Unraveling the Mystery of Food Sensitivities
Get the Relief You Deserve at Gabrielle Grandell
In her practice, Gabrielle specializes in providing care and relief for individuals seeking treatment for food sensitivities through corrective digestive issues and functional medicine nutrition. Her goal is to help you better understand this common yet often misunderstood food reaction, and craft the perfect solution for your body to not only overcome it, but thrive!
Understanding Food Sensitivities
Unlike food allergies, which can cause severe and immediate reactions, food sensitivities are more subtle and delayed responses to certain foods. It is estimated that one in five people have a food sensitivity or intolerance, though it is believed the actual number could be even higher. At Gabrielle Grandell, she specializes in identifying and addressing food sensitivities to help her clients find relief and improve their overall well-being.
The Challenge of Detecting Food Sensitivities
One of the reasons food sensitivities are difficult to detect is because the body’s response is often delayed. Unlike allergies that manifest within minutes or hours, symptoms of food sensitivities may take multiple days to appear. This delay makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact trigger foods causing the reaction.
Additionally, food sensitivity symptoms are often related to digestion or the skin, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, eczema, or acne. Unlike allergies, food sensitivities do not typically result in anaphylactic symptoms like trouble breathing or loss of consciousness.
Discovering the Origins of Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities occur when the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies called immunoglobulin G (IgG) or immunoglobulin A (IgA) in response to certain foods. These antibodies recognize specific components of the food as threats, triggering a cascade of inflammatory reactions in the body.
To identify whether your body is producing IgG or IgA antibodies, I offer specialized blood work in my office and also have the ability to ship kits out to have drawn elsewhere or at home by dried blood spot. Alternatively, an elimination diet can also be employed. During an elimination diet, clients systematically remove and then reintroduce specific foods to track their body’s response. This process helps identify which foods may be causing sensitivities.
The Most Common Food Sensitivities
While food sensitivities can vary from person to person, gluten is one of the most prevalent culprits. Unfortunately, it often goes undetected because there is more focus and testing for the severe autoimmune condition known as celiac disease. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, can trigger immune responses in many individuals, leading to symptoms such as bloating, brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues.
In addition to gluten, I frequently encounter food sensitivities to other common items such as citrus fruits, dairy, nightshades (e.g., bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplants), soy, tree nuts, and more. Identifying these sensitivities can be a crucial step towards improving your overall health and well-being.
Contact Her for a Free Consultation
If you suspect that you may be experiencing food sensitivities or have any questions, I invite you to take advantage of my free 20-minute consultation. Call (817) 715-0512 to schedule a conversation with an experienced practitioner, who can provide the guidance and support you need on your journey towards better health.
Don’t let food sensitivities hold you back any longer – reach out to me today!
