Food Intolerance

What is Food Intolerance?

Food intolerance is a condition where the body has difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Unlike a food allergy, which involves the immune system and can be life-threatening, food intolerance does not typically cause a severe reaction.

What are Some Common Causes of Food Intolerance?

Enzyme deficiencies: Some people lack the enzymes needed to break down certain foods, such as lactose in dairy products.

Food additives: Some people are sensitive to food additives such as sulfites, which are commonly used in processed foods.

Celiac disease: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body is unable to tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common digestive disorder that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

What Are Common Symptoms?

  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach Pain
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Skin Rashes
  • Joint Pain

Food Intolerance Can Be Managed

The best way to manage food intolerance is to identify the foods that are causing the symptoms and avoid them.

Keeping a food diary can help identify problem foods.

Some people may also benefit from taking enzyme supplements to help with digestion.

In the case of celiac disease, a strict gluten-free diet is necessary to prevent damage to the small intestine.

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