Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities can be confusing at times.  We know that symptoms can be more problematic at certain times depending on where we are with our IBD.  For some, there may be an increase in gluten and dairy sensitivity during a flare versus other times such as remission.  For others, there is a consistent sensitivity to gluten despite not having celiac disease.  Regardless, it’s important to know what food sensitivity is and how we acknowledge these sensitivities in practice.  What is food sensitivity? It’s important to note that food sensitivity is NOT the same as a food allergy.  This is because food sensitivity does not involve the immune system, unlike a food allergy.  Food sensitivities are not considered to be dangerous to the body according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.  Research has shown that up to 20% of the population has a food intolerance.  Food intolerances can be defined as lacking an enzyme or chemical and displaying difficulties digesting certain foods which are sometimes interchangeable with food sensitivities.   Since food sensitivities are not immune-mediated, meaning, they do not involve the immune system, there are no definitive tests to measure a spectrum of foods including carbohydrates, spices, and […]