Food Sensitivities and Anxiety and OCD

Food sensitivities, sometimes misnamed food allergies, can wreak havoc on our immune and inflammatory processes in the gut. The digestive system is home to a large part of our neurological system and neurotransmitters, often called the 'second brain'. The direct relationship between the gut and brain means imbalances in the gut can be related to mental health symptoms.

How are food sensitivities tested?

• • • Blood Testing
    • Food Elimination and Challenge

Sensitivity versus allergy:

Food allergies, in classic nomenclature, refer to an IgE immune response that can be associated with hives, anaphylaxis, and other severe symptoms. True food allergies are important and can cause their own impact on the immune system and resulting anxiety symptoms. However, when talking about food sensitivities we are discussing the broad range of immune and inflammatory reactions that can happen often with more subtle symptoms.

Why are food sensitivities more common now?

Why food sensitivities seem so common these days is a large discussion, often citing changes in modern agricultural practices and chemical or genetic applications made to our foods. Regardless of the ultimate consensus on that topic some day, it is clear that people have constant access to a world wide assortment of foods that have often been adulterated beyond recognition of their original form. Taking time to evaluate if any of these foods or compounds are negatively impacting your body and health can be a tremendous tool.