Food Hypersensitivity

An exclusive segment of the population in the United States and globally experiences food hypersensitivity, commonly referred to as chronic food allergies and sensitivities.

There is a key distinction between food sensitivities and allergies. Both are serious conditions, and individuals may experience them simultaneously. However, there is a clear difference between the two. Anna Shafer addressed this topic in an article for Health Line, stating the following:

Food hypersensitivity arises when the immune system erroneously perceives a food protein as a threat. The body's defense mechanisms, designed to safeguard health, initiate processes to eliminate or expel the perceived hazardous protein or allergen. If not addressed properly and promptly, this can lead to symptoms that may become life-threatening.

“The difference between a food allergy and sensitivity is the body’s response. When you have a food allergy, your immune system causes the reaction. If you have a food sensitivity or intolerance, the reaction is triggered by the digestive system (Shafer 2018).”

These individuals are often misunderstood and criticized for their eating habits. However, they are simply trying to manage their diet to avoid adverse reactions due to their immune system sensitivities.

Millions of individuals globally may have food hypersensitivity without being aware of it. Anaphylactic shock is often the most common way this condition is discovered. Indicators of food hypersensitivity can include digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and nausea, respiratory complications like wheezing, as well as bloating, inflammation, skin itching or flushing, hives, and eczema.

Individuals with chronic food allergies and sensitivities are at a significant risk for gastrointestinal complications and anaphylactic shock. It is advisable for these individuals to modify their diet to ensure they meet all nutritional requirements essential for proper bodily function. Upon receiving an initial diagnosis of food hypersensitivity, individuals often experience both mental and physical shock. This diagnosis necessitates an immediate adjustment in lifestyle and diet, contingent on the severity of the condition. Individuals with chronic food allergies and sensitivities face a considerable risk of gastrointestinal complications and anaphylactic shock. It is recommended that these individuals adjust their diet to ensure they fulfill all nutritional requirements necessary for optimal bodily function. Upon receiving an initial diagnosis of food hypersensitivity, individuals typically encounter both psychological and physical shock. This diagnosis requires an immediate lifestyle and dietary adjustment, depending on the condition's severity.

Understanding vitamin and mineral intake is essential for maintaining nutritional health. Eliminating a significant number of food options that previously met daily nutritional needs and replacing them with new choices and restrictions can be challenging. Such dietary changes increase the risk of malnutrition.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states, "Vitamins and minerals are essential substances that our bodies need to develop and function normally. The known vitamins include A, C, D, E, and K, and the B vitamins: thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxal (B6), cobalamin (B12), biotin, and folate/folic acid. A number of minerals are essential for health: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, sulfur, cobalt, copper, fluoride, manganese, and selenium. (NCCIH 2018)."

Malnutrition can lead to unintended weight loss, reduction in muscle mass, mental health issues, and various other physical health problems. Many individuals are typically unaware of the appropriate levels of vitamin and mineral intake. It is particularly important for those diagnosed with chronic food allergies and sensitivities to understand this information to ensure their new dietary plans are well-balanced and suitable for their needs.

For individuals managing food allergies and sensitivities, ZNutrition recommends utilizing applications such as Happy Fork, Cronometer, and Macro Factor. These tools assist in tracking daily vitamin and mineral intake, setting weight goals, and creating a diet tailored to specific dietary needs and body composition. Additionally, these applications allow users to monitor their daily progress in real time.

Happyforks.com states the following, "HappyForks is a comprehensive tool to manage your diet. It monitors your diet for several dozens of nutrients important for your health. This means more than calories and basic macronutrients. HappyForks takes into consideration individual nutrition requirements adjusted to your specific profile and objectives. From diet analysis through Nutrition Reports, Food Diary, Recipe analyzer, and database of your recipes - these features are designed to assist you in managing your diet effectively and reaching your goals (Happy Forks 2021)."

Being conscious of the types of food one can consume is, in my opinion, more of a blessing than a curse. It provides individuals with the opportunity to naturally enhance their immune system, thereby reducing the risk of contracting viruses or improving their ability to combat them if infected. This awareness also offers a valuable chance to address other health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. While chronic food allergies and sensitivities can be challenging, they can also be advantageous when approached with proper knowledge.

Written By

Ayil Ta'om

References

Anna Shafer. (2018). Food allergy vs. intolerance: What’s the difference? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/food-allergy-sensitivity-difference

HappyForks • Nutrition & Calorie Calculator. (n.d.). What it is. https://happyforks.com/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, July). Vitamins and minerals. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-minerals