ARE FOOD ALLERGY AND INTOLERANCE OR SENSITIVITY THE SAME? No. Though food allergies are an adverse reaction that could be considered a form of food intolerance or sensitivity these terms are usually reserved to describe other adverse food reactions that are not allergic in nature. Also, though food intolerance and food sensitivity are often used interchangeably they distinguish different types of adverse food reactions. read more HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SYMPTOMS ARE DUE TO FOODS OR DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS? Many digestive and non-digestive symptoms occur with digestive or food related illness or problems. Establishing a link of symptoms or problems to foods or the digestive tract can be difficult. However, the first step is to recognize your symptoms may be related to food or the digestive tract. Next, establishing your baseline symptom frequency and severity before any dietary intervention is critical. Take the symptom survey now WHAT IS MASTOCYTIC ENTEROCOLITIS? Mastocytic enterocolitis is a newly disorder that is now known to be the cause of many cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It is defined by the presence of increased mast cells in the intestine. The term enterocolitis is derived from the combination of the terms "entero" for small intestine and colitis. Colitis is derived from "col" from colon and adding the suffix "-it is", meaning "inflammation of". WHAT ARE MAST CELLS? Mast cells are a cell in your body. They are important for fighting infections and regulating body functions. They can send signals through the chemical they release that attract other cells to an area of infection or perceived threat. Mast cells are very important in allergic reactions; fighting infections especially parasites; and the regulation of nerve function in the body. read more