The second in a series of article on food and how they affect the way you feel.

Have you ever felt uncomfortable after eating certain foods but continued to consume them? This scenario is more common than you might think. Many people have food allergies or intolerances without realizing it, leading to persistent discomfort.

Some of them can be dangerous and subtle.

There is so much information to dive through, it took me years to get through it and devise a plan of action. One that would change and evolve as we grew.

I break it down here for you and help you get through some of the information faster, if I can help more please reach out

This happened to me and some of my family members. Fifteen years ago or so, diagnosing food allergies was challenging, and options for managing them were very limited. The rules for ingredients labels were very different than what they are now, thankfully.

I embarked on a journey to educate myself, reading books, consulting doctors, undergoing tests, and exploring various methods for solutions. It wasn’t always easy. In addition, understanding the often-unrecognized symptoms of food allergies and intolerances added another layer and made a significant difference in our lives.

When friends and colleagues began sharing their experiences and seeking my help, I found joy in assisting them. Navigating this complex information and trying new foods can be time-consuming and costly. Then there is the chore of adapting your pantry to your new diets and/or choices.

My goal is to share my insights to save you time, money, and energy.

Starting Point: Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance

Most people don’t know the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. Here’s what I learned:

Food Allergy. An allergy to a food is an immune response where the body sees ingested food as an invader, triggering the immune system to guard against it. This can cause serious reactions, such as hives, rashes, swollen throat, or trouble breathing. With a true food allergy, the food must be completely avoided, including avoiding cross-contamination with utensils or dishes.

Food Intolerance: An intolerance to a food is the inability to completely digest or break down certain foods in the digestive system, leading to symptoms like gas, bloating, and heartburn. Some people can handle certain amounts of the food by rotating the offending foods every four or so days, allowing the body to tolerate and digest it properly.

There can be others, sometimes subtle and not common so they are not typically recognized.

Identifying a Food Allergy

Determining if you have a food allergy can be challenging because no two people react the same way. Testing for food allergies can be unreliable, as people do not always react to allergens in typical skin tests. This was my experience, where testing had limitations, leading me to explore other methods.

The most effective way to identify a food allergy is through a food elimination diet, according to some experts and in my experience. This approach is to eliminate the suspected food for two weeks, then reintroduce it and observe any reactions.

It’s important to eliminate all the forms that food can be found in. For example, with milk you need to remove whey, casein, caseinate as well because they are forms of milk protein, If it’s a true allergy, consult your doctor before reintroducing the food. For example, my son’s severe milk allergy caused hives with just one piece of shredded cheese, making careful testing necessary.

Family history can also provide clues. When my father was diagnosed with celiac disease later in life, it prompted me to consider if I might have the same issue. We know that this can be hereditary so it’s a place to start if needed.

Keeping a food journal can help identify patterns. Note everything you eat and how you feel afterward for a couple of weeks. This can reveal if certain foods are making you feel bad. I know it sounds arduous, to note what you eat, it can be helpful though,

Symptoms of allergies may be surprising or unexpected.

Certain symptoms can indicate a food allergy or intolerance – and some of them might be a surprise to you. For instance, did you know that a runny nose after eating pizza might suggest a milk allergy?

Other commonly unknown symptoms of food allergies or intolerances include wheezing, headaches, sore throat, fatigue, or mental fogginess. Common symptoms that you are probably already aware of can run the gamut from stomach discomfort to anaphylaxis.

Observing such reactions in yourself or others can provide valuable insights.

Common foods that cause allergies or intolerances include gluten, milk, corn, soy, and nuts. Eliminating these from your diet can be challenging due to hidden ingredients in products. Sauces, some medications, and even certain candies can contain these allergens.

This is important when it comes to foods you purchase – especially processed foods or foods with a lot of additives. You may not realize that things like soy, eggs, or nuts are used as ingredients for foods you regularly eat. When you have a food allergy or intolerance, it’s crucial to know all of the ingredients to food you eat so be sure to thoroughly read labels.

Also, many people don’t think about how food is prepared. If you have an issue with dairy, for example, and you’re ordering salmon from a restaurant, be sure they aren’t using butter to cook it. Always ask how menu items are prepared and don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments or substitutes if needed.

Taking the Next Steps

Removing allergenic foods from your pantry and cooking routine can be daunting, especially if you love to cook. However, knowing what to substitute and how to adjust your recipes can make the transition smoother.

I have done this for clients and friends, because I know what to remove and what to substitute saving you time and money. If this is something you’d like to know more about, please reach out.

In conclusion, recognizing the difference between a food allergy and an intolerance is the first step. Several methods, including doctor consultations, allergy testing, and elimination diets, can help you determine the cause of your symptoms. Keeping a food journal and being aware of family history are also valuable tools.

I hope you find these insights helpful.

If you’d like to know more or have questions about food allergies or intolerances, please reach out to us here, info@worklesscreatemore.com. We’d be happy to help.

Thank you for reading!

Maureen Considine is Founder and CEO of Finding Your Way Coaching. A Master Coach with expertise in Income Acceleration, Business Development, Sales and Mindset, Health and Healing, she is the Wealth Health Creation Strategist for entrepreneurs, executives, and other high performers. Maureen has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing. She has helped hundreds of clients grow their businesses and reach their true potential using her unique, intuitive, and holistic approach. Maureen has a B.A. in Psychology, with training in mindset and the Psychology of Sales.