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The secrets of food intolerance: how to recognize, treat and live healthy
Introduction
We live in a time when we have a lot of sensitivities, allergies, intolerances. But do we know the difference between them? Do we know how to protect ourselves from them, and at the same time live healthily and without discomfort? In this article, we will address food intolerances, which, according to the World Health Organization, currently affect 4 out of 5 people.
What are food intolerances?
Food intolerance is the body's inability to digest food properly. Intolerances can manifest themselves in several ways, but the most common are:
- the body lacks the digestive enzymes that enable it to digest certain foods.
- overexposure of the body to the food or excessive consumption of the food .
What are the types of intolerances? Where do they come from?
Most food intolerances have non-immunological causes. The causes vary from pseudoallergic reactions to enzymopathies, chronic infections and psychosomatic reactions associated with food intolerance.
There are several types of food intolerances, the most common of which are:
- Lactose intolerance: Results from a lack of the enzyme lactase, responsible for digesting the milk sugar called lactose.
- People with lactose intolerance may experience abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming lactose-containing products such as milk and dairy products.
- Gluten intolerance: Is associated with difficulty digesting the protein gluten, which is mainly found in wheat, rye, barley and oats.
- People with gluten intolerance, especially those with celiac disease, may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and other symptoms after consuming gluten.
- Histamine intolerance: Refers to problems with the metabolism of histamine, a substance present in certain foods. Histamine intolerance
- can cause symptoms such as headaches, red skin, itching and breathing problems.
- Fructose int olerance
- : Results from problems assimilating the fruit sugar, fructose. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Coexistence of intolerance with chronic diseases
Coexistence of food intolerance with chronic diseases can occur, and there are several scenarios that can combine the two issues. This coexistence can affect the management of chronic disease symptoms and the effectiveness of therapy. Below are some examples:
Celiac disease, which is one type of food intolerance, is also an autoimmune disease. People with celiac disease may be more susceptible to other autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's disease (autoimmune thyroiditis) or type 1 diabetes.
People with irritable bowel syndrome often experience food intolerances, including lactose intolerance. Symptoms of both conditions, such as abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea, can overlap, making it difficult to manage both situations.
Some intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can affect the body's ability to digest certain nutrients, which in turn can lead to fructose intolerance.
People with kidney disease, especially at an advanced stage, may have restrictions on the intake of certain nutrients, such as protein or potassium. Appropriate dietary adjustments may be necessary, which can affect food intolerance.
Some studies suggest that migrainesufferers may have an increased sensitivity to histamine. The coexistence of histamine intolerance and migraine may require dietary adjustments to minimize the intake of potential migraine triggers.
Symptoms of food intolerance
Symptoms of food intolerance can vary and depend on the type of intolerance and individual body characteristics. Below are the general symptoms of some of the most common types of food intolerance:
Lactose intolerance
- Abdominal pain Flatulence
- Diarrhea Gas Nausea
Gluten intolerance (celiac disease)
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Increased fatigue
- Weight loss
- Pale skin
- Joint pain
- Menstrual disorders in women
Histamine intolerance
- Headaches/migraines
- Redness of the skin
- Itching of the skin
- Changes in blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Breathing problems
Fructose intolerance
- Abdominal pain Flatulence
- Diarrhea Nausea
- Increased gas Fatigue
How to diagnose a food intolerance?
Food intolerance tests are performed by drawing venous blood at a collection point, and then an analysis of immunoglobulin G. The result of the test allows you to determine which foods are the source of intolerance. Diagnosis often requires monitoring the diet, keeping a diary of food intake and symptoms, and testing for specific enzymes or food intolerance tests.
Food allergy: Diagnosis of food allergy usually requires skin tests, blood tests (e.g., IgE tests) and/or provocation tests under medical supervision.
The difference between intolerance and allergy
Food intolerance and food allergy are two different categories of the body's reaction to food substances. The main differences between intolerance and allergy:
Reaction mechanism
- Food intolerance: Results from disorders in the digestion or assimilation of certain nutrients. Examples include lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance or histamine intolerance.
- Lack of proper enzymes or other digestive problems can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea.
- Food allergy: This is a reaction of the immune system to a specific food ingredient. In an allergy, the immune system identifies the ingredient as a harmful substance, leading to the release of chemicals such as histamine, which in turn causes a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to potentially dangerous.
Speed of onset of symptoms
- Food intolerance:
- Symptoms often develop gradually and inconspicuously, and may occur several hours after eating a particular food.
- Food Allergy: Symptoms of food allergy are usually rapidly developing and may occur within minutes to hours after ingestion of the allergen.
Symptoms
- Food intolerance:
- Symptoms are usually related to the digestive system and include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes fatigue.
- Food Allergy: Symptoms can include skin reactions (e.g., rash, itching), breathing problems, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea and in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock.
How to avoid intolerance? What does a special diet consist of?
The diagnosis of food intolerance can be accurately determined by performing serological tests. Once the diagnosis is made, basic treatment, dietary changes and the use of a special regimen depending on the degree of intolerance should be applied.
Lactose intolerance
- Choose low-lactose dairy products such as yogurts, hard cheeses.
- Use lactose-free milk substitutes . Avoid
- lactose-rich
- dishes and drinks .
Gluten intolerance (celiac disease).
- Eliminate products containing wheat, barley, rye and oatmeal.
- Choose gluten-free substitutes such as gluten-free flours, bread, pasta, etc.
- Watch out for hidden sources of gluten in foods
- .
Histamine intolerance
- Limit your intake of high histamine foods such as cheese, cured meats, alcohol, coffee.
- Choose fresh foods. Avoid foods
- that have been stored for long periods of time
- .
Fructose intolerance
- Limit your intake of high fructose fruits such as apples, pears, mangoes. Avoid
- products containing high fructose corn syrup.
- Choose low fructose products
- .
Dietary supplements to help with intolerance
Here are some supplements you may want to consider for some types of food intolerance:
Lactase Enzyme: This supplement contains the enzyme lactase, which helps digest lactose. People with lactose intolerance can take this enzyme before consuming dairy products.
Vitamin and mineral supplements: People with celiac disease may have problems absorbing certain nutrients. Vitamin and mineral supplementation, such as iron, B vitamins, vitamin D, may be necessary.
Quercetin: This is a flavonoid that can help control histamine reactions. It can be used as a dietary supplement, although watch out for potential drug interactions and consult your doctor.
Probioticsupplements: Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microflora, which can improve fructose tolerance.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Helps metabolize biogenic amines, including tyramine. Vitamin B6 supplementation may be used in some cases.
Dietary supplements, such as Papaya Plus or Inulin, can help digest lactose and alleviate symptoms of digestive intolerance.
Summary
Food intolerances are a problem that affects an increasing number of people. However, with proper diagnosis, dietary adjustments and the possible introduction of dietary supplements, the quality of life for those suffering from food intolerances can be significantly improved. It is worth consulting a doctor to determine the right approach to treating and preventing food intolerances.