Allergies, Food Intolerances & Sensitivities

Eating foods that you are allergic or sensitive to creates inflammation in the intestinal lining. When the intestinal wall is damaged and undigested food or toxins are leaked into the bloodstream, an allergic immune response occurs throughout the body.

The allergic immune response in the body affects the digestive system, thus creating a vicious cycle of further potential problems, including food allergies or intolerances, environmental allergies, asthma, hives, eczema, and psoriasis.

Common symptoms of food intolerance:

• Congestion (sinus/chest)
• Headaches
• Joint aches
• Digestive issues
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Poor sleep
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Skin rashes
• Lethargy
• Mood imbalance (depression/anxiety)
• Insomnia

In order to heal the gut, it is important to eliminate the foods that you are allergic and sensitive to, but with a mixed diet, since it is often difficult to know which foods are the culprits. An elimination diet is a helpful diagnostic tool if you know which foods are wreaking havoc on your body that is causing the allergic immune response.

Remember, inflammation starts in the gut and is driven by the immune system. Always look for the root cause of the issue.

Nourishing Your Gut

The gateway to your health is your gut. The digestive tract starts in the mouth and ends at the anus. Many people suffer from digestive upset somewhere along the tract, whether it's acid reflux, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.

Your healthy gut is important because it:

• promotes immunity
• prevents gastrointestinal infections
• reduces inflammation
• regulates body weight
• synthesizes nutrients such as vitamin K, B12 and short-chain fatty acids
• protects the integrity of your gut lining

Ninety-five percent of serotonin is manufactured in your digestive system. Where there is imbalances in your gut, you may experience the following:

• IBS
• GERD
• Celiac disease
• Food sensitivities
• Food allergies
• Colitis or ulcerative colitis
• Some cancers
• Inability to lose weight
• Heart disease
• Neurological disorders like anxiety and depression
• Skin problems

Why does the gut get out of balance and toxicity creep in?

• Diet high in sugar
• Diet high in processed foods
• Diet low in minerals
• Toxicity in the foods you eat
• Years of taking antibiotics and birth control
• Eating foods that inflame the body

By strengthening your gut, adding good bacteria, denying and eliminating the problem foods, and supporting the immune system, you can reduce inflammation and the symptoms associated with it.