Food intolerance is an increasingly common issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. Unlike food allergies, which can cause immediate and severe reactions, food intolerances often manifest in more subtle ways, making them harder to diagnose and manage.
In this guide, we'll explain the differences between IgG and IgE allergies and food intolerances, identify the symptoms and causes of food intolerances, and provide insights into testing and treatment options.
Difference Between IgG and IgE Allergies and Food Intolerances
To understand food intolerance, it's essential to distinguish it from food allergies, specifically IgG and IgE-mediated allergies:
IgE Allergies: Immunoglobulin E allergies are what most people think of when they hear "food allergy." These reactions occur when the immune system produces IgE antibodies in response to a specific food protein. The symptoms are typically immediate and can range from mild (such as hives or itching) to severe (such as anaphylaxis). Common food allergens include peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts.
IgG Allergies: Immunoglobulin G allergies, on the other hand, are less understood and more controversial. Some practitioners believe that IgG antibodies, which are produced in response to various foods, can lead to delayed reactions and chronic symptoms. These reactions can take hours or even days to appear and might include digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue. However, the scientific community is divided on the significance of IgG antibodies in food intolerance, with some studies suggesting a correlation and others finding no substantial evidence.
Food Intolerances: Food intolerances differ from both IgE and IgG allergies as they do not involve the immune system directly. Instead, they result from the body's inability to properly digest or process certain foods. This can be due to enzyme deficiencies, reactions to food additives, or sensitivities to naturally occurring chemicals in foods. Common intolerances include lactose intolerance (due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase) and gluten intolerance (often linked to non-coeliac gluten sensitivity).
What Are the Symptoms of a Food Intolerance?
Food intolerance symptoms can be varied and often overlap with other conditions, making a diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:
Bloating and gas
Diarrhoea or constipation
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea
Fatigue
Headaches or migraines
Skin issues, such as rashes or eczema
Joint pain
These symptoms typically appear several hours to days after consuming the triggering food, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without proper testing and guidance. Often people suspect they have an allergy, IBS or are just "exhausted" before realising it might be an intolerance to a certain food.
What Causes Food Intolerances?
Several factors can contribute to the development of food intolerances, including:
Leaky Gut Syndrome: Leaky gut syndrome, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to "leak" into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and lead to inflammation, contributing to food intolerances.
Inflamed Gut Microbiome: A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion and overall health. An imbalance in gut bacteria, often caused by poor diet, antibiotics, or stress, can lead to inflammation and digestive issues. This imbalance can affect how the body processes certain foods, leading to intolerances.
Lack of Enzymes on Gut Lining Due to Inflammation: Inflammation in the gut can damage the cells that produce digestive enzymes. Without sufficient enzymes, the body struggles to break down food properly, leading to symptoms of food intolerance. For example, a deficiency in lactase enzyme results in lactose intolerance.
How Do You Test for Intolerances?
Identifying food intolerances can be tricky, but at The Natural Balance we use several testing methods to help us work it out.
Elimination Diet
An elimination diet involves removing suspected foods from your diet for a period (usually 2-4 weeks) and then gradually reintroducing them one at a time. This method can help identify specific foods that trigger symptoms. The Natural Balance offers guidance on how to effectively implement an elimination diet, ensuring you get accurate results. This is a great place to start, especially when you already have an idea of what may be the triggering food.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can measure the levels of IgG antibodies against specific foods. While the clinical significance of IgG antibodies is debated, some practitioners use these tests to identify potential food sensitivities. The Natural Balance can provide access to reliable testing services and help interpret the results. Note that a blood test cannot identify the type of food, only measure if there are heightened levels of antibodies.
Hydrogen Breath Test
This test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after consuming a specific sugar, such as lactose. Elevated hydrogen levels indicate poor absorption and possible intolerance and is used to diagnose Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.
Stool Tests
Stool tests provide insights into your gut health, including the presence of inflammation, imbalances in gut bacteria, and digestive enzyme activity. The Natural Balance can help you access comprehensive stool testing and provide personalised recommendations based on the results. This type of testing, whilst may sound uncomfortable, is one of the most detailed and informative diagnostic test you can do, as it can reveal so much about the state of your gut.
What is the Connection Between Leaky Gut and Food Intolerance?
Leaky gut syndrome and food intolerance are closely linked. When the gut lining is damaged, it allows larger food particles to pass through into the bloodstream. The immune system may then recognise these particles as foreign invaders and mount an immune response, leading to inflammation and food intolerance symptoms.
Addressing leaky gut is crucial for managing food intolerances. By healing the gut lining and reducing inflammation, you can improve digestion and reduce or eliminate symptoms of food intolerance. Healing can be done through a blend of natural supplements and dietary recommendations designed to support gut health and repair the intestinal lining.
Can Food Intolerance Be Fixed Permanently?
The good news is that food intolerances can often be managed and even resolved through a combination of dietary changes and gut-healing protocols. A gut healing protocol focuses on repairing the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance to the gut microbiome. This may include:
Removing Trigger Foods: Identify and eliminate foods that cause symptoms. This is usually the first step in managing food intolerances.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, and turmeric, to reduce gut inflammation.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Support a healthy gut microbiome with probiotic supplements and prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, and bananas.
Digestive Enzymes: Supplement with digestive enzymes to aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
L-Glutamine: An amino acid that helps repair and maintain the integrity of the gut lining.
Herbal Supplements: Herbs such as slippery elm and marshmallow root can soothe and heal the gut lining.
How The Natural Balance Can Help
At The Natural Balance, we believe in a holistic approach to health and wellness. Our range of natural supplements, expert guidance, and personalised health plans are designed to support you in managing food intolerances and achieving optimal health. By addressing the root causes of food intolerances, such as leaky gut and inflammation, we help you restore balance and vitality.
Unsure where to start? Book a free consultation with one of our health experts. We offer personalised advice and tailored health plans to help you manage food intolerances and achieve your health goals.
Food intolerance is a complex and often misunderstood condition, but with the right knowledge and support, it can be managed and even resolved. By understanding the differences between IgG and IgE allergies, recognising the symptoms and causes of food intolerances, and following a gut healing protocol, you can improve your digestive health and overall well-being.
Get in touch with us for more information on how to take the first step towards understanding your gut health.
FAQs
What is the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy?
Food intolerance involves difficulty digesting certain foods, causing symptoms like bloating and gas. Food allergies trigger the immune system, leading to severe reactions such as hives or anaphylaxis.
What are the common symptoms of food intolerance?
Common symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, skin rashes, and headaches. These result from the digestive system struggling to process specific foods.
How can food intolerances be diagnosed?
Food intolerances can be diagnosed through blood tests measuring IgG antibodies or elimination diets where suspected foods are removed and reintroduced.
Can food intolerances be treated or managed?
Yes, food intolerances can be managed through gut healing protocols, dietary changes, and removing trigger foods which firstly helps heal and restore gut health and reduce symptoms long term. Learn about our approach here.
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Kelly Mulhall
Registered Nutritional Therapist
Kelly is a Registered Nutritional Therapist who focuses on positive physical and mental wellbeing, achieved through diet, lifestyle, sleep and exercise. Having struggled for years with IBS and hormonal imbalance, and increasingly frustrated with the lack of support and helpful advice from her GP, Kelly began her own journey of healing the body from the inside out. After seeing huge improvements she quit her job to study nutrition and focus on harnessing the healing powers of food to help other people in similar situations.
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