Food Sensitivities and Allergies 

Did you know? 

You are not alone if you feel that some foods make you feel a bit “off”. 20% of the world's population experiences food sensitivities and at least 1 in 10 have a food allergy. Many people use these terms interchangeably however the difference between a sensitivity and an allergy are very important to differentiate. An allergy is a serious immune response that usually requires immediate medical attention. With food sensitivities it may be hard to pinpoint exactly what is causing your symptoms. 

​

Symptoms of Sensitivities:  (can present up to 72 hours after consuming)

• Pain in your stomach after eating

• Diarrhoea 

• Constipation

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Skin conditions

(The list goes on!)

​

Symptoms of Allergy: (Present immediately and considered a medical emergency)

• Difficulty breathing

• Itchy throat

• Swollen tongue

• Tingling sensations - lips, mouth, tongue and throat

• Wheezing or Coughing

• Dizziness

• Paleness

• Collapse

 

How can we help? 

Many people with food sensitivities recognise that something is going on but don’t know where to start. Together we can assess your diet to determine the likely foods and do an elimination diet to assess how much of a reaction each food causes. 

It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks of elimination before we start to reintroduce foods one at a time and track your symptoms. It can be tricky to navigate on your own so having someone to guide you through will be key to discovering what foods are right for you. It may be that we need to work on your gut health to have you eating these foods without experiencing symptoms.