Food Sensitivities & Their Connection to GLP-1

​​A recent study that looked at reactions to foods and weight loss found that removing foods that you are sensitive to resulted in a significant reduction in weight. A review of the literature shows many corroborating studies that demonstrate as food allergies increase inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha, there can be damage to the GLP-1 signaling and can serve as one of the primary reasons one can have inadequate production of GLP-1 endogenously. 

​Additionally, eating foods we are sensitive to disrupts the microbiome. This inflammation causes microbiota to shift to species less favorable to producing GLP-1. As we work to remove food sensitivities, we see numerous changes in the gut. Not only do we decrease permeability, but we also improve cell signaling that is produced in the gut, which has a far-reaching systemic influence. 

​As we examine symptoms of food sensitivities, we see that there can be a mechanistic connection to GLP-1 and many symptoms frequently felt. For example, brain fog is a common symptom people experience when eating foods that create inflammation, and GLP-1 is a producer of BDNF that helps the brain form new connections, which helps with focus. An understanding of how eating foods we are sensitive to impairs the production of GLP-1 signaling opens up new avenues for healthy weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and decreasing addictions and cravings for sugar and even alcohol and drugs. GLP-1 modulation is a powerful tool in health that starts in the gut and is heavily influenced by the foods we eat.