A food allergy is an adverse reaction to the ingestion of a particular food.
Are you reacting to food in one way or another and don’t know it? Let’s sort out how we react to various foods and the intensity with which we react.
There are certain types of reactions to food that can be delayed up to 48 hours after eating the food, so the symptoms are hard to track. These types of reactions are the IGG, or “hidden” food allergies and they are low grade or chronic type reactions.
Another way to react to foods is at several levels of intensity. Food sensitivities are less severe than food allergies, and perhaps more common. Celiac disease is the most severe form of allergy and is a reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. There is increasing evidence that celiac disease effects anywhere from 1 to 3% of the U.S. population. Celiac reactions occur in the lining of the small intestine.
And perhaps most confusing of all, is that you can react to the same food in several different ways, depending on what type of antibody you make to that food and where in the body you are reacting.
Some common signs of food allergies:
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- Dark circles under the eyes (we call these allergy shiners)
- Puffiness under the eyes
- Horizontal creases in the lower eyelid
- Chronic fluid retention
- Chronic swollen glands
- Chronic bloating and gas
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Acne, eczema, hives, itching, rashes
The tricky thing is that we can develop different types of reactions to the same foods. For example, dairy can be an IgA, IgG, or IgE reaction. Eggs, soy, and corn are other common foods that can trigger various types of antibodies and therefore react in different ways.
Find Out About Your Allergies With Testing
There are many types of antibodies that the body can make to foods and many ways the symptoms of food allergies can show up in the body. At BeWell, we’ve found that the best way to determine exactly what’s going on in the body is with functional nutritional testing. The one we most commonly test is the “hidden” reaction, the IgG antibody, that occurs up to 48 hours after a food has been consumed. These are the most subtle, and therefore difficult to track. We also offer IgA testing, which is the reaction of the lining of the intestinal tract to food.
Client Success Stories
Detox Program Helped Me Recognize Food Allergies
When I started the detox program I expected to have more of a physical change (more bathroom time, feeling hungry, etc.) but what I got was the awareness of how different foods react with my body. Once I removed processed foods and I slipped and had some….the reaction was very obvious that I ate something that I shouldn’t have. Will I totally eliminate processed food? No; however, I am more aware of the effects it will have on me, helping pass on certain things that make me feel more sluggish.D.Y., State College, PA
On the Right Track
I made an appointment at BeWell Associates to help me with my severe fatigue and sinus headaches. But a pleasant surprise after just a month on her detox program was the complete resolution of my leaky bladder. I no longer have to do Kegels or manage my water intake because she solved the cause of my sensitive bladder and fixed it! My fatigue is also much better and I’m down to half the headaches in only 6 weeks. I feel I’m definitely on the right track and happy I decided to work with the nutritionists at BeWell!K.C., State College, PA
Migraine and Food Allergy Relief
I started with BeWell last summer and wanted to see if they could help with migraines I’ve been suffering from most of my life. I’m taking the supplements that they recommended and have changed my diet. I have lost weight and no longer suffer from migraines. What’s really amazing is that I don’t crave sugar and sweets like I used to! Thanks, BeWell, you have been a blessing to me. I am now migraine free and feel the best I have in years.S.F., Centre Hall, PA
Food Allergies Gone
I am so glad that I found BeWell. They were able to test me to figure out what was going on with my body. Each of our family members received a tailored program specifically to help us. After almost a year cutting out food sensitivities, adjusting our diet, and using different supplements, we have so much more energy and are feeling great. Everyone is also so friendly and helpful!J.K., Iowa
Help with Environmental Allergies
I have been taking two doses (two pills each dose) of the Hista Eze. It has done wonders! I am leading a family hike this weekend and I wanted to thank you because without your knowledge and care I would physically not have the energy to be able to do this hike! Thank you for letting me live again and enjoy nature!A.H., Lock Haven, PA
Help for Asthma & Insomnia
