Food-related issues are not uncommon in today’s world. From sneezing to hives, digestive problems to difficulty breathing, food intolerances can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately, many people don’t know that they suffer from a food intolerance, as symptoms can be delayed for hours or even days. In this blog, we’ll talk about food intolerances and the role of functional medicine. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to manage your food intolerances and improve your overall health.
What Is a Food Intolerance?
Food intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest a particular food or food components like gluten, lactose, or fructose. An intolerance is different from a food allergy, which is a life-threatening reaction to certain foods. While many people live with food intolerances and experience mild symptoms like bloating, gas, and fatigue, others can experience more severe symptoms like joint pain, headaches, and skin rashes.
How Can You Find Out If You Have a Food Intolerance?
If you suspect you have a food intolerance, it’s essential to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They may refer you to a functional medicine practitioner who will gather information about your medical history, diet, and symptoms. From there, the functional medicine practitioner may recommend food allergy testing or elimination diets to determine which food or foods are causing the intolerance.
How Does Functional Medicine Treat Food Intolerance?
Functional medicine treats health issues like food intolerance with the goal of restoring the body’s natural state of balance and healing. Functional medicine practitioners do this by addressing the root cause of the problem. For instance, if a patient presents with a food intolerance, the functional medicine practitioner will explore the factors that may be contributing to the intolerance, such as nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, or a compromised gut lining. From there, the functional medicine practitioner may develop individualized protocols, such as dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and personalized lifestyle and exercise recommendations, to restore balance to the body.
What Are the Benefits of Treating Food Intolerance With Functional Medicine?
By identifying and treating the root cause of food intolerances, functional medicine can reduce or eliminate symptoms, improve gut health, increase nutrient absorption, boost overall health, and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, functional medicine provides patients with the tools and techniques to sustain ongoing health and wellness.
Functional medicine has become an increasingly popular approach to treating a wide range of health conditions, including food intolerances. If you’re experiencing food-related symptoms, it’s essential to speak with your primary healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. By working with a dedicated functional medicine practitioner, you can work toward finding the root cause of your food intolerance and work to restore your body’s natural balance. Ultimately, by treating food intolerance with functional medicine, you can improve your overall health and enjoy a better quality of life.