Houston, TX (PRWEB) July 26, 2013 -- Most people never know that they have a food allergy until they eat a problematic food and begin to experience the unwanted side effects of an allergic reaction, such as swelling in the face or throat. Unfortunately, identifying what food has caused the reaction can sometimes be difficult; however, identifying and removing it is essential. Key diagnostic procedures can now be utilized to confirm and identify food allergies as well as food sensitivities. Food sensitivities may not present themselves physically but still trigger the immune system and cause inflammation that slows down metabolism and can cause weight gain.
What’s the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?
A food allergy occurs when the body misidentifies the proteins in a specific food as harmful. The immune system senses and rejects harmful elements, but sometimes the sensing goes awry. As a result, a seemingly harmless food becomes a hazard and provokes an immune response. Symptoms include inflammation of the skin as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. Some complications can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention such as in the case of anaphylactic shock.
A food sensitivity is far more subtle than a food allergy and the symptoms are far less noticeable. However, food sensitivities are far more common. In the case of food sensitivities, the immune system produces antibodies against components of a specific food and the interaction that follows can generate inflammation, slowing metabolism and increasing food cravings and hunger.
Recently, the public has become far more informed about food sensitivities, specifically in the case of gluten, a protein derived from wheat and other grains. Many grocery stores now offer a gluten-free section and even many restaurants offer gluten-free foods. Symptoms of gluten sensitivity include: fatigue, gas, bloating and malaise. Patients with an autoimmune thyroid disease are more likely to suffer from gluten sensitivity. Because of this, it is important that if these patients are experiencing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, they talk to their physician about getting tested for Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity.
Because food sensitivities are far more subtle, it can be difficult to pinpoint what foods are causing unwanted symptoms and problems. Because of this, The Texas Thyroid Institute is now offering a simple blood test to help with the process. In the lab, the state of the art ELISA technique (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is used to easily and accurately identify problem foods.
However, Dr. Ridha Arem, world-renowned Endocrinologist and thyroid expert, and founder of The Texas Thyroid Institute, offers patients far more than a simple blood test. At The Texas Thyroid Institute, patients are offered an array of metabolic testing as well as a diet plan, specific to their individual needs. Dr. Arem offers patients specific tips for weight loss to help them battle food sensitivities, allergies, stubborn weight gain and even food addiction.
For more information about Dr. Arem’s unique diet plan, read his newly release book, The Thyroid Solution Diet: Boost Your Sluggish Metabolism to Lose Weight, or visit his website at http://www.AremWellness.com.
Sara Burns, Texas Thyroid Institute, http://www.aremwellness.com/, 713-790-0102, [email protected]
SOURCE Texas Thyroid Institute
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