Food sensitivities are quite common and seem to be increasing. Recent studies suggest that our Standard American Diet and lifestyle may impact the gut microbiome, potentially leading to inflammation and affecting immune function.
Food sensitivities can be challenging to identify due to their wide range of symptoms and the possibility of delayed reactions, which can occur up to 48 hours after consumption. This makes it difficult to identify the specific food causing the issue. As a result, food sensitivity testing has gained attention in recent years.
[signup]
Food Sensitivities vs. Food Allergies
It’s important to understand that food sensitivities and food allergies are two different conditions.
Food Allergies (IgE) can cause an immediate reaction, such as a histamine response, within minutes to hours of consuming the food, and these allergies can be serious. Many people are aware of their food allergies, which are often identified at a young age. Common food allergens include tree nuts, seafood, dairy, and eggs.
Food Sensitivities (IgG) are more common than food allergies and can cause delayed symptoms hours to days after consuming the food. While not life-threatening, food sensitivities can cause discomfort and may contribute to inflammation in the gut if not addressed. Food sensitivities can be identified at any age and may be managed with nutritional guidance and gut health strategies.
Common Types of Food Sensitivity Testing
Immunoglobulin G (IgG):
IgG-specific antibody-mediated reactions are the body’s natural responses to food antigens. IgG food sensitivity testing is widely used and has more published research compared to other types of food sensitivity tests.
Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4):
This is a subclass of IgG testing. IgG4 indicates the presence of antibodies to foods that typically do not cause inflammation, even though high levels of these antibodies suggest immune reactions to food antigens. Testing for IgG4 can be useful for individuals not currently experiencing inflammatory reactions to foods.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA):
Found in mucous membranes, including the digestive tract. Elevated IgA antibodies to a particular protein (antigen) may indicate an immune response to mucosal irritation.
Food Sensitivity Signs & Symptoms
Food sensitivity symptoms can overlap with other common medical conditions. Therefore, it’s important to consider these sensitivities when exploring potential causes. Common symptoms associated with food sensitivities include:
- Unexplained loose stools or constipation
- Gas, cramps, and bloating
- Skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis)
- Headaches (not caused by tight muscles)
- Brain Fog
- Joint pain
- Feelings of anxiety or low mood (due to the gut-brain connection)
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (due to an inflamed small and large intestine)
Food Sensitivity Possible Causes
Stress and the Standard American Diet are two common factors that may contribute to food sensitivities. They can both affect the gut microbiome (beneficial bacteria) and may be linked to leaky gut syndrome.
What is Leaky Gut
A leaky gut refers to an unhealthy gut lining with tiny cracks or holes, which may allow partially digested food, toxins, and bacteria to pass into the tissues beneath it. When these larger food proteins enter the bloodstream, the immune system may create an inflammatory response to protect against these substances. Regular consumption of these trigger foods may lead to food sensitivities, causing an inflammatory response each time the food is consumed.
Stress
Chronic stress is a potential risk factor for developing food sensitivities and is often overlooked. The gut-brain connection plays an important role in overall gut health.
Cortisol is released during stress, and high levels of cortisol may decrease Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA).
sIgA is an immune antibody found throughout our mucosal barriers. It serves as a first line of defense against bacteria, food residues, yeast, parasites, and viruses.
When sIgA levels are reduced, the mucosal defense may be compromised, potentially affecting the integrity of the intestinal lining and contributing to leaky gut syndrome.
High Cortisol -> Lower sIgA -> Reduced mucosal defense -> Leaky Gut
The Standard American Diet (SAD)
The SAD diet often includes processed foods that may contribute to inflammation. These foods often contain fillers, additives, processed oils, and food colors, which may not be easily recognized by the body and could trigger an inflammatory response. Over time, this may lead to gastrointestinal inflammation, an imbalance in gut bacteria, and potentially leaky gut.
Functional Medicine Labs for Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivity symptoms can appear days after consumption, which is why testing can be helpful in identifying the foods that may be causing reactions. Many food sensitivity tests evaluate a wide range of foods, and it is often surprising which foods may be involved. Reactions can occur to spices, additives, animal proteins, and various fruits and vegetables.
This is because once the intestinal lining is compromised, different food proteins may pass through, potentially causing a reaction.
The Top 2 Most Common Food Sensitivity Tests Ordered on Rupa Health
Some practitioners prefer to offer patients a blood spot option for food sensitivity testing to increase convenience, allowing them to complete the test at home. Most labs also offer serum and whole blood testing options.
[signup]
Functional Medicine Approach for Supporting Gut Health: 4 Rs of Gut Healing
A therapeutic approach known as the 4 Rs is often used to support gut health. It’s important to note that supporting gut health takes time and lifestyle adjustments. It’s best to begin this journey when you are ready to commit to the process.
Remove
One of the first steps in addressing food sensitivity is to avoid the food or foods that may be causing symptoms for a period of 3-6 months while addressing other factors. Research suggests that it can take up to 6 months for the body to stop producing antibodies against the food, and longer depending on several factors. It may take longer to stop producing IgG antibodies if there is a higher existing concentration and if avoidance of foods is not strict.
Replace
The second step is to replace these foods with nutrients that may help reduce inflammation and support digestive health. It’s also important to ensure sufficient hydrochloric (stomach) acid and digestive enzymes to assist with breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Reinoculate
The third step is to reinoculate the intestinal microbiota with beneficial bacteria. Probiotics and fermented foods may be added to support good gut bacteria.
Repair
A Functional Medicine Practitioner may suggest therapeutic grade supplements to help support the gut lining. L-Glutamine, Zinc Carnosine, Curcumin, Vitamin D, Collagen, and Fiber have been shown in studies to help support intestinal health and reduce inflammation.
Functional Medicine Approach to Food Sensitivity Reintroduction
Here’s the positive aspect of this process. You may not need to avoid food sensitivities forever. It is often suggested to avoid highly reactive foods for at least three months. It’s important to re-test and then gradually reintroduce foods one by one once there is a noticeable improvement.
A typical reintroduction involves adding one new food every three days to observe any delayed responses. Typical food sensitivity responses may include digestive upset, headache, or skin conditions reappearing.
Things to Keep in Mind
Food sensitivity tests do not usually test for lactose intolerance or Celiac disease.
Most food sensitivity tests only assess sensitivities to the proteins in foods, and lactose is a sugar.
If you have an IgG response to dairy, this means you may be sensitive to the proteins in milk (casein or whey protein), not the lactose (sugar).
To test for lactose intolerance, a lactose hydrogen breath test or elimination of lactose is often suggested.
A Celiac diagnosis is complex and usually requires a combination of blood tests and other procedures. The antibodies traditionally tested for Celiac Disease are not the same antibodies measured in food sensitivity tests. We offer multiple different celiac disease tests on our Rupa Health platform.
Food sensitivities are often reintroduced after an elimination diet, and many individuals can tolerate them in small amounts after their immune system and gut have had time to recover.
[signup]
Summary
Food sensitivities appear to be increasing. However, with appropriate testing and management, along with nutritional guidance and education, individuals may support their gut health and enjoy a variety of foods again.
%201.svg){kind=logo}
