Let's start with digestion because many of you who are experiencing food intolerances are most likely having gastrointestinal symptoms. Firstly what are some symptoms you might be experiencing as a result of a food intolerance?

Borborymus

Funny name meaning growling or gurgling stomach. It is like a hungry, growling stomach but patients often get this even when they are not hungry and it can be so loud, people around can often hear it.
It occurs when there is a disruption in the microbiome and organisms are fermenting food and creating more gas. The sounds come from the liquid juices, food fermentation and gas moving within the digestive tract.

Flatulence

Passing gas is normal in most people but excessive amounts can be a sign of a digestive problem. A healthy microbiome with balanced organisms will ferment food but when the balance is out, more fermentation will occur.
Changes in gas smell and production also occur with changes in fibre, sugars and stress changes.

Abdominal Pain

Pain can come in different forms ranging from sharp, twisting, cramping, stabbing or just a dull inflamed feeling. If abdominal pain is severe and consistent, patients should seek further assistance to rule out dangerous conditions but if nothing is found, it could be due to food intolerances and changes in the microbiome.

Abdominal Bloating

Bloating usually occurs when gas is trapped inside parts of the intestines. There can be conditions like ascites where fluid accumulates but this is a more severe condition that would have other findings such as renal function decline.
Mostly commonly bloating from trapped gas is caused from reduced enzyme production, low stomach acid and changes in bacteria balance.

GALT Immunity and Food Intolerances

The Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is a large lymphatic system throughout the gastrointestinal tract which plays a major part in the healthy immune response of the body.
Typically pathogens stimulate an IgA or IgG immune responds on the mucosal lining within the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract to trigger an appropriate immune action. The lymph holds fluid that is an important part of the immune system. Furthermore it contains a high number of white blood cells ready for an optimal immune response against infections.
With damage, inflammation and inappropriate responses, the GALT system can become over stimulated due to the inflammation. Foods then trigger an inflammatory or stimulatory reaction which results in an intolerance.
Naturopathic medicine has long acknowledged the importance of a healthy digestive system for whole body health.

How to Overcome Food Intolerances

In short, the secret to overcoming food intolerances lies in the digestive system of optimal digestive function. Usually this is not as simple as taking a probiotic or modifying our diets, but occasionally it can improve with these simple steps.
More often than not, it involves eradicating opportunistic bacteria such as klebsiella pneumoniae or streptococcus species. It can also be caused from fungal infections throughout the digestive tract such as candida species or Rhodotorula species.
After removing overgrowths of undesirable organisms, focus is directed to optimal enzyme and bile production. Together with a healthy, solid foundation diet which promotes healing and reduction in inflammation, intolerances start to reduce.

Do you need to investigate your food intolerances or start working on overcoming intolerances? Get in touch and take control of your health now.