Sensitivity and intolerance to foods, molds, chemicals, and other compounds can cause chronic, visible inflammation or inflammation at the cellular level that is not visible to the naked eye. This inflammation can occur in the cells of any sebaceous glands, including the meibomian glands. Evidence of stressed or improperly functioning sebaceous glands, such as blemishes or acne on the face, can be a flag for similar conditions in the meibomian glands. Inflammation in the meibomian glands results in poor quality meibum that contributes to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and evaporative dry eye.
Food sensitivities may be linked to leaky gut, a condition in which the walls of the intestines become porous, due to antibiotic use or due to chronic inflammation of the intestines. When the walls of the intestines become porous, undigested food leaks into the body. The body recognizes the food as foreign matter causing further inflammation.
Sensitivities and allergies are not the same. Symptoms of a sensitivity or intolerance do not involve the immune system and may delayed, whereas allergy symptoms are immediate and can be life-threatening.