What in the world is going on with this Endorphinate product? I saw a testimonial on your website so I decided to order some. It is amazing and unbelievable. I have never had anything work like this before. And like within an hour! Also, I have been taking melatonin (Designs for Health brand) and it is making an amazing difference with my asthma and fibromyalgia type muscle pain symptoms. I no longer wake up in the night needing my inhaler and it is absolutely a direct correlation to the melatonin. I no longer feel like I have a brick on my chest. (This was before I was using the Endorphinate so I know it isn’t that.) But ironically when I researched melatonin and asthma I found warnings that it can make asthma worse. I can assure you that it is the complete opposite for me. Between these two products, I feel like a completely different person and I just had to tell you. Thanks for your help!B.M., Lancaster, PA
“I Feel Young Again!” ~ Great results
I was first diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome in 2009, then lupus a few years later, and finally had a horrible gallbladder attack. I dreaded thinking what was next in this progression. Conventional medicine had not been able to provide adequate relief or prevention of “new” problems and I wasn’t caring for the invasive treatments or side-effect laden medications that were suggested, so I searched for a more holistic approach and found BeWell Associates. They were able to provide me with a detailed and individualized report on my specific deficiencies and food intolerances. They were wonderful at explaining everything, answering questions knowledgeably, and being available between sessions for questions via email. I felt like they really cared and was invested in helping and educating me. I was so relieved to find out that EVERY symptom I had, big or small, had a correlating reason in my labwork. They helped me to feel like my symptoms weren’t all in my head and to be hopeful that things could improve! I used to feel so awful and when people would say, “Wait until you’re old,” I would think to myself that I already felt “old.” After working with BeWell, I feel young again! I have my energy back, I can keep up with my young daughter, I’m a better employee, and all my symptoms are all in remission! Plus, I lost weight and feel great! I’ve gained a better awareness of my body and mood from working with Angie so I don’t believe I’ll ever backslide that far again. I’m so impressed that I’m bringing my family in for their own appointments! I can’t say enough about how it’s worth the investment! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!J.Y., Woodland, PA
Help with Autoimmune Issues
I always knew that I had severe environmental allergies and some food sensitivities but never realized the extent of these auto-immune issues. I came to learn that my form of Vasculitis is not only rare but directly connected to my allergies and sensitivities. BeWell worked extensively to pinpoint what was causing my issues. When I implemented the plan that she designed, I started to see immediate progress. My medical doctor’s plan involved steroids and nothing else. I not only believe in the holistic approach, I am living proof that it works.H.S., Bellefonte, PA
Gluten Sensitivity Solved!
I had lost hope after 7 years of going to doctors that did not listen to me when I told them that I was tired ALL of the time and that every time I ate, I felt bad. Finally, Angie solved the mystery that is the challenge of Hashimoto’s and also a gluten sensitivity. I have had amazing service and compassionate care at BeWell Associates. I do recommend BeWell at every single opportunity that I have! Thanks for making a HUGE difference in my life.L.K., State College
Way More Energy – Migraines Gone
My periods returned and became regular after one month on the program. I feel happier overall, don’t crave carbs anymore and I’ve lost 12 pounds of fat, not muscle, in two months. I have way more energy and my migraines are totally gone. All my digestive problems have completely cleared up and I’m looking forward to having a healthy baby in the near future. The cost of this program was the best money we’ve ever spent.K.A., Rebersburg, PA
Help For Pain And Food Allergies
I have lived for many years with pain and food allergy issues. Recently I was told that I have autoimmune problems, but with no answers to my question – why? Doctors just wanted to give me prescription medicines to deal with the pain. I didn’t want to go down that road of constantly taking prescriptions that only mask the problem. I know that there has to be a reason that my body is being affected the way it is. I am glad that I have found BeWell Associates to try to help me figure out all of my food allergies and health issues. Only one blood test will check for 90 different food allergies – this amazes me! So I went for the blood test, and am now awaiting the results to come back. I’m trying to have patience as I await these results. I have already noticed a difference in my health and pain issues just by cutting out some things that they advised me to stop eating. So I’m grateful for the improvements to date and look forward to knowing more in the future. Thank you BeWell!Lila S., Alexandria, PA
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