Food sensitivities and intolerances can be the root cause of many health issues that people experience. These can range from digestive problems, skin issues, mood disorders, and even autoimmune diseases. Identifying and addressing these sensitivities can help individuals alleviate their symptoms and get to the root cause of their health problems. In this article, we will explore the importance of identifying and addressing food sensitivities to improve overall health.

Food sensitivities are different from food allergies. While food allergies trigger an immediate immune response, food sensitivities often cause a delayed reaction, making it challenging to identify which food is causing the issue. Symptoms of food sensitivities can range from mild to severe and can include bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, and skin issues.

One of the challenges of identifying food sensitivities is that it can be challenging to pinpoint which foods are causing the problem. An elimination diet can be a useful tool in identifying this problem. This diet involves removing specific foods from your diet for a period and then slowly reintroducing them to determine if they are the culprit of the symptoms.

Once food sensitivities have been identified, it is essential to address them to improve overall health. Continuing to consume foods that cause an immune response can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate existing health conditions or lead to new ones.

Addressing food sensitivities can be done through dietary changes. By removing the offending food, individuals can reduce inflammation and allow the body to heal. In some cases, individuals may need to remove multiple foods to alleviate their symptoms. For example, someone with celiac disease may need to remove gluten, dairy, and other trigger foods from their diet to feel better.

While an elimination diet can be a useful tool in identifying food sensitivities, it may not be enough to uncover all the root causes of an individual’s health issues. Advanced testing, such as functional lab testing, can provide valuable insights into imbalances in the body that may be contributing to symptoms.

Functional lab testing can help identify imbalances such as nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, gut dysbiosis, and heavy metal toxicity. By identifying and addressing these imbalances, individuals can improve their overall health and reduce their symptoms.

As a Board Certified Naturopath, I use advanced testing to help my clients uncover any underlying imbalances that may be contributing to their health issues. By combining this information with dietary changes and other holistic modalities, we can create a customized plan to address the root cause of their symptoms.

In conclusion, while an elimination diet can be a useful tool in identifying food sensitivities, it may not be enough to uncover all the root causes of health issues. Advanced testing, such as functional lab testing, can provide valuable insights into imbalances in the body that may be contributing to symptoms. If you are struggling with health issues and suspect food sensitivities may be a contributing factor, I invite you to schedule a free call with me. Together we can create an action plan to get you back on track and feeling your best. Remember, you must know the root cause to start the healing.