Assessing for Food Sensitivities

Sometimes a simple allergy test will not give any results. This is because there is a difference between an allergy and a food intolerance. An allergy will usually cause a quick reaction, usually affecting the breathing. An intolerance (sensitivity) can be delayed for up to 48 hours. A food journal will help a person play detective more effectively, when trying to root out harmful hits.

The effects of food allergies or sensitivities on the brain can be exhibited in numerous ways.

Here are some of the most common:

~ADHD
~irritability
~mood swings
~depression (mild to severe) (can even create feelings of suicide)
~anxiety (mild or that seen in anxiety attacks)
~aggression
~violence
~euphoria
~anger or rage
~hyperactivity
~headaches (mild to migraine)
~extreme fatigue and sleepiness (even narcolepsy)
~inability to remember and concentrate
~listlessness
~addiction to drugs or alcohol
~autism
~bed wetting

It is not only our mental state that is affected by food allergies or food sensitivities, but our physical health as well.  If you have an allergy, sensitivity or intolerance to a particular food, it can cause a host of physical symptoms that may include some of the following and many more:

~severe fatigue
~muscle pain
~weight gain
~edema
~asthma
~itchy eyes
~aching legs
~arthritis pain
~myalgias
~palpitations
~irregular heartbeats
~fibromyalgia
~indigestion
~heartburn
~irritable bowel syndrome
~diarrhea
~constipation
~coughing
~breathing difficulties
~rashes
~chronic pain
~itching
~indigestion
~stomach aches
~earaches
~gallbladder problems
~sinus infections/irritations/congestion
~shaking
~restlessness
~restless leg syndrome
~insomnia
~autoimmune disorders
~gluten intolerance

Two very common symptoms of food sensitivity are recurring earaches seen in children and arthritis.  Eliminating the offending food, which is likely to be dairy or soy, can often clear chronic childhood ear infections.  Sufferers of arthritis can often find relief by eliminating foods in the nightshade family, such as potatoes, onions or tomatoes.