The IBS and Food Allergy-Affected Communities

The number of people affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and/or food allergies is a significant percentage of all Americans. Some studies estimate that the number of people with IBS is over 15% of the population. Food allergies are frequently covered in the media, but usually only the more dramatic, potentially fatal allergies are mentioned. The number of people affected by non-fatal food allergies is a question that has not been sufficiently researched. However, judging by the number of people who seek treatment for food allergies and find relief through dietary restriction, the numbers are quite high.

Because IBS and other food allergy-related conditions are poorly understood, even by members of the medical profession, it can be hard for people with these conditions to get proper diagnosis and treatment. Conditions like Celiac disease (basically a food allergy to gluten grains like wheat and barley) often meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS, but go undiagnosed because physicians lack experience or training. Sometimes food allergies coincide with other conditions and make diagnosis and treatment difficult, simply due to the complexity of multiple factors. When individuals are able to get properly diagnosed, the support they need to effectively treat their conditions and successfully avoid relapse are frequently lacking.
(click here for information on IBS) (click here for information on food allergies)

But those affected include not only people who have IBS or food allergies, but also their families, friends, co-workers, and those who serve them in a host of industries including food services, grocers, hoteliers, etc. Many patients with IBS and food allergy-related conditions report difficulties communicating with those around them due to misunderstanding and strong cultural biases toward food and eating. The better everyone understands what IBS and other food allergy-related conditions are and how to deal with them, the better off we all are.

The Innate Health Foundation seeks to help everyone understand IBS and other food allergy-related disorders and how important it is that those with these conditions know and control what is in the food they eat.

Your support of the Innate Health Foundation will help us to provide support to these communities.

To donate to the Innate Health Foundation, please visit our donation page.