QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Check out our questions & answers list to have us address the most common questions that we get from clients. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

If you have a specific topic you want to learn more about, use the search bar below:

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FOOD ALLERGY AND A SENSITIVITY (OR INTOLERANCE)?

Having a physical or mental reaction to eating certain foods is common, but these reactions are commonly misattributed to an allergy when most of these reactions are usually due to food sensitivities. Food allergies are typically life-long and life-threatening immune system reactions to consuming a particular food while food sensitivities are typically shorter-term reactions caused by an enzyme deficiency, inflammation, stress, chemicals, additives, or one of many other factors. The most common reaction to a food allergy is anaphylaxis while the most common responses to food sensitivities include fatigue, irritability, mood swings, inflammation, swelling, pain, gas, flatulence, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, floating stools, constipation and/or diarrhea. Food allergy panels test Immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactions while food sensitivity panels test Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) reactions.

QUESTION: ARE FOOD SENSITIVITIES (OR INTOLERANCES) REAL?

Absolutely. Food sensitivities can be tested by measuring Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) reactions. Common responses to food sensitivities include fatigue, irritability, mood swings, inflammation, swelling, pain, gas, flatulence, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, floating stools, constipation and/or diarrhea. To learn more about food sensitivities, visit our food sensitivities page or contact one of our practitioners.

QUESTION: IF I HAVE A FOOD SENSITIVITY (OR INTOLERANCE), WILL I EVER BE ABLE TO EAT THOSE FOODS AGAIN?

Yes. Food sensitivities are commonly caused by an enzyme deficiency, inflammation, stress, chemicals, additives, or one of many other factors. Once the root cause of the sensitivity is addressed and your body has had time to heal from the exposure, you should be able to slowly add the sensitive foods back into your diet. Though, occasionally, a food sensitivity is so severe that it may be prudent to avoid or strictly limit those foods long-term.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HISTAMINE INTOLERANCE AND MASTOCYTOSIS?

Histamine intolerance is typically caused by a deficiency of the enzymes DAO (diamine oxidase) and/or histamine N-methyltransferase after the ingestion of foods that are high in histamine. Whether it is due to an individual simply being unable to produce enough enzymes due to one or both enzymes have been inhibited by different causes, this results in "Histamine Intolerance Syndrome" (HIS). With Mastocytosis, the disorder lies within mast cell activation. Though both conditions have similar management protocols, those with HIS do not necessarily have mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEN IBS AND IBD?

IBS (short for "Irritable Bowel Syndrome") is a condition which typically causes constipation or diarrhea while IBD (short for "Inflammatory Bowel Disease") is a disease which causes severe inflammation of the intestines. There are many potential root causes for these conditions and testing options are available to help differentiate between the two.

QUESTION: WHAT IS AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?

The role of the immune system is to fight off foreign invaders from attacking the body. However, occasionally, the immune system can accidentally attack the body's healthy cells, which is called an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases have different names based upon the part of the body that is being affected by the immune system.

QUESTION: CAN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES BE MANAGED WITH DIET?

Fortunately, specific clinical diet interventions are highly effective in the management of autoimmune diseases. If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, contact one of the experiences practitioners at Flatirons Integrative Health & Nutrition in order to have an intervention plan personalized for you and your condition.

QUESTION: WHAT ORGANS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DIGESTION?

Commonly referred to as the "GI" tract, the gastrointestinal tract includes the organs involved in the consumption, digestion, and elimination of food. After food has been chewed in the mouth, it follows the esophagus down into the stomach, where it undergoes additional digestion by the acid in the stomach. After leaving the stomach, food passes into the small intestine, which has microvilli, small finger-like projections, that absorb the nutrients from food as it passes by. Next, the food passes into the large intestine, which is where a large majority of the water is absorbed. Each one of these stages of digestion is separated by a valve which helps regulate when food will pass into the next stage. A process called peristalsis is responsible for squeezing the walls of the intestines to help move food along. The pancreas excretes digestive enzymes which help you body to break down macronutrients, such as fats (to lipids), protein (to amino acids), and carbohydrates (to sugars), while the gallbladder secretes bile to helps digest fats in the small intestine.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET?

