common than you might think – many individuals suffer from symptoms without realizing that food is the culprit.
In short:
Understanding what food sensitivities are is the first step in addressing them.
Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity
It’s crucial to differentiate between food allergies and food sensitivities to avoid confusion.
Food allergies involve the immune system’s immediate response to a particular food, which can be particularly concerning in warm-climate cities like San Diego where outdoor activities often involve eating on-the-go or trying new foods at restaurants.
This reaction is IgE mediated, meaning that the immune system produces Immunoglobulin E antibodies, which trigger allergy symptoms.
These symptoms can range from: hives and swelling to anaphylaxis – a life-threatening condition.
In other words.
It is important to test and understand if you have a allergy or sensitivity.
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If you suspect you have food sensitivities, it’s important to seek professional advice for accurate testing and tailored solutions.
Food sensitivities involve a different part of the immune system and generally cause less severe but more prolonged symptoms – this is something food sensitivity testing can help to understand better.
These sensitivities can include:
digestive issues, headaches, and persistent fatigue to name a few.
Food sensitivities are often an IgG mediated response, where the immune system produces Immunoglobulin G antibodies. This type of reaction tends to develop more slowly and may not be immediately associated with the food consumed.
Why is testing needed?
Both conditions require attention, but their management differs significantly.
This signifies that:
Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right approach for diagnosis and treatment.
Food Sensitivity Testing Through Blood
One effective way to identify food sensitivities is through blood testing, specifically by measuring Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels.
IgG antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to certain foods – elevated levels can indicate a sensitivity.
What does this mean for you?
At our San Diego clinic, we at Oasis Health and Medicine use comprehensive IgG testing to identify specific food sensitivities:
- This involves a simple blood test that analyzes your body’s reaction to various foods.
- The results help us create a personalized plan to manage and alleviate your symptoms.
Food sensitivity testing can be done one of two ways:
- Traditional Blood Draw uses a needle to draw blood from a vein.
- Finger Prick Test uses a small device to prick the skin and collect a few drops of blood.
Here is how these two methods of testing are performed:
Traditional Blood Draw – with this process, blood is drawn from either the arm or the hand. Only one vial of blood is required for food sensitivity testing. This blood draw can be combined with other testing i.e. we will often test hormones, inflammatory markers, Vitamin D etc. at the same time, thus requiring only one blood draw.
- Preparation: The individual is prepared for the blood draw by being seated comfortably and having their arm or hand cleaned with an antiseptic.
- Selection of Vein: A healthcare professional selects a suitable vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or back of the hand, to insert the needle.
- Insertion of Needle: The needle is inserted into the selected vein, and blood begins to flow out.
- Collection of Blood Sample: One vial of blood is collected from the individual for food sensitivity testing.
- Combination with Other Testing (Optional): Depending on the healthcare provider’s plan, other tests such as hormone levels, inflammatory markers, or Vitamin D may be added to the same blood draw.
- Removal of Needle: The needle is carefully removed once the required amount of blood has been collected.
- Application of Pressure: A bandage or gauze is applied to the puncture site and gentle pressure is applied for a few minutes to stop any bleeding.
Finger Prick Test – with this process, blood is taken from a finger via a finger prick. We’ll often use this test for children, since it is relatively painless and does not require a traditional blood draw.
- Preparation: The individual has their hand cleaned with an antiseptic to prepare for the finger prick.
- Selection of Finger: A healthcare professional selects a suitable finger, usually one that is easy to access and not too sensitive or tender.
- Insertion of Lancet: A small device called a lancet (a tiny needle) is inserted into the selected finger to create a small puncture wound.
- Finger Prick: The lancet pricks the skin, causing a small amount of blood to flow out from the capillary vessels in the finger.
- Collection of Blood Sample: A few drops of blood are collected onto a special device or into a vial for testing (e.g., food sensitivity).
- Application of Pressure: Gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site with a cotton ball or gauze to stop any bleeding.
Note: These steps may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as difficulty finding a suitable finger or concerns about needle phobia.
Common Symptoms of Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities can manifest in a variety of ways, making them tricky to identify – common symptoms include:
- Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation are frequent indicators. These symptoms occur when the digestive system struggles to process certain foods, leading to discomfort and irregular bowel movements.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, even after a good night’s sleep. This exhaustion can be attributed to the body’s ongoing battle with inflammation and stress caused by food sensitivities.
- Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating and mental fatigue. Food sensitivities can affect cognitive function, leaving individuals feeling unfocused and mentally drained.
- Skin Problems: Eczema, acne, and rashes. The skin often reflects internal issues, and sensitivities can trigger inflammatory responses that manifest as various skin conditions.
- Joint Pain: Unexplained aches and stiffness. Inflammatory responses to certain foods can lead to joint discomfort, making daily activities challenging.
