Food Allergy or Intolerance? Lessons From one Person’s Struggle with Gluten

Food Allergy or Intolerance? What’s The Difference?

There are two negative ways certain foods can affect us. Either we have an allergy or an intolerance / sensitivity. Food allergies can be life-threatening and are an immune system response whereas a food intolerance is more of a digestive issue. Although I do not have celiac disease per se, my body has developed an intense allergy to gluten that manifests in an immune response so severe that I struggle to breathe. I also have food intolerance which translates into bloating and upset stomach any time I ingest dairy or grains, but nothing life-threatening.

Why Are So Many Either Allergic or Sensitive to Certain Foods?

Science points to the gut microbiome playing a big role – and there are several factors that trigger an imbalance in gut flora. The most common are over-consumption of processed foods and exposure to the pesticide and herbicide, glyphosate (a.k.a. Roundup). Both are known to cause inflammation and can even disrupt the blood-brain barrier, setting the stage for autoimmune issues and dietary sensitivity to take hold. Allergic reactions or sensitivity to specific foods, pollens, and environmental toxins are our natural immune response, and affect many of us more and more as we age and have a greater accumulated exposure to toxins and non-food “foods.”

Most of us have never really taken the time to figure out whether we have any food sensitivities or allergies. Western medicine teaches us that if we have a bodily response to foods we eat, we should take a pill to stop the symptom, and keep eating. For me, that western lens created the space for all my diseases to be large-and-in-charge, robbing me of my physical freedom while causing me to live in constant pain. Once I “got conscious” about my life choices, which included being mindful of the foods I ate, the supplements I took, and my overall self-care, I was able to manage my health to live optimally.

So, What Can You Do to Protect Yourself When You Suspect (or Know) You Have a Food Allergy or Sensitivity?

Stop ingesting that food and see how you feel. If you feel generally better, and your symptoms go away, keep going and simply don’t eat that food or foods that contain that ingredient any longer. If you so desire, get a skin-prick test at your doctor to confirm sensitivity to that particular food and/or similar foods. Make sure that IF and WHEN you dine out, you communicate dietary sensitivities and allergies to the establishment.

If you get an inkling that the staff doesn’t believe you, or that your concerns are being brushed under the carpet, simply ABSTAIN. Order a hot tea or a side dish you know to be safe. And don’t worry if the staff treat you like you’re just being “difficult.” Your body will thank you later. Dine at restaurants and establishments you know to be mindful. Do a little research. Read reviews. Call ahead and ask a few questions. And, when you find a restaurant or establishment that treats you right, make sure to write a positive review so you can pay it forward to their next sensitive guest. Yelp can be your friend.

There are times when eating out presents itself as an obligation, and bowing out simply isn’t an option. Sometimes I call just to be certain I can make substitutions and to confirm the restaurant staff is comfortable with (and accustomed to) handling guests with dietary restrictions. If they seem blasé, or have to put me on hold to ask someone else about my restrictions, I play it safe and eat at home. I can always join the celebration or event fashionably late, choosing my health first and not risking consumption of potentially hazardous (to me) foods. When in doubt, trust your gut and don’t imbibe.

Taking a precautionary digestive enzyme has also been known to support your body in the event of a food-related issue and is a great complement to eating out. Take your enzymes 30 minutes before eating food for optimal effect.

If you find that even with your best efforts, you still experience a food issue, organic hemp CBD balm can offer much-needed pain relief. I also find that daily consumption of bone broth helps to calm the stomach while providing ample collagen to support your gut lining. Rest and keep drinking plenty of fluids to push the toxins out. Adding near-infrared sauna is also very helpful in supporting your body’s natural detoxification process through sweating.

In closing, I’d like to just say this.

They say one bite can mess up your gut flora for a year, which shows how any of this can be a large-scale issue. I’m four months in and feeling better each day. With mindful practice, good whole foods, and a few supplement aids, I’m doing everything I can to lessen that year. My advice to you is simple. If you suspect a food allergy or sensitivity, do yourself a favor. Figure it out now — and then offer your body the same chance to heal so you can live your best life for the days, weeks, and years to come.

Want to know more about Paleo Boss Lady?

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