This protocol is based upon the eating habits of Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece during the 1960’s. Nutrition and lifestyle are very important co-factors of the Mediterranean diet. This protocol emphasizes the importance of being physically active and spending time, especially during meals, with friends and loved ones. The nutritional foundation of this diet is based upon frequent consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, breads, herbs, spices, fish, seafood, and extra-virgin olive oil. Eating fish and seafood is recommended at least twice per week. Poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt should be eaten in moderation while red meat should be consumed sparingly. Foods that should be avoided include sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, refined oils, and other highly processed foods. Although water is the primary drink that should be consumed, one glass of red wine, coffee, or tea is allowed per day. 

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE PALEOLITHIC (PALEO) DIET?

The Paleolithic diet, more commonly known as the “Paleo” diet, was started by Dr. Loren Cordain based upon the concept of eliminating the most common food allergens while emphasizing the most nutrient-dense and anti-inflammatory foods. The macronutrient profile of the Paleolithic diet is a high protein, moderate to high fat, and low carbohydrate intake. Fats should be focused on poly- and monounsaturated fats with balanced Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids with a net dietary alkaline load that will balance dietary acids. Furthermore, the paleo diet is based upon a higher intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant phytochemicals as well as a higher potassium and lower sodium intake. When followed correctly, it can help prevent and manage chronic disease.

The Paleolithic diet focuses on the consumption of grass-fed meats, wild-caught seafood, pasture-raised eggs, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, nuts, and seeds (all organic when possible). Grains, legumes (soy), dairy, refined sugar, processed foods, white potatoes, refined vegetable oils, and traditional table salt are eliminated. The paleo plan focuses on a healthy lifestyle in along with the nutrition therapy.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE KETOGENIC DIET?

The ketogenic diet, also known as the “keto” or “low carbohydrate keto diet (LCKD/VLCKD)”, is a high fat, adequate protein, and low carbohydrate diet originally developed in the 1920’s by researchers at John’s Hopkins Medical Center. Following a ketogenic diet puts your body into a state of “ketosis”. This occurs when the liver breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, a process called “beta-oxidation”, producing water-soluble ketone molecules. In ketosis, your body begins to draw energy from these ketone bodies instead of from glucose as with a higher carbohydrate diet. On a traditional ketogenic diet, individuals typically follow the “80/15/5” rule, meaning about 85 percent of calories come from healthy fats, about 15 percent of calories come from protein, and about 5 percent of calories come from carbohydrates. When followed correctly, the ketogenic diet can help manage many conditions from epilepsy to cancer to heart disease. However, there are some contraindicated conditions for a ketogenic diet, so make sure to contact us if you are interested in following a keto diet.

QUESTION: IS THE KETOGENIC DIET SAFE?

The ketogenic diet can absolutely be a beneficial clinical intervention for many health conditions. However, there are some contraindicated health conditions, such as genetic cardiovascular predispositions, in which a ketogenic diet may not be beneficial long-term. Make sure to contact a qualified clinical nutritionist or healthcare professional before beginning any new diet regimen.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE LOW FODMAP DIET?

The low FODMAP diet was developed by Monash University in Melbourne, Australia to combat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The low FODMAP diet has also been found to help manage small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and related gastrointestinal concerns as well. This is due to the fact that the low FODMAP diet restricts the consumption of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, a group of compounds, mainly carbohydrates, known to contribute to IBS/SIBO symptoms. This is due to the fact that these and other related gastrointestinal disorders deal with an imbalanced gastrointestinal microbiota, the community of bacteria that live in your gut. Following a low FODMAP diet can help mitigate the chief complaints of many individuals with these gastrointestinal conditions, including abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Your nutrition practitioner can consult with you and run tests to determine whether or not the low FODMAP diet is the best nutrition intervention plan to address your personal health concerns.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE GAPS PROTOCOL?

The Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) protocol is broken into three parts specifically designed to heal and seal the gut lining, rebalance the immune system, and restore the optimal bacterial ecosystem within the gastrointestinal tract.  The protocol restricts all grains, commercial dairy, starchy vegetables and all processed/refined carbohydrates while focusing on easily digestible and nutrient dense foods.  Supplementation needs to be tailored to fit the individual healthcare needs of the client, but generally includes probiotic support, essential fatty acids, cod liver oil, and targeted digestive support.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM?

