Allergies and sensitivities are only just starting to get the attention they deserve from care providers. At Functional and Metabolic Medicine of Colorado, we don’t underestimate the role that having allergies or sensitivities to certain foods can play in a person’s overall health picture. Many people live for years with digestive, skin, cognitive, mood and pain issues without realizing that they are experiencing flare-ups caused by specific foods, ingredients or byproducts. Dr. Susan Sipay views checking for allergies and sensitivities to be a routine part of the diagnosis process when a patient is experiencing symptoms. The connection between food allergies and autoimmune diseases leaves no room for ignoring symptoms that can cause long-term damage when left unaddressed.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergies and Sensitivities

While the early warning signs tied to allergies and sensitivities for most people tend to be gastrointestinal symptoms, there’s essentially no limit regarding which systems of the body can be impacted. Untreated allergies and sensitivities can severely damage the digestive tract over time. They can also create pain and inflammation throughout the body. In addition, many people suffer from chronic “brain fog” when they are exposed to allergy triggers. Common signs and symptoms of food allergies and sensitivities include:

  • Rashes.
  • Hives.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Stomach cramps.
  • Bloating and gas.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Itchy skin.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Chest pain.
  • Swelling of the airways to the lungs.
  • Heartburn.
  • Headaches.
  • Irritability or nervousness.
  • Acne.
  • Fatigue.
  • Depression.
  • Joint pain.
  • Migraines.
  • Weight changes.

We also know that certain allergies may ultimately trigger autoimmune diseases. This results when the immune system is activated to respond to a foreign substance in the body. We see this very frequently in cases where people who are allergic to gluten eat gluten. The immune system may attack healthy tissue that it incorrectly identifies as an invading substance. A condition like celiac disease that is both a digestive and autoimmune disorder is an example of this.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re living with constant digestive or skin flare-ups, it’s time to speak with a doctor about identifying the potential underlying cause. A simple test is often all that’s needed to confirm suspicions. While most care providers don’t prioritize allergy testing, this is something that we see as being an integral part of helping a patient to get a better understanding of what is happening with their body. Being tested for allergies and sensitivities can help you to create a lifestyle plan that cuts out foods and substances that are acting as triggers for your symptoms. The ability to rule out an allergy or sensitivity using testing can also be valuable for moving forward to find the true problem.

Causes of Allergies and Sensitivities

The most common triggers for allergies and sensitivities are milk/dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish and nuts. It’s also possible to be affected by dyes and additives used in foods. While foods and substances trigger allergic responses, it’s actually the body’s immune system that creates destructive symptoms as it fights off a substance that it has deemed to be a “danger” by releasing antibodies.

Risk Factors for Developing Allergies and Sensitivities

It’s not fully clear why some people develop allergies and sensitivities. We know that a family history of allergies and sensitivities increases your risks for developing them. You’re also more likely to develop an allergy if you have an existing allergy. For instance, children who have eczema in early life are more likely to develop food allergies. Asthma and food allergies often occur together.

Get Help for Allergies and Sensitivities From a Functional Medicine Doctor Near Denver

You don’t need to live in misery if you’re experiencing symptoms that you believe may be tied to allergies and sensitivities. This is a case where ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. Allergies and sensitivities can result in autoimmune diseases that require specific management. Book your appointment for allergy testing today by calling (720) 791-2911, emailing sipaymd@functionalmetabolicmedicine.com or contacting us online.