After all the excitement, the holiday season is coming to a close. We are ready to get back to our regular routines and schedules, and we have likely had so many different decadent meals, drinks, and desserts. Feeling stuffed and uncomfortable after indulging at Christmas parties and celebrations can happen. Although it is common after large holiday meals, it can sometimes have a deeper cause. Christmas is a time of year where many people eat and drink more indulgently and consume foods they do not normally eat.
Even after the holiday season ends, many people continue to suffer with bloat and other digestive symptoms. Recurring and long-lasting discomfort and symptoms could be linked to food sensitivities and intolerances. Food sensitivities get triggered and uncovered during and after the holidays because many things that are eaten contain some of the most common foods that trigger sensitivities. The most common food sensitivities are dairy, gluten, eggs, amines, histamine, caffeine, FODMAP foods, sulfites, artificial sweeteners, and food colorings, which are prevalent after the holidays.
Understanding Food Sensitivities and Intolerances
Food Allergies and Food sensitivities/intolerances are NOT THE SAME. It is crucial to recognize this distinction. Unlike an allergy which involves the immune system and can be life-threatening and trigger anaphylaxis, food sensitivities and intolerances aren’t life-threatening. However, they are tricky because they can cause some similar unpleasant symptoms. Food intolerances/sensitivities are very common and on the rise. It is now estimated that up to 20% of the world’s population may have a food sensitivity/intolerance. They generally involve the digestive system, and sometimes the skin and respiratory system. The amount of food ingested is directly related to the severity of symptoms.
A food sensitivity occurs when your body is unable to digest certain compounds in a food (like dairy and egg proteins, gluten and wheat, or soy). After you consume a food that contains these compounds, you may later experience uncomfortable symptoms. The tricky part is that these symptoms can be sometimes begin a few hours after eating, or can be delayed by 48 hours, and sometimes even days longer.
Possible Food Sensitivity Culprits
Some of the most common food sensitivities after the holidays are lactose, gluten, fructose, FODMAP’s, and histamine.
- Lactose Intolerance is a heavy hitter after the holidays because there are many dairy-heavy dishes like creamy sauces, cheese platters, or desserts that trigger bloating, gas, or stomach pain in those sensitive to lactose.
- Gluten Sensitivity: Gluten is in so many dishes! Holiday favorites like bread rolls, stuffing, cookies and other desserts contain gluten, and may cause fatigue, bloating, or other digestive issues in people with sensitivity.
- Fructose Intolerance: Although fructose is not discussed as readily as lactose and gluten sensitivities, fructose is one of the most common sensitivities. Sugary desserts and alcohol may overwhelm individuals with difficulty processing fructose, leading to digestive distress.
- FODMAPs:FODMAPs are discussed often, but many people are not aware of what FODMAPs are and why some people need to limit them. FODMAPs are carbs or sugars, that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine. They move slowly through the small intestine, attracting water, and ferment in the colon, producing gas and other unpleasant digestive symptoms. High FODMAP foods like onion, garlic, brussel sprouts, beans, fruits, sweeteners, grains and dairy are common in holiday meals and may lead to bloating or discomfort.
- Histamine Intolerance: Much like FODMAPs, we hear about histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance (HIT) is a condition caused by an inability to digest histamine in your diet, leading to gastrointestinal and allergy-like symptoms. Aged cheeses, wine, and preserved meats often served during Christmas can trigger symptoms like digestive issues, headaches, nausea, or skin issues in those sensitive to histamine.
Identifying and Managing Sensitivities after Christmas
The first step in managing sensitivities is identifying them. Our Sensitivity test tests over 500 food and non-food items. It is a quick, easy, discreet and inexpensive way to figure out some of the sensitivity triggers that may be hindering you after the holidays. Bioresonance therapy uses the information from a living organism which is stored as a resonance or energy. Hair strands are used to obtain a sample of this resonance frequency using MARS III (Multiple Analytical Resonance Systems) machines. The test database compares food and non-food items which are tested against up to 500 recorded items. Any item showing a frequency response of 85% or above is noted on the results as an abnormality. This can help people with sensitivities alter their diet accordingly.
