Food intolerances or sensitivities can cause a slew of health issues, from fatigue and bloating to headaches and brain fog. While these clinical symptoms are problematic on their own (and not to mention uncomfortable), they can “also prevent us from living a healthier life because they changes our motivation and energy level,” aka, cause unintended weight gain or prevent us from reaching our goals, Dr. Amy Lee, board certified doctor in internal medicine, medical nutrition and obesity medicine and partner of Nucific, explains.
“For example, if we were motivated and energized, the likelihood of staying compliant with eating better or moving more is much higher,” but if we’re experiencing symptoms of a food sensitivity to things like preservative, gluten or dairy, we may be thrown off our game.
Additionally, “unidentified food triggers frequently produce a feeling of lethargy and fatigue, making exercise quite challenging,” general family practitioner Dr. Yelena Deshko, ND explains.
If you’re starting on a weight loss program this January, you should be aware of how your sensitivities to common foods may negatively impact your progress. Doctors warn that things like process foods that contain a lot of preservatives and additives, are among the foods you may be consuming daily that may be causing things like constipation or stomach pain. Although we will discuss some common sensitivities below, the best thing our health experts say you can do is to have your unique sensitivities or intolerances assessed through a medical professional who uses lab testing or an elimination diet.
Processed Foods
“With today’s processed and convenient foods created by the food industry, one commonality is that it can be stored for a long time on the shelf, which contributes to lower costs,” Dr. Lee warns.
The preservatives and additives these foods contain can result in clinical symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, headaches, cramping, or even constipation.
“Inflammation in the body can cause the body to retain water and bloat, which slows down the absolute weight loss for an individual and it can be very discouraging,” she explains.
Lactose intolerant
“People that are lactose intolerant lack the enzyme lactase which would allow them to metabolize dairy products,” Dr. Deshko explains. Symptoms of a food intolerance typically include digestive symptoms such as stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea.
“People experiencing either food intolerance or sensitivity may experience frequent bloating, which may mimic excess abdominal fat,” she explains. Once they’ve established the sensitivity or intolerance, however, and eliminated the offending food from their diet, “the abdominal area tends to decrease significantly is size.”
Food Intolerances Vs. Sensitivities
“Food sensitivities are typically also produced through an immune reaction,” Dr. Deshko explains. They are typically milder and more systemic, as well as delayed (with symptoms occurring hours to days after eating a specific food. “Food intolerances can exacerbate arthritic pains, headaches, fatigue, stomach pains and brain fog,” she explains.
