HEALTH

Your diet and your immune system

BY DR. KALEY BURNS

EBS COLUMNIST

One of the most powerful tools for a strong immune system is your diet. Nutrition can affect the microbiome (bacteria), intestinal barrier, inflammatory processes and white blood cell function, all of which impact the immune system. But what happens when our food is working against us?

Food sensitivities are usually caused by an imbalance in the gastrointestinal system that is affecting the immune system. Unfortunately, food sensitivities are largely undiagnosed. While they are less scary than a food allergy, these highly individualistic food reactions can still make us experience unpleasant and unwanted symptoms.

Food reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to a food item that the body has mistaken as unfavorable. Fortunately, with growing awareness and food sensitivity testing capabilities, it’s easier to begin the process of identifying which foods may be connected to what you are experiencing.

Identifying food sensitivities can be a game changer when it comes to health and wellness. Symptoms of food sensitivities differ from person to person and can depend on the type of food consumed. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, unintentional weight loss or gain, asthma, bloating, sinus problems, muscle or joint pain, indigestion, fatigue, hyperactivity, rashes and acne. Common causes of sensitivities and intolerances include: lactose, whey (dairy), gluten- containing grains, food coloring/dye, sugar and sugar alcohols, eggs and yeast.

If you’re unknowingly eating foods that you’re sensitive to, you may be exposed to chronic inflammation, which may be contributing to the symptoms outlined above. Identifying your unique food reaction profile can be difficult as these are delayed reactions and can take hours to days to present. For example, if you eat bread or drink milk on Monday, you may not have a reaction until Wednesday.

This is where lab testing and elimination diets can be helpful. A simple blood test can be the key to unlocking improved immune function. A food sensitivity test is just what it sounds like: A blood test that can, through the use of biomarkers, help to determine which foods you may or may not be sensitive to.

Learning about your body’s unique food reactivity could help you enjoy your nutrition more and choose optimal foods more effectively. Thankfully, food sensitivities are not forever. You may be able to regain oral tolerance to sensitive foods once you’ve eliminated them and given the gut a chance to heal and the immune system a chance to calm down.

Dr. Kaley Burns is the founder, owner and Naturopathic Doctor at Big Sky Natural Health. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey. Dr. Burns has advanced training application of regenerative and intravenous injection therapy. She also serves as the Vice President and CE Liaison of the Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

TBD BEAVER CREEK WEST LOTS 23 & 24

GALLATIN CANYON 40± ACRES | FORESTED LAND | $2,500,000 DON PILOTTE 406.580.0155

PARCEL TBD HWY S-278

DILLON 350± ACRES | UNDEVELOPED LAND | $2,275,000 JAMIE ROBERTS 406.209.3069

PENDING

YELLOWSTONE CAMP

PARK CITY 19± ACRES | IRRIGATED FARM GROUND | $1,650,000 DON PILOTTE 406.580.0155

127 ROSE HIP CIRCLE

HIDDEN VILLAGE CONDOS 1940± SF | 3 BD + 2.5 BA | $1,275,000 SARAH RAINWATER 406.599.0154 KATIE MORRISON 406.570.0096