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Food Sensitivities and Food Testing Los Angeles
7Sep

Food sensitivities or intolerance is a chronic immune reaction that occurs when the immune system attacks food particles.  The symptoms (which are listed below) can be linked to many body systems including metabolic, dermatologic, respiratory, neurologic, and gastrointestinal.
Food sensitivities are often confused with food allergies, and they are different. A food sensitivity involves a reaction with the digestive system (a chronic immune reaction) and a food allergy involves an immediate immune reaction. Food sensitivities also differ from allergies in the fact that most people can eat a small amount of the food they have a sensitivity to without issue, where those with an allergy typically can’t be exposed to the food at all.
Food intolerance may develop because a person eats the same foods over and over and develops antibodies, has a leaky gut, poor body detoxification or ingests excess toxins from food or the lacks the proper enzymes that are needed to breakdown certain types of foods. The exact mechanism that causes the symptoms in a food sensitivity is not known.  The symptoms seen with a food sensitivity can be delayed for a few days after ingesting the trigger food. Some people can go a lifetime without knowing they have a food sensitivity because of the delay in reaction, as well as the vague symptoms that mirror common ailments.

Symptoms of Food Sensitivity

Symptoms of Food Sensitivity Los Angeles

There are a few symptoms that have been associated with food intolerance and sensitivity, these include:

  • Bloating
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Feeling under the weather
  • Stomach aches
  • Irritable bowel
  • Hives

Potential Food Sensitivities

Los Angeles Food Sensitivities Sugar in Milk

Some common foods that are found to cause food intolerances are:

  • The sugar in milk
  • Wheat
  • Gluten
  • Caffeine
  • Histamine (in mushrooms, pickles, and cured foods)
  • Additives (like artificial sweeteners, coloring, or other flavorings)

How to Diagnose an Intolerance

How to Diagnose an Intolerance Los Angeles

The best way to identify food sensitivities is through formal testing.   There are labs that can determine sensitivities to foods, food additives, chemicals and molds through blood testing. In addition, keeping a food journal and a record of what foods are eaten and what symptoms appear and when they occur can also help. This information can then be evaluated by Dr. Judi Goldstone at the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging who will identify which foods are be causing a reaction and develop an eating plan for you.
Some people can elect to avoid certain foods. In these cases, it is recommended that a person removes the suspected food from their diet for a set period, anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months.  During this time, if the symptoms resolve it is more likely that the food was causing the issue. Another step in this process would reintroduce the food and see if the symptoms return.
Diagnostic testing is available for determining if you have a sensitivity to foods, herbs, coloring, additives, pharmaceuticals, and environmental chemicals.
To get the help you need to diagnose and treat food sensitivities, contact us make your appointment at the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging where many patients have been successfully diagnosed and treated for food sensitivities.

chronic fatigue syndrome | functional medicine doctors LA
12Mar

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

A quarter of a century has passed since the last episode of the Golden Girls was filmed, but reruns of the award-winning sitcom can be found playing almost every day. Who would have thought that a series about four older women sharing a home in Florida would be so popular? But, it was. In fact, it won four Golden Globes and 11 EMMYS. A lot of the reason for that was that the writers and talented actors were able to not only make it extremely funny but also incorporate important storylines that deeply affected viewers.

One such memorable episode was actually a two-parter with the title “Sick and Tired” and was about chronic fatigue syndrome. Dorothy, played by Bea Arthur, had been struggling for months with what she believed to be a case of the flu that would not go away. She described how she felt as being too exhausted to get out of bed, lift her arms to wash her hair in the shower and, sometimes, even speak. She went from doctor to doctor, unable to get a diagnosis. Finally, finding someone familiar with chronic fatigue, she was able to understand what was actually going on. Even without there being a cure, simply being accurately diagnosed made a world of difference. One of the best scenes was her confrontation with a specialist who had been dismissive of her symptoms:

“Doctor Budd, I came to you sick, sick and scared and you dismissed me. You didn’t have the answer and instead of saying ‘I’m sorry I don’t know what’s wrong with you’, you made me feel crazy, like I made it all up. You dismissed me, you made me feel like a child, a fool, a neurotic who was wasting your precious time.”

The “Sick and Tired” episode was written nearly 30 years ago by Susan Harris, a television comedy writer and producer, who had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome herself. Since that time, the disorder has been given a new name, myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but there is still no known cause, diagnostic test or cure. There are theories that are being investigated and treatment recommendations for the various ME/CFS symptoms.

MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS & CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME CAUSES

me cfs los angeles

As stated, there is currently no known cause for ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is believed by many that there is a genetic component of some sort and that some people have a predisposition for chronic fatigue. Potential triggers that may be responsible for activating that trigger include:

  • Viral infections – some of those being studied as possible links include Epstein-Barr, herpes virus 6 and certain forms of leukemia viruses.
  • Impaired immune system – not nearly enough evidence to conclusively tie these together but it does seem reasonable that someone with a compromised immune system would be more susceptible.
  • Hormonal imbalances – it is known that those with ME/CFS often show abnormal levels of hormones, particularly those produced in the hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary and adrenal glands. How these are connected is currently unknown, but research is ongoing.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis may be a mouthful, but it may also be helpful to call this potentially disabling condition something that sounds more “real” than chronic fatigue, which people can sometimes dismiss as someone just being tired all of the time. Those struggling with ME/CFS experience severe and unrelenting fatigue, no matter how much rest they get, as well as deep muscle and joint pain, headaches, memory issues, depression and a host of other symptoms. It is important that they be taken seriously and that they receive treatment for their symptoms, even if there is currently no cure for their condition.
At the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging, we believe correcting imbalances and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can help with symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, while also helping to create the foundation for a healthier and happier life.
To learn more about hormonal imbalance or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.

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Holistic Health Services in Los Angeles With Dr. Judi Goldstone

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