As we age, it’s not uncommon to develop allergies and intolerances. Often these intolerances are improperly diagnosed or undiagnosed entirely, and the sufferer is simply resigned to accept these new bodily changes as a result of “getting older.” It may surprise many folks that they can attribute their lack of energy, their digestive discomfort, or their chronic inflammation on a common food allergy they have recently developed.
Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy
Food intolerance evaluation can identify foods that may be causing irritation in the body. The test is remarkably quick and easy; a small amount of blood is collected from a finger prick and then put in contact with a variety of foods. A measurable reaction is observed. This is different from food allergy testing in several ways. Food allergy testing (either skin or blood) is only evaluating your immune system’s reaction to foods. It can be unreliable depending on the state of the individual’s immune system. Most people can identify frank allergies as their reactions are more immediate and severe in nature.
A food that is not tolerated, may not be digested or broken down properly, which causes a chronic irritation in the body.
Reactions to these foods can take weeks or months to accumulate and become obvious symptoms. They may also continue to create low levels of inflammation that constantly disrupt optimal body function without any outright symptomology.