What is a food sensitivity?
It is similar to a food allergy in some ways, as it creates havoc in our bodies. Food sensitivities tend to be more subtle and involve IgG antibodies. Food allergies are more blatantly obvious and involve IgE antibodies. Many folks get food allergy tested, and the results are negative. This is because the food substance does not illicit an IgE antibody response. Nonetheless, you can have a sensitivity to a specific food, such as wheat or dairy, and feel IIall of the nasty effects. Wheat and dairy sensitivities can affect digestion (bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, heartburn).
I see many patients who come in with sinus allergies (typically dairy is the culprit here) and post-nasal drip. They blame it on pollen, but in February there is not much pollen in the air! Of course there can be environmental allergies too (another blog topic!).
I order food sensitivity testing through Vibrant America. I would typically discuss symptoms the patient is having at their appointment for acupuncture, and go through the required steps. But pretty simply, I order the testing kit which tests for over 200 different foods I chose this testing method, as it is quite sensitive. It tests on a peptide level (as opposed to the whole protein). Other brands out there will not use this method and there are many false negatives. I know this from personal experience. When I did the Vibrant America blood test for Food Zoomers, it came back positive for food sensitivity for many different foods. With this valuable knowledge, I have been able to avoid the TRUE OFFENDERS and have successfully lost my sinus allergies, post-nasal drip, IBS symptoms, eczema, and most importantly BODY ACHES, especially my feet and low back!
I cannot recommend this highly enough. If you can use FOOD AS MEDICINE, rather than take medications (I took Nexium for over 15 years!), you can make a better and more educated choice for diet! Contact me today to make an appointment.
Kathy Martin
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