Get help with food sensitivities in Guelph
The Guelph Naturopathic Medical Clinic has over 25 years of combined experience helping people with food sensitivities in Guelph and the surrounding area. Some food sensitivities involve the immune system, while others are related to underactive enzymes in the body. The symptoms produced by the food sensitivity is dependent on the cause. Our two naturopaths can help identify various types of food sensitivities using elimination diets and blood tests. The most common food allergies and food sensitivities are listed below.
- IgE Food Allergies. Your immune system produces different types of antibodies that can react with food. IgE antibodies involve a “Type 1 immune reaction” that causes mast cells (a type of immune cell) to release histamine triggering allergic symptoms like chest tightness, itchy eyes, runny nose, hives and in rare cases anaphylactic shock. Allergists commonly test for these using a skin prick test. Naturopaths do not usually test for food allergies but can help patients suffering from allergies.
- IgG Food Sensitivities. IgG antibodies involve a “Type 2 immune reaction” that is less severe and often involves a delayed response to food. The severity of the food reaction is dependent on how innately sensitive the person is to the food, and how much and how frequently they consume the food trigger. IgG food sensitivities typically cause bloating, gas, weight gain, constipation, and diarrhea. Research suggests they may also play an involvement in weight loss, inflammatory conditions, and auto-immune diseases.
- Histamine intolerance. Some types of food contain histamine, the same chemical involved in signalling an allergic reaction. Most people have enzymes that clear histamine from the diet but some susceptible individuals can not break down histamine efficiently. Therefore certain foods can cause allergic-like symptoms (e.g. a runny nose, hives, breathing difficulties) but are not actually allergies. In addition to signally allergic-like symptoms, histamine tells the stomach to increase stomach acid causing heartburn.
- Salicylate intolerance. Salicylates are naturally occurring compounds found in plants but also include some drugs like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). For most people, salicylates provide some health benefits, however, some individuals develop allergic-like symptoms when they consume them.
- Tyramine intolerance. Tyramine is derived from certain amino acids in the body. Although found in lots of foods, tyramine is particularly high in aged and fermented food. Normally an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO), which inactivates tyramine. However, people with tyramine intolerance are unable to break it down efficiently allowing it to bind to adrenaline receptors causing migraines, anxiety, heart rate, and hypertension.
- Carbohydrate malabsorption. Some people have difficulties digesting certain carbohydrates because they have insufficient amounts of the required enzymes. People with carbohydrate malabsorption complain of gas, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Many different food sensitivities and intolerances exist and they can be caused by hundreds of different foods and ingredients. If you need help with your food sensitivities in Guelph please contact us.
Who can help treat your food sensitivities in Guelph?
Dr. Matt Gowan is a Guelph naturopath with over 15 years of clinical experience. He works with people to determine their food sensitivities. In addition, he is a professor, author, and researcher.
Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. © 2018 Guelph Naturopathic Medical Clinic. All rights reserved.