Dear Lesley: WHY PEANUTS BUT NO PEANUT BUTTER?

There can be a list of causes as to why you developed an intolerance to peanut butter. Though I cannot give a definite cause without a comprehensive review, I can provide some things for you to consider looking into.

• Do you know the difference between food sensitivities, food intolerances, and food allergies? Research these conditions.
• Compare the peanuts you eat to the peanut butter you eat. Are the peanuts raw, organic without any processing? Are the ingredients listed on the processed peanut butter simple and easy to pronounce? Are there added sugars and additives within the ingredient list?
• What condition is your gut in? Do you have a healthy digestive system?

These are just a few questions to get you pointed in the right direction to narrowing down the cause of your reactions. It is important to know that just because a product is labeled all natural, it doesn’t mean that you should not read the ingredient label. Read the label on all brands and processed items and make sure that the ingredients listed are simple and limited.  Because the signs and symptoms of these issues (food sensitivities, intolerances, allergies, and digestive issues) have similarities or can intersect, it may be best to speak to a health care professional to help you differentiate what your condition is and the cause so that a diagnosis can be provided. Once you have a proper diagnosis, you will then know what items should be avoided to eliminate and/or reduce your reactions.