- Headaches and Migraines: Recurring headaches or migraines can be a result of food sensitivities. Certain foods may trigger vascular changes or inflammatory responses in the brain, leading to these painful episodes.
- Mood Changes: Irritability, anxiety, depression, or ADHD may be exacerbated. The gut-brain connection means that what we eat can influence our mood, mental health, and conditions like ADHD, with sensitivities contributing to chemical imbalances.
- Respiratory Issues: Congestion, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip, or a runny nose can be linked to food sensitivities. These symptoms arise when the immune system reacts negatively to certain foods, causing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Inability To Lose Weight: An inability to lose weight despite maintaining a consistent diet and exercise routine can be a sign. This may occur when the body’s metabolism is disrupted by chronic inflammation or hormonal imbalances caused by sensitivities.
- Muscle Weakness: A feeling of muscle fatigue or weakness may develop. This can be due to nutritional deficiencies or the body’s energy being diverted to deal with inflammation, leaving muscles less supported.
It’s important to note that IgG food sensitivities can cause symptoms up to 72 hours after consuming the offending food. This delayed reaction can complicate the process of identifying the trigger, making professional guidance essential.
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The Connection Between Leaky Gut and Food Sensitivities
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to leak into the bloodstream.
This can trigger an immune response, leading to food sensitivities.
Dr. Pedi from Oasis Health and Medicine notes:
“Leaky gut can be a significant factor in the development of food sensitivities, which is why we focus on gut health as a core part of our treatment strategies.”
Addressing leaky gut involves dietary changes, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments aimed at restoring gut integrity.
By healing the gut, we can reduce food sensitivities and improve overall health.
The Inflammation Connection, a natural response by the immune system to protect the body. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to various health problems, including autoimmune conditions, fatigue, and skin issues.
Dr. Sullivan from Oasis Health and Medicine explains:
“Addressing food sensitivities is not just about eliminating trigger foods; it’s about restoring balance and improving overall health at the root cause level.”
By identifying and managing food sensitivities, we can mitigate inflammation and enhance our quality of life. This holistic approach undertaken at our San Diego clinic, addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
The Oasis Health and Medicine Approach to Food Sensitivities
We take a personalized approach to managing food sensitivities. Our team of naturopathic doctors conducts thorough food sensitivity testing to create individualized treatment plans.
How does the testing work?
We start with detailed IgG testing to identify specific sensitivities.
Based on the results, we recommend:
dietary adjustments, supplements, and lifestyle changes tailored to your unique needs.
Our goal is to reduce symptoms, improve gut health, and enhance overall well-being.
At Oasis Health and Medicine, located in sunny San Diego, we emphasize personalized medicine, tailoring our approach to each individual’s unique health needs.
Our Encinitas, California Location For Testing Your Food Sensitivities
Take the first step towards understanding your body’s needs.
Contact Oasis Health and Medicine today to schedule an appointment for comprehensive food sensitivity testing.
It sounds simple. And it is:
Discover which foods may be impacting your health and take control of your well-being by reaching out to us now.
317 N El Camino Real #106, Encinitas, CA 92024 | Get Directions ↗
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3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Food Sensitivity Testing:
- Q: What is food sensitivity, and how does it differ from an allergy? A: A food sensitivity refers to a non-allergic reaction to certain foods that can cause symptoms such as digestive issues, fatigue, or skin problems. Unlike allergies, which are immune system reactions, sensitivities involve inflammation and other physiological responses.
- Q: How accurate is the testing for identifying specific food sensitivities? A: The accuracy of food sensitivity tests varies depending on the type of test used (e.g., blood draw, finger prick, or elimination diet). However, most modern tests have high specificity rates (>90%) and can identify multiple foods that may be causing symptoms.
- Q: Will I need to eliminate all potentially sensitive foods from my diet? A: Not necessarily! While some individuals may choose to remove certain foods entirely based on test results, others might opt for a more nuanced approach, such as reducing or rotating food intake rather than completely eliminating them.
Get to the Root Cause with Personalized Food Sensitivity Testing
Food sensitivities can significantly impact your health and quality of life.
By understanding the signs, symptoms, and underlying causes, you can take proactive steps to manage them effectively.
At Oasis Health and Medicine, we are dedicated to helping you uncover and address food sensitivities – come visit us at our San Diego location.
Here are the details:
Our personalized approach ensures that you receive the care and support you need to improve your health and vitality.
There you have it: don’t let un-diagnosed food sensitivities hold you back any longer.
Will you take the first step towards optimal health and wellness?
Are you’re locally located in or near San Diego?
Book a discovery call today with one of our naturopathic doctors.
Contact Oasis Health and Medicine today to schedule your comprehensive food sensitivity test at 858-201-3171
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31917265/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25599183/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34669431/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34822299/
