Food allergy and intolerance are increasing progressively. Generally speaking, allergy describes adverse reactions and abnormal responses to a food, drug or something in our environment, which usually does not cause symptoms in most people.
A food intolerance refers to a difficulty digesting certain foods and experiencing physical symptoms as a result of eating them (NHS, 2016).
Allergies can be the underlying cause or part of the problem. Any substance can become an ‘allergen’ and trigger reactions. Foods and environmental substances are known to either cause or worsen symptoms.
Allergies are often associated with many common symptoms and conditions
Very often there are more than one allergen involved in causing reactions such as – itching, swelling, sneezing, wheezing, and various symptoms. It is primarily the immune system that is affected or weakened, and may react or give rise to a vast number of complaints.
Digestive system: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloatedness, wind, heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal cramps/pain (colic), nausea, vomitting, mouth ulcers.
Respiratory system: cough, catarrh, asthma, sinusitis, blocked or running nose, rhinitis, sneezing, hay fever, breathing difficulty.
Skin conditions: rashes, irritation, eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin, urticaria (hives), ulcers.
Other associated symptoms: headaches, migraine, emotional disturbances e.g. depression, lethagy, irritability, hyperactivity, tension, tiredness, fatigue, chronic fatigue (ME), weight gain or loss, water retention/oedema, general ill-health and not feeling well.
Other signs of an allergy: dark circles under eyes, swollen or red around eyes, red ears and cheeks, itchy nose/ears/eyes, behavioural or mood changes like ‘sudden’ irritability, hyperactivity or withdrawal symptoms, changes in handwriting/drawing.
We provide a wide range of allergy & food intolerance tests to establish what you are affected by any substances
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