One More Thing to Be Overly Sensitive About—Your Food

We all love to indulge in our favorite foods, but have you ever noticed feeling tired and sluggish after a meal? It could be because of a food sensitivity or allergy!

Firstly, let's clarify the difference between the two. A food allergy is when the body's immune system overreacts to a certain food, causing symptoms such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Food sensitivities, on the other hand, involve a less severe immune response and can cause symptoms such as digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue.

But how can a simple food sensitivity cause fatigue? Well, when our body detects a foreign invader, such as a food it's sensitive to, it sends signals to the hypothalamus. This is the part of our brain responsible for regulating various bodily functions, including sleep and energy levels.

Research suggests that the hypothalamus may play a role in causing fatigue in response to a food sensitivity. When it perceives a food as a foreign invader, it encourages our body to rest and conserve energy to fight off the perceived threat. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and tiredness even after a good night's sleep.

So, what can you do if you suspect a food sensitivity is causing your fatigue? The first step is to identify the culprit food by keeping a food diary and eliminating potential triggers from your diet. However, if you don't want to spend the time documenting, you can also get blood work done to quickly identify food sensitivities and allergies. Consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to learn more about this option.

In conclusion, food sensitivities can cause mild symptoms such as fatigue, but by identifying and eliminating trigger foods, you can feel more energized and enjoy your meals without feeling tired afterwards. So, go ahead and enjoy that meal, but listen to your body and make sure it's not bringing you down!

Sources:

Kyle Ross