What to do about food allergies: acute allergy versus chronic food sensitivity

Solving the puzzle of hidden food allergens

Food sensitivity affects a great many people's lives and produces all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms. Here we will take you through the world of food sensitivity — what causes it, how it presents, and what actually helps.

First, what is food sensitivity (IgG4)?

Food sensitivity is essentially an individual's difficulty digesting or processing certain foods or ingredients. When you eat the same food over a long period, it accumulates and gradually produces discomfort. Note the words "over a long period" — because this does not produce an immediate immune reaction, it is easily overlooked. Common foods include milk, eggs, gluten and nuts.

Identifying the foods that do not agree with you:

Recognizing food sensitivity can be difficult, because symptoms differ from person to person. Watch for problems involving mood, digestion, skin, breathing, fatigue, joint pain and headaches. Research indicates that roughly 15 to 20% of the population is troubled by these over the long term [1]. Symptoms come and go, and when a visit to the doctor only relieves them temporarily, it may well be because you keep eating something that does not agree with you while your body expresses its discomfort through one symptom after another. It is rather like being in a social setting that does not suit you: everything feels awkward, and your body keeps telling you to leave.

Why food sensitivity develops:

There are many causes, such as an overly narrow diet over a long period, too much processed food, too little fruit and vegetables, or an imbalanced gut microbiome. Between 50 and 80% of people experience long-standing discomfort from some food [2-4].

What to do once you know:

Rather than managing food sensitivity, think of it as living alongside it. These approaches help:

An IgG4 food diary:

1. Food choices: build meals around whole foods and cut out junk — processed food and artificial additives
2. Food diary: record what you eat and the symptoms that follow, look for the pattern, and identify the foods that trigger discomfort.
3. Eliminate one at a time: use a four-day rotation or temporarily remove a suspected food and see whether symptoms improve, to identify the likely allergen.
4. Food labels: read ingredient lists carefully to avoid hidden allergens and triggers.
5. Substitutes: find suitable replacements so your diet stays balanced.
6. Supporting nutrients: consider enzymes or probiotics, which aid digestion and ease symptoms.
7. Professional advice: consult a dietitian or functional medicine practitioner for individual guidance and a tailored eating plan.

Food sensitivities do not have to run your life. By understanding the causes, identifying the triggers and adopting practical strategies, you can take back control of your health. Listen to your body, seek professional support, and make informed food choices. Leave the trouble that food sensitivity causes behind.

"Live alongside your food sensitivities and live better for it."

References:

[1] Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance. Lomer MC Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;41(3):262. Epub 2014 Dec 3.

[2] Self-reported food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS are common and associated with more severe symptoms and reduced quality of life. Böhn L, Störsrud S, Törnblom H, Bengtsson U, Simrén M Am J Gastroenterol. 2013;108(5):634.

[3] Irritable bowel syndrome: the role of food in pathogenesis and management.

Hayes PA, Fraher MH, Quigley EM Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014;10(3):164.

[4] Perceived food intolerance in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome-- etiology, prevalence and consequences. Monsbakken KW, Vandvik PO, Farup PG Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006;60(5):667.