During my time in college, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. I sought medical help for stomach cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Yes, I’m completely open with you! Discussing bowel movements doesn’t faze me anymore, especially since I have two boys at home and years of conversations about stool size, consistency, and color with my patients. Our bowel movements provide valuable insights into our health, so it’s crucial that we have these discussions.
Out of all the symptoms I experienced, persistent bloating bothered me the most. I absolutely despised it. It made wearing pants uncomfortable, and dresses were out of the question. I couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause; unfortunately, the doctor I consulted was also uncertain. Hence, the diagnosis of IBS often serves as a catch-all term for “you have gastrointestinal symptoms, and we have no idea why.”
However, later on, while studying naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, I finally discovered the root cause of my gastrointestinal issues through IgG food allergy testing and a stool analysis. It turns out that Greek yogurt and hard-boiled eggs were not the best foods for me. I had allergies to dairy and eggs, along with candida (yeast) overgrowth. Once I eliminated dairy and eggs from my diet for six months, cut out sugar for a solid month, and healed the lining of my intestines, I experienced a 90% reduction in symptoms. To this day, I remain symptom-free, unless I consume a large amount of dairy. Unfortunately, pizza is not my friend!
Unveiling the IgG Food Allergy Test: A Window into Delayed Reactions, Symptoms, and Sensitivities
So, what exactly is an IgG food allergy test? This test allows me to identify which foods trigger delayed allergic reactions, occurring anywhere from three hours to three weeks after consumption. The test I utilize examines 96 different foods, checks for the presence of candida, and requires a simple finger prick.
So, what exactly is an IgG food allergy test? This test allows me to identify which foods trigger delayed allergic reactions, occurring anywhere from three hours to three weeks after consumption. The test I utilize examines 96 different foods, checks for the presence of candida, and requires a simple finger prick.
Symptoms of food allergies may include diarrhea, gas, bloating, fatigue, brain fog, inattention, joint pain, headaches, migraines, skin rashes, and even anxiety and depression. These symptoms result from systemic inflammation, which occurs when an IgG antibody binds to a food protein in the bloodstream (often due to intestinal permeability—a topic I will discuss in a future blog; it’s quite complex!).
In contrast, IgE food allergies elicit immediate reactions such as hives and swelling. Allergists typically conduct IgE skin prick tests to identify these food allergies. Most patients with an IgE allergy carry an epi-pen for safety.
Food sensitivities, on the other hand, are usually caused by a lack of specific enzymes, such as lactase, to break down particular food components like lactose (found in dairy). Symptoms of food sensitivities typically include diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, abdominal cramping, nausea, irritability, and headaches. Since sensitivities are challenging to test for, I usually recommend eliminating the suspect food for 2-3 weeks and then reintroducing it while carefully monitoring symptoms.
Unraveling Candida: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment
Candida is a type of fungus or yeast that naturally resides in the intestines at a low level. However, when its population increases, it can lead to an infection known as candidiasis. Candida overgrowth is a common issue and actually the most frequent cause of fungal overgrowth in humans. Factors such as high-stress levels, antibiotic usage, excessive sugar intake (including alcohol and simple carbohydrates), oral contraceptives, diabetes, or a weakened immune system can contribute to the overproduction of candida in our gastrointestinal tract.
Typically, probiotics, also known as “healthy bacteria,” maintain candida levels at a low level. However, when the balance of gut microbiota becomes disrupted, often due to stress and antibiotics, candida can thrive and take over. (Read more about the microbiota in my other blog post!) This imbalance is not beneficial.
Classic symptoms of candidiasis include bloating, fatigue, and brain fog. Additionally, candidiasis can be associated with chronic yeast and sinus infections, as well as joint pain.
Treating candidiasis involves following an “anti-candida” protocol, which focuses on starving the candida (usually by eliminating ALL sugar for 4-8 weeks), using botanicals to eliminate excess candida, incorporating robust probiotics, and utilizing other gastrointestinal herbs to aid in healing the gut lining.
Empowering Transformation: Unveiling the Path to Long-Term Wellness for Your Body and Mind
While addressing GI symptoms is a gradual process that can take 3-6 months, the ultimate outcome is a healthier body and mind, which is certainly worth the wait.
In my practice, I have been conducting IgG food allergy testing and stool analyses for 15 years. Time and time again, I have witnessed the benefits of obtaining concrete answers on paper rather than “guessing” at the underlying issue. I understand firsthand the immense discomfort that GI symptoms can cause, both physically and emotionally. Finding the root cause sooner allows you to regain your true self and start feeling better.