Even if you haven't been diagnosed with a food allergy, you may still suffer from a food intolerance.Even if you haven't been diagnosed with a food allergy, you may still suffer from a food intolerance, such as to wheat or dairy.

The difference between the two arises in how the body reacts to the "trigger."

With an allergy, your body will revolt quite suddenly; an immediate reaction. An intolerance will impact your health and wellness long-term.

Special guest, Lisa Cantkier, is a passionate holistic nutritionist who is committed to helping others live well with food allergies and special diets. She understands the importance of special diets, as she has been living with celiac disease all her life.

Celiac disease, in particular, can be difficult to diagnose, because it can have up to 300 different symptoms that range from mild to severe. These symptoms can include abdominal issues (bloating, gas, chronic diarrhea), fatigue and brain fog... all symptoms of other medical conditions.

When treating her own condition as well as helping others, Cantkier uses a functional medicine approach (as opposed to "modern medicine"). Functional medicine looks at the whole person (mind, body, soul). Diet is taken very seriously and is a huge part of the treatment plan.

Despite the rising awareness, there still seems to be a lack of understanding surrounding celiac and other allergies and intolerances. Cantkier and others are working to change that.

Listen in as Cantkier explains the basis of celiac disease, how an allergy differs from an intolerance, and why functional medicine is such a huge part of effective treatment.