Identifying food intolerances is one of the key strategies I use when working with clients to help them create their personal Endometriosis diet. But have you ever wondered why seemingly healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables could trigger discomfort for those grappling with endometriosis? What are the causes of food intolerances? It's a question I get asked by clients when they discover which foods they are intolerant to.
So, let's roll up our sleeves and dig into it, shall we? While there isn't a wealth of scientific research explicitly focused on the causes of food intolerances, there's no shortage of observations and theories to consider. Here are five reasons that I believe contribute to the surge in food intolerances:
- Nutrient-density dilemma: Picture this – the quest for quantity sometimes sacrifices the quality of our produce. Farmers are under immense pressure to meet demands, often prioritizing yield over nutritional richness. This rush may result in produce being harvested before reaching its peak ripeness, leaving it lacking in essential nutrients crucial for optimal gut and immune function.
- Lack of variety: Take a stroll down your local grocery store's produce aisle, and you might notice a pattern – limited variety. Our diets have narrowed over time, but our digestive systems crave diversity. Consuming the same types of fruits and vegetables day in and day out can increase the risk of developing intolerances to specific characteristics within those foods.
- Toxic exposure: The widespread use of herbicides, pesticides, and household chemicals leaves residues on our food and in the soil. These chemical residues infiltrate our produce, compromising its integrity. Similarly, our obsession with germ-free environments disrupts the delicate balance of gut microbiota, predisposing us to intolerances.
- Processed foods: Convenience often comes at a cost. Processed foods, abundant in our diets, are packed with additives and preservatives. These foreign substances can trigger immune responses, damaging the gut wall and increasing sensitivity to supposedly 'healthy' foods.
- Fear of germs: In our quest for cleanliness, we've become apprehensive about germs. However, our bodies thrive on exposure to a diverse array of bacteria, both good and bad. Excessive cleaning disrupts this balance, leaving our gut hypersensitive and prone to intolerance development.
When it comes to Endometriosis symptoms, gluten and dairy protein intolerances are very common (around 98% of my clients show these intolerances when tested). While lactose intolerance is well-known, it's the dairy protein that triggers adverse reactions. So, eliminating gluten and dairy is a key strategy for my clients.
But it is the intolerances to foods that are considered healthy that often mean removing gluten and dairy alone is not enough to really get on top of Endometriosis symptoms.
Navigating the maze of food intolerances requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding the interplay between modern-day factors and our body's intricate responses, we can empower ourselves to make informed dietary choices. And being aware of possible causes of food intolerances can help prevent future intolerances develop. Remember, it's not just about what we eat—it's about nurturing our bodies with the nourishment they truly deserve.
If you’d like to have a personal chat about your unusual Endometriosis symptoms and how nutrition can help to reduce their severity, book a complimentary Endometriosis SOS Call: https://theendometriosisnutritionist.online/endometriosis-sos-call/