Experts Do not Recommend Food Sensitivity Tests

The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 50% of people worldwide have food sensitivities. Nutrition and dietetics specialist from Yeditepe University Kozyatagi Hospital provided information on tests and treatments, highlighting the need to address this illness, which can cause a variety of issues ranging from headache to shortness of breath.

The following information on the treatment strategy was provided by a nutrition and dietetics specialist at Yeditepe University Kozyatagi Hospital, who stressed that there is no accurate, dependable, or verified test to determine nutritional sensitivity: "The elimination-provocation (removal-addition) approach is the proper diagnostic instrument. A double-blind, placebo-controlled meal-loading test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing an illness. Patients are instructed to keep a diary in which they should record the items they consume as well as the types and timing of their symptoms. The information in the diary can assist a dietician or doctor in identifying the foods that trigger adverse reactions and the necessary actions.

Once these foods have been discovered, they will be eliminated from the diet for three months to a year while the symptoms are watched and then they will be reintroduced. Recently, tests for food intolerance have also been administered. The world's top scientific organizations on allergy and immunology have released guidelines that do not suggest these tests for identifying food intolerance since there is not enough data to support their efficacy.''

Food Sensitivity Affects 50% of the World's Population

The Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist stated that if safeguards are not taken, the person may experience depression due to food sensitivity (food intolerance). Yeditepe University Hospital Nutrition and Diet Specialist quoted World Health Organization (WHO) data as saying, "Half of the world's population has a food sensitivity, also known as food intolerance, and one billion people have been diagnosed with food intolerance. According to WHO, this figure reached 2.5 billion three years ago.''

Beware of Fruit, Cheese, and Chocolate

A nutritionist and dietitian drew attention to the factors that contribute to food sensitivity, saying, "In addition to food additives that have been added, toxins that are naturally present in foods can also cause food intolerance. The most frequent reasons for intolerance are genetic digestive system problems, excessive antibiotic usage, persistent infections, changes in enzyme architectures and quantities following surgical intervention, and excessive antibiotic use. Vasoactive substances, particularly those found in fruit, cheese, wine, and chocolate, can lead to issues like migraines, asthma, urticaria, and swallowing difficulties. Moreover, dairy products, gluten-containing cereals, and foods like beans and cabbage must be consumed with caution. If there is a food detected, consuming this food at intervals of three to four days may be the solution.''

Which Diseases Does It Lead To?

 The nutrition and dietetics specialist warned against depression and went on to discuss the ailments brought on by food intolerance:

"Chronic headache, overweight, excessive weight loss, skin problems, autoimmune diseases, intestinal diseases such as fibromyalgia, migraine, stomach and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), absorption disorders, rheumatic diseases, shortness of breath, asthma, depression, nervousness, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, chronic rhinitis, eczema, acne, edematous eyelids, urinary disorders, Crohn's disease, heart, and circulatory problems. If you experience chronic weariness as a result of your food tolerance, do not address it, and keep eating that food, it could lead to depression in the future. Initially, complaints about the digestive system may merely involve gas and bloating. But, if these problems are neglected and untreated, bowel disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may also develop.''

"The Most Significant Symptom Is Digestive Problem"

While some people might only experience one symptom, others might experience many symptoms at once, according to our expert. "Two patients with the same food intolerance may exhibit distinct symptoms or develop the intolerance at various points in their lives. Intestinal complaints, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, flatulence, itching and swelling of the skin, runny nose in breathing, sneezing, wheezing, and coughing are the most typical symptoms.''