Understanding Food Intolerances

Testing, and Healing Strategies

Food intolerances are a common but often overlooked health issue that can lead to chronic inflammation, digestive discomfort, hormonal imbalances, and overall poor well-being. Unlike food allergies, which trigger an immediate and potentially life-threatening immune response, food intolerances cause delayed reactions, making them more challenging to identify. These reactions can contribute to systemic inflammation, elevated cortisol levels, and gut dysfunction, affecting digestion, immune function, and mental health.

To better understand food intolerances, it is essential to differentiate them from food allergies, explore how they develop, recognize their symptoms, and learn about effective testing and management strategies. This comprehensive guide covers:

  • The difference between food allergies and food intolerances
  • How food intolerances develop
  • Symptoms and their connection to cortisol, inflammation, and gut health
  • The best testing methods, including the MRT by Oxford Labs
  • Protocols for reducing inflammation and healing the gut
  • How eliminating intolerant foods benefits digestion, the immune system, and the nervous system
  • How a Functional Nutritionist can help create a personalized plan
  • The long-term benefits of identifying and eliminating food intolerances

Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerances: Understanding the Difference

Food allergies and food intolerances both involve the immune system but differ significantly in their reactions and severity. A food allergy is an immediate and severe immune response triggered by IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies. These antibodies cause the immune system to release histamines, which can result in life-threatening symptoms such as anaphylaxis, swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing. Common allergens include peanuts, shellfish, dairy, and tree nuts. IgE-mediated reactions are immediate, often occurring within minutes to an hour after consuming the allergen.

On the other hand, food intolerances involve IgG (Immunoglobulin G) and IgA (Immunoglobulin A) antibodies and result in delayed immune responses. IgG reactions contribute to chronic inflammation and can cause symptoms such as bloating, joint pain, headaches, and fatigue, sometimes appearing hours or even days after consumption. IgA-mediated reactions are more localized to the gut and mucosal linings, often leading to digestive discomfort, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike IgE food allergies, which require strict avoidance due to their life-threatening nature, food intolerances can sometimes be managed by temporarily eliminating the offending food and healing the gut.


How Food Intolerances Develop

Food intolerances can develop due to a variety of internal and external factors, including:

1. Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)

A damaged gut lining allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and inflammation. This condition, often caused by poor diet, stress, or infections, is a major contributor to food intolerances.

2. Poor Enzyme Production

Some intolerances stem from enzyme deficiencies, such as lactose intolerance, which occurs when the body lacks lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products.

3. Gut Dysbiosis (Imbalance in Gut Bacteria)

An overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast in the gut can impair digestion, increase gut inflammation, and make it harder to tolerate certain foods.

4. Chronic Stress and High Cortisol Levels

Prolonged stress raises cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, which weakens digestion, slows metabolism, and increases food sensitivities by promoting inflammation.

5. Overexposure to Certain Foods

Repeated consumption of the same foods, particularly processed foods, can overstimulate the immune system, leading to intolerance development over time.


Symptoms of Food Intolerances and Their Impact on the Body

Food intolerances can manifest in a variety of symptoms that often go unnoticed because they develop over time rather than appearing immediately after consuming the offending food.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, and nausea
  • Neurological Symptoms: Brain fog, headaches, migraines, dizziness, and chronic fatigue
  • Inflammatory Symptoms: Joint pain, muscle aches, skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis)
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Mood swings, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances
  • Immune System Disruptions: Frequent colds, autoimmune flare-ups, increased infections

Cortisol, Inflammation, and Gut Health

When the body struggles to digest certain foods, it perceives them as stressors, leading to an increase in cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol weakens digestion, slows metabolism, and triggers systemic inflammation. Over time, chronic inflammation from food intolerances can disrupt gut health, weaken the immune system, and contribute to metabolic dysfunction.


Testing for Food Intolerances: MRT vs. Other Methods

Identifying food intolerances requires accurate testing, but not all testing methods are equally reliable.

Mediator Release Test (MRT) by Oxford Labs

The MRT test is one of the most advanced and accurate ways to detect food intolerances. Unlike IgG blood tests, which only measure antibody levels, the MRT measures chemical mediators released by white blood cells when exposed to different foods. This provides a direct measure of inflammation and helps create an individualized elimination plan.

Other Testing Methods:

  • IgG Blood Spot Tests: Measures IgG antibody levels but can produce false positives/negatives.
  • Saliva Tests: Detects IgA-mediated reactions, mainly gut-related sensitivities.
  • Skin Prick Tests: Used for IgE allergies but not for food intolerances.
  • Live Blood Analysis: Observes blood under a microscope but lacks the specificity of MRT testing.

Protocol for Reducing Inflammation and Healing After Identifying Food Intolerances

Once food intolerances are identified, following a structured healing protocol is essential for reducing inflammation and restoring gut health.

1. Eliminate Reactive Foods

  • Remove identified intolerances for 6-12 weeks to allow inflammation to subside.
  • Replace them with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods.

2. Support Digestion and Gut Healing

  • Take digestive enzymes to help break down foods.
  • Consume bone broth, probiotics, and prebiotic-rich foods to restore gut health.

3. Manage Cortisol and Reduce Stress

  • Practice deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to lower stress levels.
  • Prioritize quality sleep to support immune and digestive function.

4. Gradual Food Reintroduction

  • After the elimination phase, slowly reintroduce foods one at a time to assess tolerance.

How Eliminating Food Intolerances Benefits the Entire Body

Removing problematic foods has profound effects on multiple body systems:

  • Digestive System: Reduces bloating, gas, acid reflux, and improves gut function.
  • Immune System: Lowers systemic inflammation and prevents autoimmunity flare-ups.
  • Nervous System: Enhances brain function, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep.
  • Hormonal Balance: Supports stable blood sugar, reduces cortisol, and optimizes metabolism.

The Role of a Functional Nutritionist in Managing Food Intolerances

A Functional Nutritionist plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate food intolerances by:

  • Creating a personalized elimination diet
  • Identifying nutrient-dense food alternatives
  • Supporting gut healing with targeted supplements and lifestyle changes
  • Guiding long-term food reintroduction strategies

Long-Term Health Benefits of Eliminating Food Intolerances

Avoiding inflammatory foods can lead to:
Better digestion and gut health
Reduced joint pain and inflammation
More stable blood sugar levels
Improved energy and mental clarity
Stronger immune function

By identifying and eliminating food intolerances, individuals can break free from chronic symptoms, reduce inflammation, and achieve long-term vitality and well-being. If you suspect food intolerances, working with a Functional Nutritionist can help create a sustainable plan for lifelong health.

If you are interested in learning more about the MRT food intolerance lab, or want to know how this test can help you, CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation.

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