Business Buzz Food reaction ‘detective’ on case

FOOD allergies and intolerances can be debilitating, causing painful and often embarrassing symptoms such as bloating, wind, diarrhoea, constipation, mouth ulcers, headaches, hives and even rashes.

Many people with food allergies or intolerances suffer in silence but an Accredited Practising Dietitian can help.

NAPHL Health Hub Accredited Practicing Dietitian in Cairns, Alyce Rees, has a special interest in food allergies and intolerances.

She said that a food intolerance could severely impact a person’s quality of life and she urged people to seek help early. “Working with people who have a food intolerance is like being a detective, using my knowledge of the body, diet habits and food components, and matching this to the person’s symptoms,” Ms Rees said.

“Many people with food intolerances can believe what they are experiencing – such as pain, bloating and diarrhoea – is normal. However, it is not.

“When food intolerance begins disrupting your life, causing adverse consequences and limiting your social life this is when most people seek help.”

Ms Rees works at the NAPHL

Health Hub at 19 Aplin Street, Cairns, a centre of universityqualified health professionals dedicated to improving whole health and wellbeing.

“When discussing food intolerance with clients at the NAPHL Health Hub they are often shocked that even healthy foods such as certain fruits and vegetables can be causing symptoms,” she said.

“You might also be shocked to find out that your symptoms of intolerance can be delayed by hours, days or even weeks after consuming the food.

“It is satisfying being able to help someone identify and manage their symptoms so that they can live a full life.”

Ms Rees recommends people do not “go it alone” when investigating food intolerance.

“Excluding foods from your diet can increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies and excluding the wrong food can cause symptoms or delay the time which you are experiencing food intolerances,” she said.

“Dietitians are able to identify suspect foods, work methodically to remove and challenge foods and determine your level of tolerance to the food – all while ensuring there is no detrimental impact on your nutrition.

“We can then help identify triggers and manage food intolerance to minimise adverse symptoms, increase your eating confidence and ensure your diet is nutritionally nourishing.” Ms Rees said it was important to make sure a food reaction was not an allergy, which could have more severe symptoms and a greater impact on health and nutrition. “Allergies can occur in all ages and, while it’s common for children to outgrow a food allergy, if an adult develops a food allergy it usually doesn’t go away with time,” she said. “In Australia, 90 per cent of food allergies are caused by wheat, soy, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, cow’s milk and dairy. Symptoms can include hives, swelling of the face, lips, eyes, tongue, throat, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, vomiting, eczema and anaphylaxis. “Food allergy should be diagnosed … by a doctor. “Once a diagnosis is reached, a dietitian can help you avoid the allergic food through education, label reading, recipe and tips for eating out safely so that you can feel confident that your diet is balanced and adequate.” To book call 4722 8750 or visit www.naphl.com.au HELP AT HAND: NAPHL Health Hub Accredited Practicing Dietitian in Cairns, Alyce Rees.