Food intolerances are becoming more common. Many people have adverse reactions to certain foods or food components. These can range from small rashes to more severe reactions. Food intolerances are sometimes mistaken for other diseases or ailments. Therefore, it is important to know what they are and how to detect them in order to take the necessary measures.

Food intolerances
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay 

Food allergies or food intolerances?

This is one of the most recurring confusions. These two conditions are thought by many to be synonymous. They are not. Each one has different ways of manifesting within the organism. While food intolerances produce a metabolic response, food allergies trigger an immune reaction.

In food allergy, the immune system secretes chemicals such as histamine, which produces various symptoms such as itching, runny nose, cough, or respiratory disorders. While food intolerances affect metabolism, but not the body’s immune system.

What are food intolerances?

Well, as we already mentioned, food intolerances are adverse reactions of the body to certain foods. These cannot be digested, metabolized or assimilated completely or partially. Generally, due to the lack of enzymes necessary for the proper digestion and absorption of a food, without the immune system acting.

Food intolerances have their roots in the digestive system and by their origin, three classes can be identified:

  • Primary: it is hereditary, it can occur at any age and although treatment is received, it is not possible to achieve a complete rehabilitation. It is characterized by gradually increasing in gravity.
  • Secondary: it is not of genetic origin, its appearance is due to specific causes and its effects can be reversed in a relatively short time. The solution to this disorder is to attack the trigger of intolerance at the root, and use remedies that help the lining of the intestine to return to its usual state.
  • Congenital deficiency: it is similar to primary, with the only difference that this digestive dysfunction is present from birth. There are very few diagnosed cases and the vast majority are concentrated among native Finnish individuals.

Disorders caused by food intolerances

Food intolerances produce a number of different disorders. These after suppressing food causing intolerances have been corrected. Among them are:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders: Bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Dermatological processes: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes, hives, itching.
  • Neurological disorders: Headache, migraine, dizziness, vertigo, fatigue.
  • Overweight and obesity: In obese people, who do not respond to the usual weight loss treatments, weight loss has been experienced when eliminating foods that were intolerant from the diet.
  • Muscular and rheumatic disorders: tiredness, joint pain, arthritis, arthrosis, fibromyalgia.
  • Respiratory discomfort: Asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, respiratory distress.
  • Psychological disorders: Anxiety, lethargy, depression, hyperactivity (especially in children).
  • Others: Fluid retention, fibromyalgia, inflammation of the joints.

Most common food intolerances

Food intolerances can present with various types of food. However, there are some that cause a higher incidence of intolerance cases. Let’s see which are the most common.

CD – Celiac disease

Wheat, barley, rye, oats and their derivatives have one thing in common: they all contain gluten. The same is true for breads and flours made from these cereals, as well as many processed foods and supplements.

Gluten causes disorders in the body when the digestive system has difficulty breaking it down. The intolerant person suffers from inflammation in the intestine, which in turn causes gastrointestinal problems, as well as loss of weight, appetite and muscle mass.

Celiac disease is a permanent condition that can be diagnosed at any age. If a sufferer consumes a gluten-containing food, the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged and less able to absorb essential nutrients such as fats, protein, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss, weakness, irritability and abdominal cramps.

Alactasia

Lactase is an enzyme found inside the small intestine. Its function is to process and assimilate lactose, the sugar found in milk and in all products derived from it. Food intolerance occurs when the body has trouble producing adequate amounts of lactase.

ALDB – Aldolose B deficiency

We call fruit sugar, some vegetables and honey fructose. Those intolerant to this sugar do not have a digestive system capable of breaking down fructose and absorbing it correctly. This disability causes digestive problems and other conditions.

Diagnosis of food intolerances

Despite the fact that intolerances are increasingly common, they are not always diagnosed on time. This is because it is rarely the first option doctors think of when patients with these symptoms arrive. Therefore, after ruling out one disease after another and carrying out the corresponding studies, they arrive at the correct diagnosis.

They can be properly diagnosed using scientifically valid detection methods. If someone thinks that they may be suffering from an allergic response to certain food substances, the first step is to go to a doctor to ensure that the symptoms are not due to another condition and who can refer the patient to a dietician or a specialist on allergy.

The first step to a reliable diagnosis is reached by getting a detailed history of the patient’s and family’s medical background. Special attention will be given to the type and frequency of the symptoms, along with when the symptoms occur in relation to eating particular foods.

In conclusion, when suspected of having food intolerances, it is essential to go to a professional who can confirm the diagnosis. Nutritionists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, endocrinologists and dermatologists are some of the doctors specialized in these.

This article is informative and is not intended to serve as a diagnosis, prescription or treatment of any type of ailment. This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor, specialist or health professional.

ALFA