Reaction to food Symptoms

Reaction to food Symptoms

Reaction to food symptoms, are often referred to as intolerance or hypersensitivity. This pattern of Reactivity goes beyond the classic allergy pattern, and includes a range of adverse reactions that may not involve the immune system.

Symptoms of Reactivity may include digestive issues, skin irritation, headaches, and more, and appear hours or even days after exposure.

This range of symptoms, inconsistent patterns, and different triggers make reactivity a complex phenomenon to diagnose and manage.
In this blog post, we explore the nuances of reactivity, its symptoms, distinctions from allergies, and effective strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

Reactivity vs. Allergy: Highlighting the Differences

Non-Immune Response:

Reactivity involves adverse reactions without necessarily engaging the immune system. Unlike allergies, there are no specific immune indicators, making diagnosis challenging. As mentioned before, symptoms of Reactivity may include digestive issues, skin irritation, headaches, and more, and appear hours or even days after exposure.

Inconsistency:

Reactivity is  less predictable because it may not occur every time. Factors like the amount of exposure, individual sensitivity, and environmental conditions contribute to its unpredictability.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing reactivity requires a process of elimination, symptom diaries, and being overseen by healthcare providers. It lacks the clear markers associated with allergies.

Timing:

Symptoms may not occur at the time of exposure, adding to the complexity of diagnosis.

Treatment:

Managing reactivity involves identifying and avoiding triggers. Treatment varies and is based on symptoms and underlying causes.

Understanding Reactivity:  Let’s take A Closer Look

Example: Food Intolerance

Reactivity, sometimes referred to as a food intolerance, can result from the absence of enzymes needed for food digestion, like lactose intolerance. Here the enzyme lactase may be deficient. Symptoms may include chronic headaches, sinus congestion, digestive issues, and more.

Inconsistency:

Reactivity varies among individuals and can show up differently over time. Factors such as exposure levels contribute to its variability.

Treatment:

Identifying triggers and guarding against factors causing the issue is key.
Addressing gut health plays a vital role, as alterations in gut microbes and damage to the gut lining can contribute to reactions in various body systems.

Factors Influencing Reactivity

Inconsistency:

Exposure amount matters; a little may not trigger reactions, but higher amounts can. The concept of a threshold of tolerance highlights dose-dependent reactions.

Treatment:

Managing reactivity involves repairing the gut lining and allowing the immune system to rest. This allows the immune system to reset and helps address underlying factors contributing to the over reactivity.

Symptoms of Reactivity

Symptoms:

Reactivity symptoms range from eczema and sinus issues to digestive discomfort and mood changes. Symptoms vary among individuals, making diagnosis challenging.

Goals of a Reactivity Reduction Program

Symptom Relief:

Avoiding triggers, repairing the gut lining, and allowing the immune system to rest contribute to symptom relief.

Addressing Contributing Factors:

Optimizing digestive function,

supporting an appropriate immune response, and improving detoxification mechanisms help reset the immune system for improved tolerance.

Reducing Reactivity:

Increasing tolerance thresholds leads to broader benefits, allowing individuals to enjoy a wider variety of foods and activities without triggering symptoms.

Customised Treatment Plans: Rest and Re-Set vs. Rest and Test

Rest and Re-Set:

Suitable for mild symptoms or obvious triggers. Resting from sensitive foods, combined with herbs and nutrients, promotes gut repair and immune system balance.

Rest and Test:

Ideal for those suspecting specific triggers.
This means that strategically reintroducing foods provides detailed information on tolerance levels and helps identify specific triggers.

Common Food Groups related to Reactivity: A Clinical Overview

Observations:

Certain food groups, such as gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts, are commonly associated with reactivity. Clinical patterns help identify potential triggers.

Additional Considerations:

FODMAP foods, histamine-rich foods, and factors like digestion, microbiome balance, and immune system stimulation contribute to reactivity.

Conclusion:

Understanding reactivity is crucial for effective diagnosis and management. By exploring the distinctions from allergies, recognising contributing factors, and implementing personalised treatment plans, individuals can gain control over their reactivity and enhance their overall well-being..

Many who are not sure of why they react to foods can come in for a consultation to help identify their reactivities to foods and how to cope.

Do ring : o3 9879 9596, or book on line.

 

At Your Wellness Centre we are here to help, do contact us with any questions you might have or
you can make a booking on line for an appointment either online or for an in-clinic consultation.

We have structured programs available that will help you not only come to grips with your reactivity, but stay healthy at the same time!

 

If you want to Read more about Allergies and so see how reactivy is different you can go to:

How to reduce the effect of allergies by clicking here

 

or Learn about Allergy and Reactivity treatment program by clicking here