3 Ways To Take A Load Off IBS

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain and cramping, changes in bowel movements, and other symptoms. Some of the other symptoms include urgency to go, bloating, fatigue, and weight gain. There are typically two causes of IBS. Food sensitivities or allergies and an overabundance of pathogenic bacteria in the GI tract. Most people suffer for years or even decades with these symptoms and are unable to find the help they need. The prevalence of food allergies in our population is on the rise with almost 70% of adults and 50% of teens suffering from mild food allergies or food sensitivities.

1. Take the test.The Olive Leaf offers simple blood tests to screen for foods your body may react with in a less than ideal way. It’s simple and quick! Armed with the knowledge of what your body’s intolerance’s are, can be the first step to a better, healthier you!

2. Rotate your diet. A rotation diet is used to identify mild food allergens and sensitivities. Typically this is started by eating biologically related foods one day, then waiting several days to consume those foods again. This is done because it has been shown that most sensitivities may not manifest immediately or even the same day as the consumption. This can help identify the culprit foods that have been wreaking havoc on your gut all along. For more information on starting a rotation diet click here.

3. Avoid trigger foods. When you do identify the foods that cause symptoms related to IBS. It is important that you try to avoid consuming them. Planning ahead is the key. Whether it is eating out or meals at home, always know what your options are and stick with them. Your body will thank you for it!

Food Allergy, Food Sensitivity, and Food Intolerance: What’s the Difference?

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Food allergies are typically diagnosed when a person is younger, but today more physicians are realizing that just because a person isn’t “allergic” doesn’t mean they aren’t sensitive to particular foods they eat. There is a lot of conflicting information regarding food allergies, food sensitivity, and food intolerance. So, we are here to set the record straight. If you think the food you eat is causing an adverse reaction, visit The Olive Leaf clinic today. We can test you for any food allergies and sensitivities and help you find what foods are causing your issues.

What is a Food Allergy?

Food allergies manifest early on and usually appear suddenly. When a person eats a particular food, such as strawberries, they have a reaction immediately. All it takes is a small amount of food to trigger a food allergy— for some people just touching that food can result in a rash or difficulty breathing. People with food allergies will have reactions to foods every time they eat them and if the allergy is severe enough, it can be life threatening.

What is a Food Sensitivity?

Food sensitivities occurs when you have an unpleasant reaction to particular types of food. You won’t break out in hives or have difficulty breathing. Instead, you may suffer from acid reflux, nausea, or even have cramps. A food sensitivity is not a response from your immune system like food allergies are, and the reaction doesn’t always occur every time you eat the food either.

What is a Food Intolerance?

Food intolerances mean your body lacks a specific enzyme to help breakdown the foods you eat. For example, if you are intolerant to dairy or celiac (gluten), you have an autoimmune disorder that does not allow your body to digest the foods you’re intolerant too. The reactions from a food intolerance can vary. Some patients suffer from malnutrition, severe stomach problems or even joint pain. If you’re intolerant to a particular food, you should avoid it. While it might not be life threatening, continuing to eat a food you’re intolerant to could lead to other life-threatening conditions.

Why Are They Confused?

A food intolerance and food sensitivity are the most confused terms. They share similar symptoms — nausea, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, etc. People with food sensitivities can still eat particular foods, but may have adverse reactions. People with a food intolerance, however, should avoid those foods at all costs.

Which Do I Have?

The best way to tell what you have is by getting a food sensitivity or food intolerance test. The team The Olive Leaf can run a sensitivity and intolerance test to identify what foods are triggering your symptoms. By omitting these foods from your diet, you may start to feel better and you’ll notice a significant improvement in your condition within a few weeks.