Food Sensitivity Nutritionists and Dietitians in E3B

A food sensitivity is a condition where an individual has difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and rashes. The exact causes of food sensitivities are not well understood, and the symptoms and triggers can vary greatly from person to person. However, some foods are more likely to cause sensitivities, including gluten, soy, eggs, dairy, and certain food additives like artificial colors and sweeteners.

Food allergies involve an immediate immune system response to a specific food, while food sensitivities result from the digestive system reacting to certain foods. Although both can cause similar symptoms, such as rashes and abdominal pain, allergic reactions typically occur much faster than sensitivity reactions. Allergic reactions can happen as soon as the allergen is ingested, whereas food sensitivity symptoms may appear 24-48 hours after consuming the triggering food. In severe cases, allergic reactions can impair breathing and require immediate medical attention, whereas food sensitivities rarely affect the airway and usually do not need urgent care.

Currently, there are no definitive treatments for food sensitivities. Unlike food allergies, which children can sometimes outgrow or treat with early exposure to allergens or immunotherapy, food sensitivities do not generally respond to these methods. Thus, the best way to minimize symptoms is usually to avoid the foods that trigger symptoms. In rare cases, food sensitivities may resolve on their own, but, for most people, avoiding the problematic food is the only effective long-term way to manage symptoms.

There is little evidence to support the efficacy of food sensitivity testing. Unlike food allergy testing, which measures the body's immune response to certain foods, there are few reliable methods to assess the digestive distress associated with food sensitivities. Individuals experiencing symptoms of food sensitivity but unable to identify the triggering foods, however, may benefit from elimination diets. These diets involve cutting out certain foods to determine which ones cause symptoms. Identifying the problematic foods allows individuals to avoid them in the future, ideally eliminating their digestive issues.