The endocrine system is a network in the body, which involves our hormones. Hormones help our body's different processes communicate. The endocrine system is made up of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, thymus, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries, and testes. You are also probably familiar with the many hormones in our bodies that are part of the endocrine system. These include cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, epinephrine, and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). The endocrine system is implicated in a wide range of the body's functions including sleep, development, metabolism, immune system, and the reproduction system.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME?

The microbiome is a colony of bacteria that live in the body. Our body has many microbiomes, however, the gut contains the majority of microbiome bacteria. The gut microbiome is also the most widely known microbiome in our body. The balance of our bacteria plays a critical role in the health of our immune system. There is a direct connection between the gut and brain, which can be determined by the bacteria. A majority of diseases can be linked to an imbalance in the microbiome.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE AIP PROTOCOL?

AIP stands for autoimmune paleo protocol. This nutrition therapy is often used to manage and reduce symptoms of autoimmune disease. AIP protocol is a paleo diet that has been modified to also eliminate other foods that irritate the gastrointestinal system. On an AIP protocol, the goal is to heal the gut, reduce inflammation, and begin resolving symptoms. AIP protocol eliminates alcohol, coffee, eggs, grains, grain-like seeds, dairy, legumes, processed vegetable oils, food chemicals, nuts, seeds, sugar, sweeteners, sugar substitutes, and nightshades. When you are eating an AIP protocol diet foods to include are organ meat, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, sea vegetables, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, root vegetables, berries, citrus fruit, high-fat fruits, onion/garlic type foods, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION?

The vagus nerve is the main component connecting the gut and brain. This is the pathway in which the two systems communicate. Signals are sent in-between that tell the body what to do. The gut contains 90% of our immune cells. In the theory of gut-brain connection, a healthy gut means a healthy brain. An unhealthy gut has an imbalance in the gut microbiome and damage to the gut lining. This causes the immune system to be compromised which contributes to many diseases including autoimmune disease, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, IBS, and IBD.

QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING?

The birth method and feeding method of a baby determines the bacteria in their microbiome. When a baby is born vaginally they absorb bacteria from the mother's vaginal walls. This is their first exposure to bacteria that forms their microbiome. A baby who isn't born vaginally does not get these healthy bacteria. The next opportunity for babies to get the bacteria that develops their microbiome is in breastmilk.  Benefits of breastfeeding include but are not limited to a healthy microbiome, a stronger immune system, decreased risk of gastrointestinal complications, reduced risk of childhood obesity, healthier neurological function, and a decreased risk of developing diseases and conditions such as allergies, autoimmune disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

QUESTION: WHAT IS NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD)?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an umbrella term for a range of liver conditions affecting people who drink little to no alcohol. As the name implies, the main characteristic of NAFLD is too much fat stored in liver cells. NAFLD is increasingly common around the world, especially in Western nations. In the United States, it is the most common form of chronic liver disease, affecting about one-quarter of the population. Some individuals with NAFLD can develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an aggressive form of fatty liver disease, which is marked by liver inflammation and may progress to advanced scarring (cirrhosis) and liver failure. This damage is similar to the damage caused by heavy alcohol use. NAFLD usually causes no signs and symptoms. When it does, they may include fatigue or pain and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. If you believe that you may have NAFLD, testing for the condition may include a complete blood count (CBC) panel, blood chemistry, liver function tests, and coagulation studies.

QUESTION: WHAT IS EHLER’S DANLOS SYNDROME?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues - primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in your body. Those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome usually have overly flexible joints and stretchy, fragile skin. There are 13 different subtypes of Ehler’s Danlos which are associated with a variety of genetic causes, some of which are inherited and passed on from parent to child. If you have the most common varieties of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, there's a 50 percent chance that you'll pass on the gene to each of your children. Signs and symptoms of the most common form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome include: Overly flexible joints because the connective tissue that holds joints together is looser, stretchy skin because weakened connective tissue allows your skin to stretch much more than usual, and fragile skin because damaged skin often doesn't heal well. Symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. 

QUESTION: WHAT IS PMDD?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that includes physical and behavioral symptoms that usually resolve with the onset of menstruation. PMDD causes extreme mood shifts that can disrupt work and damage relationships. Symptoms include extreme sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger, plus common PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating.