Published Nov 19, 2020

A food sensitivity describes a reaction to a certain food soon after eating it. They’re caused by our body having difficulty digesting this certain food (or ingredient within a food), causing uncomfortable, unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing symptoms. These are usually gastrointestinal symptoms but they can also include skin reactions such as itching and a visible rash. Headaches after eating can also be a sign of a food intolerance.

If you ever suffer bloating, stomach pain, an upset stomach or the need to pass excess wind, either with or without skin irritations and headaches, you may be suffering with a food sensitivity.

Also known as a food intolerance, a food sensitivity differs greatly from a food allergy. A food allergy can cause a serious allergic reaction that can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, swollen lips and even the airways closing. This can be extremely serious and can be life threatening.

Most of us know if we have an allergy to a certain food by the time we reach adulthood, and we know to take the necessary precautions. But a food sensitivity or intolerance can be harder to spot.

If we’re experiencing the symptoms of a food sensitivity, then we might put them down to overeating, overindulging or eating too quickly. But regularly suffering the consequences of a food intolerance can get us down.

Feeling uncomfortably bloated, experiencing excess wind and finding that our clothes feel tight after eating is annoying. But if we’re out eating with friends or family or we’re at our desks after lunch, it can be embarrassing.

Food sensitivities can also be draining, especially if we’re sensitive to a food that we eat on a regular basis. Constantly feeling discomfort in our stomach area, itching or suffering headaches will take it out of us and leave us feeling tired and irritable. We might suffer poor sleep and as a result, we may perform poorly at work, struggle with relationships with partners, friends and loved ones and generally feel under the weather.

Common food intolerances include sensitivities to gluten (the protein found in foods such as bread and pasta) and lactose (the sugar naturally present in cow’s milk and dairy products). But we can also form an intolerance to many other foods including certain vegetables and even some alcohols.

But once we know what foods or ingredients we might be sensitive to, we can make changes to our diet and lifestyle. We can avoid the foods that we know are going to cause our symptoms. Or, if we still enjoy them and can’t resist them, we can choose to eat them when we know we’re going to be at home or when we don’t need to be at work or out and about.

Finding out what could be causing your food sensitivity symptoms is as easy as sending a small hair sample to us in the post. We provide everything that you need and within just a few days, you’ll have your results and the nutritional advice that you need. Order your test kit today and start living the life free from discomfort that you deserve!

 


 

Written by Bev Walton

Food Writer and Nutritionist, dietician

A chef of over 35 years with experience in all types of cuisine, dietary plans, recipe development, health and nutrition. I have been writing for over 10 years for both magazines, websites and ghostwriting for ebooks, Kindle and fully published books. I have a degree in nutrition and dietetics and work with restaurants and organisations within the healthcare profession. I am also able to take high quality photographs of recipes created. No writing task is too great, and whilst I specialise in the above, I am able to write about any topic you throw at me. Member of the Guild of food writers.

Linkedin Icon 

Share This