At Premier Health and Wellness, we offer our patients access to some of the most detailed food allergy and sensitivity testing through Meridian Valley Lab. Often, our patients show up at our office looking for an explanation for stubborn weight problems or unpleasant symptoms like lethargy or difficulty with their gastrointestinal system.
Sometimes, patients are confused when we suggest food intolerance testing because they don’t believe they have exhibited typical symptoms associated with a food allergy. That’s because a food intolerance is different than a food allergy. Typically, a food allergy shows up with hives, trouble breathing, or itchy skin. An intolerance, however, can be harder to diagnose since the symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may be more subtle. If you suspect you may have a food intolerance, here are 5 signs you can keep an eye out for.
#1. You are experiencing extreme fatigue
There is a big difference between being tired and being fatigued. Often individuals who are fatigued don’t feel better after getting sleep and struggle to complete the necessary tasks of their day-to-day life. For many individuals who have a food intolerance, fatigue is one of the most prevalent and constant clues that something in their diet needs to change.
#2. You are gaining weight or struggling to lose weight
If you are experiencing unexplained weight gain or struggling to lose weight, this may be explained by a food intolerance. In some individuals, a food intolerance prevents their body from functioning properly and this can cause problems with weight gain and reduce the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients.
#3. You suffer from depression or mood swings
Our bodies need the food we eat to function properly. In some cases, a food intolerance can prevent our bodies from properly absorbing nutrients, leading to deficiencies. Individuals who are deficient of certain nutrients may experience depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
#4. You experience strong food cravings
Do you ever get a craving you simply can’t say no to? Do you feel like you want to eat sweets all day long? This may be a symptom of a food intolerance. It isn’t uncommon for individuals to crave the foods their bodies are not able to digest.
#5. You have acne, rosacea, or other skin problems
When your immune system feels attacked, it is going to do everything it can to make sure you know something is wrong. Often, this shows up as acne, rashes, or other skin problems. If you have tried other options for clearing up these problems, a food intolerance panel should be your next course of action.
If you are struggling with your health, feeling fatigued, or frustrated by your weight, the staff at Premier Health and Wellness can help you develop a plan for getting your health on track. To learn more about a food panel screening, click here or call 512-459-4405 to schedule a consult with the doctor.
