Could be a food sensitivity. Or “leaky gut.”
Many conventional physicians may not recognize “leaky gut syndrome,” but growing evidence suggests a link between “leaky gut” and numerous conditions from chronic fatigue syndrome to multiple sclerosis (MS).
What is “leaky” gut?
Researchers believe that damage to the intestinal lining causes a “leaky” gut. Increased intestinal permeability allows some bacteria, incompletely digested food and other waste to “leak” out of the intestines into the blood stream.
This, they say, can cause long-term health problems, including:
- Food allergies
- Migraine
- Lethargy and chronic fatigue syndrome
- Asthma
- Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Skin conditions such as scleroderma and eczema
- Autism
Leaky gut is caused by consuming inflammatory foods. Testing can help you determine what foods are inflammatory to YOUR gut.
Weight you can’t shed
Leaky gut, gluten intolerance and food sensitivities cause inflammation, “one of the biggest drivers of weight gain and disease in America,” according to Dr. Mark Hyman of the Cleveland Clinic. Many people who struggle with weight also have other health problems, including diabetes and sleep disorders. In many cases, avoiding the foods that aggravate these conditions provides a ton of relief.
If you’re over 40
Many people over 40 have digestive conditions such as reflux (GERD) and IBS. Stomach acid — too much or too little — is usually to blame. A leaky gut may be driving the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in your stomach. If you have GERD or IBS or something similar, it may help to take a food sensitivity test, which is likely to provide some valuable clues.
Other symptoms of food sensitivity:
| · Fatigue | · Sleepiness after eating |
| · Insomnia | · Mental fog |
| · Anxiety | · Depression |
| · Irritability | · Headaches/Migraines |
| · Acne | · Eczema & other skin disorders |
| · Weight problems | · Sinus issues |
| · Joint & muscle pain | · Constipation/diarrhea |
| · Gas & bloating | · Acid reflux |
| · Mouth sores | · Coughing |
| · Food cravings | · High blood pressure |
Food Allergy vs. Sensitivity
When it comes to food sensitivities, people get confused between food allergy and food sensitivity (intolerance). In most cases a true food allergy produces an immediate reaction, like a rash, congestion or your throat may close up. Food intolerance symptoms are subtler, and may not be immediate. Associating the symptoms with the food that caused them can be challenging. So that’s why we do food sensitivity testing.
Your “second brain” may affect your mood.
Second brain? Huh?
Your nervous system is directly connected to your gut via the vagus nerve, and it appears to be a two-way street. Ever have something happen where you get sinking feeling in your gut? It’s an odd sensation, but illustrates it perfectly.
Experts believe that anxiety and depression may be linked to many gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If you feel bad –whatever the reason — and all your doctor can offer is something for your symptoms, why not try to find the cause?
A great way to find some valuable clues is a food sensitivity test. We offer several starting at $279.
Most health insurances won’t pay for the test, so we keep our prices competitive. And you don’t need a doctor’s order to order it with us.
