A food intolerance is a food, a group of foods, or a combination of foods that the body does not tolerate. It does not tolerate these foods because it cannot fully break down, digest, and utilize them due to digestive enzyme deficiencies. This contributes to chronic inflammation which is now understood to be a contributor to almost all chronic diseases. A simple blood test is used to determine these intolerances. At the Portland Clinic of Holistic Health in Downtown Portland, Oregon, the team of holistic medical experts regularly uses food intolerance testing to help their patients live more comfortable lives. To request an appointment, call the office or click the online booking tool today.
When a food intolerance is eaten, that food or combination of foods will not be fully and properly digested. Instead, it will decay in the intestinal tract and create a number of toxic chemicals.
These chemicals include cadaverine(cadaver), putrescine (putrid), histamine (the allergy chemical), and many others. These chemicals interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Equally as important, these toxic chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream and cause irritation and inflammation throughout the body. Given their toxicity they contribute to chronic inflammation and these chemicals must be eliminated via the bowels, kidney, lungs, and skin.
Many symptoms that people have are the byproduct of this process affecting the weak point of their body. This may result in arthritis in one person, but another person may experience asthma or migraines even though they have the same food intolerance.
Avoiding your food intolerance is a powerful tool for healing and long-term health since the body as a whole will be able to function more efficiently, reducing inflammation, and encouraging your natural healing capabilities to work their best.
When you consume food your body has an intolerance to, it releases a series of toxic chemicals as the food breaks down in your stomach and intestines.
These chemicals interfere with your natural digestive processes and prevent your body from accessing nutrients. Your bloodstream also absorbs these chemicals, which causes irritation and inflammation throughout your body.
Food intolerance affects everyone differently. For some people, it only presents minor discomfort. For others, it may lead to more serious chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, or migraines.
Many people use the terms food allergy and food intolerance interchangeably. However, they’re two different things.
This is not a food allergy test. Food allergy tests measure the presence of an immune system reaction against foods.
Unlike food allergies, most food intolerances are identifiable soon after birth, do not require current or prior exposure to the food, and do not seem to change over time. Food allergies and other allergies typically reduce in severity or resolve when food intolerances are avoided.
Each person typically has one category of foods that they are intolerant to, for example, potato, milk, or eggs, etc. Typically each person has one combination of food that can be eaten separately but not combined together within a period of 4-8 hours. For example eggs with grains, potato with grains, fruit with cane sugars, etc.
The symptoms of food intolerance vary from person to person and because the symptoms can manifest differently in different people. You may experience digestive problems such as :
However, because food intolerances contribute to chronic inflammation, other symptoms in the body are frequently intensified and contributed to by food intolerances such as migraines and headaches, arthritis, autoimmune disease pain and inflammation, fatigue, foggy-headedness, eczema, and psoriasis.
Food intolerance testing is a screening procedure to identify one or more food intolerances. At the Portland Clinic of Holistic Health, the team uses a simple blood test.
During a food intolerance testing appointment, your provider does a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms. They also ask you questions about your diet and if you take vitamins or supplements.
After gathering this information, your doctor draws a sample of your blood and sends it to a laboratory for further review.
Unlike food allergies, most food intolerances are identifiable shortly after birth, and they don’t require exposure to food. As a result, food intolerance testing is safe for people of all ages, including infants and young children.
If you suspect you have a food intolerance, make an appointment for food intolerance testing at the Portland Clinic of Holistic Health. Request your consultation by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.