A hundred years ago, the idea of having food sensitivities would have been absurd. Even just a decade ago, the terms “gluten-free” or “dairy sensitivity” were uncommon. Most people judged without knowing what it meant or why it was important. Today, most schools are nut-free facilities, and laws have been passed to ensure proper labelling of foods. Still, many families struggle with the idea of keeping certain foods off the dinner table.
If you are someone with a food allergy you know how stressful it can be to attend any social gathering. What has triggered this development in sensitivities to food? Has our food changed so drastically that we no longer recognize it? Or have our bodies become more sensitive? Perhaps the answer is a combination of both, but given the human genome has been nearly identical for last 2000 years, it is unlikely to be a gene mutation.
Gut Physiology
The gastrointestinal tract has an intricate anatomy that requires specific conditions for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Food entering the stomach must be broken down to the smallest particle. The particles are then absorbed through the very tightly controlled cells of the stomach lining and into the bloodstream.
This first step is complicated by a number of factors:
- inadequate production of digestive enzymes
- insufficient stomach acid
- rapid transit through the stomach
In the case of a highly stressed person who eats on the go and doesn’t thoroughly chew their food, large pieces of food remain in the system and are more difficult to digest. This can damage the intestinal lining, while creating gaps that allow undigested pieces of food to enter the bloodstream.
Enter “Leaky Gut”
The immune system is used to seeing the smallest particles of food in the blood. Large pieces are extremely foreign and are attacked. Immune cells are produced to fight those specific foods, and can create this “fight” in any part of the body. This causes inflammation in muscles, joints, and skin. It will decrease focus and concentration, and will eat away at your energy and leave you feeling sluggish.
As for the remaining food in the digestive tract, water and bacteria rush in and create symptoms of bloating and gas. Over time, the repeated entrance of improperly digested foods creates a larger and larger immune response. This can result in eczema, acne, headaches, weight gain, fatigue, joint pain and even depression.
The Immune Link
Immune cells are made to identify a specific part of a food, for example, gluten. In this case a gluten sensitivity develops. Please note: Caeliac Disease is a gluten ALLERGY and these individuals will never be able to tolerate gluten.
The good news for the rest of us is that simply removing gluten for a few weeks can allow the digestive lining to heal. Proper eating habits like sitting down to eat a meal and chewing thoroughly allow the body’s natural digestive process to take place. With some time and effort, it is possible to overcome food sensitivities and get back to enjoying foods again.
To run your own individualized Food Sensitivity blood test, please read here and contact Dr. Krysten for an appointment today.