Food Allergies occur in only a small percentage of the population and usually in children under 5 years of age, who often grow out of the allergy as they get older. Food allergies are due to an adverse effect of a particular food on the immune system and it is usually the protein part of the food which causes the reaction. The most common foods to cause allergies are egg, cow's milk, peanuts and seafood. Soy, other nuts and wheat may also cause problems.

Symptoms of food allergy include eczema, hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea and in some cases anaphylactic shock (difficulties breathing and collapse).

Allergies may also be caused by environmental factors including pollens, grasses, dust mites, cigarette smoke and animal hair and can usually be diagnosed by skin prick or blood tests.

Food intolerance is far more common than allergy and occurs in both children and adults. Food intolerance is an intolerance to a food component which may be naturally occurring or added, and is generally found in a wide range of foods. Unlike food allergy, an intolerance may only occur after a certain quantity of the substance is eaten and symptoms may occur hours or even days after the food is eaten. This makes food intolerance much more difficult to diagnose.

Food intolerance can result in a wide variety of symptoms including hives, headaches or migraines, digestive problems and fatigue.

Unfortunately there are no simple tests for diagnosing food intolerance. The only way to identify an intolerance to food is using an elimination diet followed by food challenges. The elimination diet cuts out all foods which may be a problem and if symptoms improve on this diet, foods are added back one group at a time to see which causes your symptoms to return. This can take some time and the diet is not easy to follow, but the process can also be well worthwhile if it identifies your problems!

Whether you have been diagnosed with a food allergy or intolerance and need help to modify your diet, or you suspect you might have a food intolerance and want to investigate this further we can help you. We will tailor an eating plan to suit your needs and lifestyle and to assist you in managing any food related sensitivities. For more information or to book at appointment, phone 9415 4845 or email reception@nnd.com.au

Food Allergies occur in only a small percentage of the population and usually in children under 5 years of age, who often grow out of the allergy as they get older. Food allergies are due to an adverse effect of a particular food on the immune system and it is usually the protein part of the food which causes the reaction. The most common foods to cause allergies are egg, cow's milk, peanuts and seafood. Soy, other nuts and wheat may also cause problems.

Symptoms of food allergy include eczema, hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea and in some cases anaphylactic shock (difficulties breathing and collapse).

Allergies may also be caused by environmental factors including pollens, grasses, dust mites, cigarette smoke and animal hair and can usually be diagnosed by skin prick or blood tests.

Food intolerance is far more common than allergy and occurs in both children and adults. Food intolerance is an intolerance to a food component which may be naturally occurring or added, and is generally found in a wide range of foods. Unlike food allergy, an intolerance may only occur after a certain quantity of the substance is eaten and symptoms may occur hours or even days after the food is eaten. This makes food intolerance much more difficult to diagnose.

Food intolerance can result in a wide variety of symptoms including hives, headaches or migraines, digestive problems and fatigue.

Unfortunately there are no simple tests for diagnosing food intolerance. The only way to identify an intolerance to food is using an elimination diet followed by food challenges. The elimination diet cuts out all foods which may be a problem and if symptoms improve on this diet, foods are added back one group at a time to see which causes your symptoms to return. This can take some time and the diet is not easy to follow, but the process can also be well worthwhile if it identifies your problems!

Whether you have been diagnosed with a food allergy or intolerance and need help to modify your diet, or you suspect you might have a food intolerance and want to investigate this further we can help you. We will tailor an eating plan to suit your needs and lifestyle and to assist you in managing any food related sensitivities. For more information or to book at appointment, phone 9415 4845 or email reception@nnd.com.au