Understanding Food Intolerance: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Max Lab

Aug 09, 2024

The symptoms of food intolerance are often similar to those of food allergies. Having food intolerance means that a person has difficulty in properly digesting particular types of food. Food intolerances and food allergies are caused by different biological reactions or processes, which is why it is important to understand what food intolerance is, its symptoms, how it is different from a food allergy and food intolerance treatments.

What Is Food Intolerance?

Food intolerance is generally described as a non-immunological chemical reaction by the body towards a non-toxic component of food. Most symptoms of food intolerance are gastrointestinal as it is caused by the inability of the gut to digest or absorb certain types of components of food that is ingested. Many times, food intolerance may be caused by a deficiency of certain enzymes. Any symptom or sign of food intolerance that one experiences may be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but they are never life-threatening.

Symptoms and Signs of Food Intolerance

Most symptoms of food intolerance are similar to those of a food allergy. However, anaphylaxis, which is the most severe form of food allergies, is not a sign of food intolerance. It is not necessary for any sign of food intolerance to occur immediately after ingesting the food. Generally, they show up around 12-24 hours afterwards. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of food intolerance include:

• Headaches or migraines
• Bowel issues, like diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Nervousness
• Sweating
• Palpitations
• Increased rate of respiration
• Burning sensation on the skin
• Constricting feeling in the chest or on the face
• Wheezing
• Raised red skin rashes
• Read wheals
• Pruritus
• Other symptoms of allergic reactions

Having food intolerance also means that eating a larger amount of the food that causes the reaction may impact the severity of the symptoms.

Most Common Types of Food Intolerance

The main types of food intolerance include:

• Lactose Intolerance

For proper digestion and absorption of lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, the body requires ample amounts of lactase enzyme. A shortage of lactase in the body results in digestive symptoms caused by the inability to digest lactose. This is one of the most common types of food intolerance. Its symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, gas, nausea, and diarrhoea.

• Gluten Intolerance

Gluten refers to a set of proteins found in food like barley, rye, and wheat. Food intolerance for gluten has symptoms similar to those of celiac disease and wheat allergy. Treatments of food intolerance for gluten generally include following a gluten-free diet. Symptoms include diarrhoea or constipation, and abdominal pain. Bloating, headaches, joint pain, fatigue, skin rash, anaemia, depression or anxiety, brain fog, and a general lack of well-being.

• Fructose Intolerance

Fructose intolerance is the inability to digest fructose, which is a sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and sweeteners. Fructose intolerance leads to malabsorption of fructose into the blood, leading to the sugar travelling to the large intestine, where gut bacteria ferment it, leading to digestive distress. Symptoms of food tolerance for fructose include abdominal pain, bloating, reflux, gas, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting., like

Causes of Food Intolerance

There are several causes of food intolerance, including:

• Deficiency of a Certain Enzyme in the Body: If there is a lack of a particular enzyme in the body that is required for digesting particular types of food, it may lead to several types of food tolerance, like lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, and the buildup of gas that people experience after eating certain foods (apples, cabbage, lentils, beans, radish, etc.).
   
• Sensitivity to Certain Chemicals: There are several naturally occurring chemicals in food as well as chemical food additives, sensitivity to which also causes food intolerance. Examples of these chemicals include MSG, salicylates, amines, caffeine, and sulphates.
   
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Another one of the most common causes of food intolerance is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a chronic condition that may lead to several abdominal and bowel symptoms. Individuals with IBS are more likely to have digestive problems and food intolerance.
   
• Psychological Factors: For several people, there may be certain foods that lead to digestive problems and diarrhoea for psychological reasons. For some, even the simple thought of those foods may lead to them feeling sick and nauseous.

Food Intolerance Diagnosis

As the symptoms of food intolerance and food allergies are similar in most cases, an individual may be screened for both. Cures for food intolerance are planned based on the type of intolerance a person may have and the reason behind it. A health practitioner may prescribe one or more of the following tests for the diagnosis of food intolerance:

• Oral Challenge Test: Under this test, small amounts of the suspected food are ingested by the individual. The food may be given via injection or as a capsule, after which the individual is observed closely for signs of an allergic reaction.
   
• Skin Prick Test: A small amount of the suspected food item is placed directly on the skin. Then, the skin is pricked, allowing a small amount of food to enter. Allergy or intolerance for the food item will lead to some kind of skin reaction, like a bump, an itchy patch, or redness.
   
• Blood Tests: Certain blood tests can be used to detect the presence of IgE antibodies that are formed by the body in response to the presence of a substance that the body classifies as an allergen. Blood tests can help diagnose food allergies.
   
• Elimination Diet: An elimination diet is one of the best ways of determining what food intolerance is causing the symptoms. First, all suspected foods are eliminated from the diet, after which one by one foods are gradually added back to the diet. Monitoring for signs of food intolerance will help identify which foods are causing the reactions.
   
• Hydrogen Breath Test: This test is used to detect malabsorption of carbohydrates, like sorbitol, lactose, and fructose. The test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that is generally performed after a period of 8-12 hours of fasting (generally overnight).

Treatment and Management of Food Intolerance

For food intolerance, cures include eliminating the food that causes the reactions from one’s diet. In many cases, the body is able to digest the food properly again if one avoids it for a while and then reintroduces it into their diet in smaller doses. In case one experiences symptoms, over-the-counter medicine, like antidiarrheals, antihistamines, and antacids can also help. Having a management plan is also a good idea. It should include, avoiding foods that trigger reactions, as well as dishes that are made using those foods and using over the counter or prescription medicines symptomatically. It is important to consult the doctor for a proper diet plan for assurance that eliminating certain foods from the diet will not lead to nutritional deficiencies.

For proper treatment, it is important to first understand the cause behind the symptoms and to distinguish whether it is food intolerance or food allergy. This will guide the proper treatment or management plan.