You Ask, I Answer: Food Allergies

I have been feeling sluggish and bloated for almost 6 weeks now.

One of my friends thinks it is probably a food allergy, either corn, wheat, or soy.

Do you agree?

-- (Name withheld)
(Location withheld)

Not really.

Let's first begin with some basic definitions.

A food allergy means your body is developing antibodies in response to specific food proteins.

This is different from a food intolerance, which has to do with the body's inability to break down certain substances, often resulting in gastrointestinal distress.

While wheat and soy allergies are common, corn allergies are not.

Additionally, corn allergies trigger symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, and swelling of the throat and face almost immediately. They go far beyond simply feeling "sluggish."

Keep in mind, too, that feeling sluggish and bloated are not necessarily allergic reactions.

Feeling sluggish can be a result of many other things -- stress, iron-deficiency anemia, not consuming sufficient calories, etc.

It concerns me that there is so much self-monitoring happening with allergies. To truly know what is going on, you need to see a specialist who has experience with food allergies.

Otherwise, you run the risk of misdiagnosing or overlooking a more important issue.