There are a number of common reactions within the body when it is exposed to a food which causes an allergy or intolerance. It is important to understand these so that you can assess any improvements over the coming weeks.
1. Fatigue
Can be linked to an over-active immune system constantly being taxed by the consumption of intolerant foods. Fatigue can also be the first alert to a food intolerance.
2. Headaches
Can become a recurring problem in those experiencing allergic reactions to food. These may range from mild right up to full-blown migraines that require medical treatment.
3. Skin reactions
Common skin problems such as eczema, acne, or irritation may be reduced or prevented through elimination of intolerant foods.
4. Weight gain
Food sensitivities can result in malnutrition, as the body no longer absorbs the nutrients correctly and expends more of them to keep up with the immune response. The body will naturally crave more food to replace the lost and expended nutrients, and with the over consumption of calories, we see subsequent weight gain.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition of the digestive system. It can cause bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but most experts agree it’s related to an increased sensitivity of the entire gut, which can be linked to a prior food-related illness.
This may be caused by a change in your body’s ability to move food through your digestive system, or may be due to you becoming more sensitive to pain from your gut.
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term mainly used to describe two diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are long-term (chronic) diseases that involve inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (gut).
7. Respiratory Disease
There is medical research to suggest that food we eat can have an impact on airway conditions. Allergic airway disease may be due to food intolerance, moulds, and chemicals such as preservatives and food dyes, as well as airborne allergens. Typical problems are asthma, hay fever and sinusitis.
These intolerances represent more load on the body, with the air passages are a target for a system weakened by the elements.
Hopefully this has highlighted just how important the digestive system is, and how it can be linked to many common illnesses and symptoms.
Today, think about how your own health has been or currently is being impacted by the food you eat.
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