GOOD
Nutrition
Allergens & Elimination Diets WHEN IS IT TIME TO TALK TO A NUTRITIONIST? BY LISA KILGOUR, rhn
Do you find that some foods don’t agree with you? Are you dealing with chronic inflammation symptoms you suspect might be food-related?
F
ood intolerances or sensitivities can be quiet annoyances or full-on frustrations. And they’re really quite devious—you can react up to five days after eating that food. Do you remember everything you’ve eaten in the last five days? Nope, me neither. That’s why they’re so hard to identify. As well, it can be really hard to figure out if food is the culprit because it can trigger a whole range of symptoms, from digestive issues, to sniffling/sneezing, rashes, and inflammation anywhere in the body.
What’s the difference between a true food allergy and a food intolerance? It’s important to differentiate between food allergies and intolerances. Both usually affect the immune system, but true food allergies are much more dangerous and dramatic. With a food allergy, like peanuts or shellfish, a very small amount can quickly trigger a severe and sometimes deadly reaction. These are foods to stay away from permanently and inform all of your friends and family about.
Food intolerances are quieter. Sometimes, you can have a little bit and not have any symptoms; other times, some of your offending food sneaks into a meal and you’re running to the washroom all night. The trick with food intolerances is that the environment of your gut can play a big role in how strong your reaction is.
The role of a leaky gut Our small intestine is where most of our food is absorbed, but it requires a very delicate balance. Nutrients are absorbed through our intestinal epithelium, which is
LISA KILGOUR, rhn is one of Nature’s Fare Markets’ Registered Holistic Nutritionists. She is Board Certified in Practical Holistic Nutrition and provides free half hour one-on-one nutrition consultations in our stores. Check out the appointment schedule on page four and book your free appointment in-store today or online at naturesfare.com. Learn more: lisakilgour.com
9 | March/April 2020
