Food Intolerances in Pasadena, CA
Food intolerance occurs when the digestive system struggles to properly break down certain foods. Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system, intolerances usually affect the digestive tract and can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. While not life-threatening, food intolerances can greatly affect quality of life and may contribute to long-term digestive issues if left unaddressed.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine looks beyond symptoms to uncover the underlying causes of food sensitivities, focusing on gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. Her personalized approach helps patients find relief while improving digestion and overall wellness.
Causes and Risk Factors
Food intolerances may develop for a variety of reasons, including:
- Enzyme Deficiencies: For example, lactase deficiency leads to lactose intolerance.
- Gut Health Imbalances: Poor microbiome diversity can affect digestion.
- Food Additives: Sensitivity to preservatives, artificial colors, or sulfites.
- Chronic Digestive Conditions: IBS, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease may increase sensitivity.
- Stress and Lifestyle: High stress and poor sleep can worsen digestive function.
By identifying the root cause, Shine Health and Wellness develops strategies that address more than just temporary symptom relief.
Symptoms of Food Intolerance
Symptoms may appear hours after eating and often vary based on the type of food. Common signs include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating and excess gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea or indigestion
- Fatigue or “brain fog”
- Headaches or migraines
- Skin reactions such as rashes or acne
Because symptoms overlap with other digestive issues, professional evaluation is necessary for accurate diagnosis.
How Food Intolerance Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis begins with a thorough review of health history, diet, and symptoms. Evaluation may include:
- Elimination Diets: Removing and reintroducing suspected trigger foods under medical guidance.
- Laboratory Testing: Checking for food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation.
- Stool Testing: Identifying microbiome imbalances that may affect digestion.
- Functional Medicine Assessments: Exploring gut permeability, enzyme function, and overall digestive health.
This comprehensive approach ensures patients receive an accurate diagnosis and an individualized plan for long-term relief.
Treatment Options for Food Intolerance
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Shine Health and Wellness provides integrative treatment plans designed to reduce symptoms and support gut health. Care may include:
- Nutritional Counseling: Identifying safe, enjoyable alternatives to trigger foods.
- Gut Health Restoration: Probiotics, supplements, and dietary strategies to strengthen the microbiome.
- Lifestyle Support: Stress reduction, sleep improvement, and exercise guidance.
- Targeted Supplements: Digestive enzymes, vitamins, or minerals to improve tolerance.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing inflammation, gut permeability, and systemic health factors.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adapt the plan as progress is made.
These strategies help patients feel better in the short term while improving digestive function for the long term.
The Role of Gut Health in Food Intolerance
Gut health is central to food intolerance. An imbalanced microbiome or weakened gut lining can make the digestive system more reactive to certain foods. At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment often includes gut-focused strategies such as probiotics, functional medicine testing, and nutrition adjustments. By improving gut balance and digestive strength, patients can experience fewer symptoms and greater resilience.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, offers more than a decade of medical experience and is passionate about creating strong doctor-patient relationships. She takes time to listen, educate, and empower patients to take control of their health. With her integrative and functional medicine expertise, Dr. Shine focuses on uncovering the root causes of food intolerance and creating sustainable solutions.
Patients also benefit from Shine Health and Wellness’s collaborative team, which includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. Together, they provide a comprehensive, supportive environment where patients can achieve lasting digestive wellness.
Find Relief From Food Intolerance
Food intolerance may not be life-threatening, but it can disrupt daily life and affect overall well-being. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide compassionate, personalized care to help patients identify triggers, restore gut health, and improve quality of life. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.