If you've been experiencing chronic symptoms such as fatigue, digestive problems, skin issues, or headaches, it's possible that you may be suffering from food intolerances. Food intolerances occur when your body has difficulty digesting certain types of food, and can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. If you suspect that you may be dealing with food intolerances, the Food Intolerance Evaluation Dr. Ben offers here at Portland Clinic of Natural Health may be just what you (or someone you know) needs to identify the problem and take steps towards better health.
Are Food Intolerances the Same as Food Sensitivities & Food Allergies?
No! Food intolerances are different! A food intolerance is a non-specific, non-immune mediated reaction to specific foods. According to one’s individual biochemistry and digestion, the digestive tract’s intestinal lining doesn’t recognize certain foods as nutritive, but rather as toxic or indigestible, responding with symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and many others. This also may be due to an enzyme deficiency.
Food intolerance is easily confused by the lay public with food allergies, which are immunologic in nature. Food allergy can be potentially life threatening, inducing such reactions as anaphylactic shock, whereas food intolerances usually produce more chronic, in the background, low lying states of inflammation. Food intolerance has to do with the body’s ability to sufficiently metabolize, digest, and absorb the nutrients from certain foods.
Though food intolerance is not immune mediated, the resulting inflammation is an immune response, characterized clinically by redness (rubor), heat (calor), swelling (tumor), and pain (dolor). According to Naturopathic Medicine, inflammation is actually a compensatory, protective response on the part of the organism to reestablish normal balance in structure and function, to ward off “the bad guys,” or to resolve the underlying mechanisms or causes of the disease/state/condition.
The inflammatory response, in other words, is part of the body’s attempt to heal itself, and so should not be suppressed but rather worked with and supported. Unless, of course, a much more serious condition is at hand, such as the anaphylactic shock or severe IgE- mediated food allergy.
What is the Food Intolerance Evaluation?
The Food Intolerance Evaluation we offer is not a food allergy/sensitivity test or a lab; it’s a comprehensive Naturopathic specialty that classically measure IgG & IgE antibody titers that serve as biomarkers of the level of one’s individual response to certain foods as antigenic compounds. In fact, this Evaluation is a diagnostic tool and functional Evaluation that is evaluating the body’s ability to break down and absorb certain foods.
The Evaluation assesses your body's reaction to over 200 different foods & food additives. It's non-invasive and involves a simple blood spot sample, making it a convenient and easy option for people who want to get to the root of their symptoms.
What are the benefits of the Food Intolerance Evaluation?
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Identify the source of your symptoms: The Food Intolerance Evaluation is an effective way to pinpoint the specific foods & food combinations that are causing your symptoms. Once you know which foods to avoid, you can take steps towards better health and improved quality of life!
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Improve your overall health: By identifying and eliminating problem foods, you can reduce inflammation in your body and improve your overall health. This can lead to a range of benefits, including improved digestion, better sleep, more energy, and clearer skin.
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Get a personalized recommendations: Once your results are processed & finalized, you'll review your results during a scheduled appointment w/ Dr. Ben & receive a personalized Health Plan & recommendations on how to best manage your food intolerances. This includes guidance on what foods & food combinations to avoid, as well as recommendations for alternative foods that can provide the nutrients your body needs.
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Take control of your health: By identifying your food intolerances and taking steps to eliminate problem foods from your diet, you can take control of your health and reduce your reliance on medication or other interventions.
In conclusion, the Food Intolerance Evaluation is a valuable tool for anyone who suspects that they may be dealing with food intolerances. By identifying problem foods and taking steps towards a healthier diet, you can improve your overall health and reduce your symptoms. If you're interested in learning more about the Food Intolerance Evaluation, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ben! ::
New Patients :: If you’re not already a current patient of Dr. Ben’s, click here to apply to be a new patient.
Current Patients :: If you’re a current patient of the clinic, click here to reach out to us by email to get started with a at-home test kit to schedule In-Office Blood Draw Appointment with any of our Naturopathic Doctors!
