Food Allergies & Intolerances

Food allergies and intolerances can present in many ways.

Do you experience any of the following symptoms?

• Gastrointestinal symptoms - abdominal pain, bloating, nausea/vomiting, wind
• Skin symptoms - itches and rashes
• Immediate allergic reaction - swelling of face, tongue, lips, throat etc, breathing difficulties, feeling faint

Allergies can be an immediate reaction or can often be a delayed reaction which can make it difficult to identify your particular trigger.

Many people feel that food allergies are the cause of their abdominal symptoms. However, true IgE antibody food allergies are uncommon. For some people, food intolerances or delayed non-IgE reactions to foods may be contributing to their symptoms. It is not easy to diagnose food intolerances and many tests are simply unreliable.

It is important not to self diagnose an allergy or intolerance. Inappropriate testing and cutting out foods unnecessarily can lead to a limited and unbalanced diet.

To provide the safest and appropriate diagnosis and management, it is important to speak to a health professional who has an understanding of these conditions.

If you think you may have a food allergy or intolerance and would like further assessment or advice then Jeanette can guide you through the most appropriate testing, if required:

What can be done?

Options include:

• Allergy testing - skin prick test or blood test
• Dietary manipulation if food intolerance is suspected (there is no clinical test for food intolerance)
• Once intolerance or allergy is identified, you will be given safe and up-to-date evidence-based advice on how to manage your condition long term