Food Intolerance is a common condition where your body has difficulty digesting certain foods. While not life-threatening like a food allergy, it can cause significant discomfort and unpleasant symptoms. If you suspect you have a food intolerance, understanding the symptoms, causes, and management strategies is the first step towards feeling better.
Recognizing Food Intolerance: What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of food intolerance usually appear a few hours after consuming the problematic food or ingredient. These reactions can vary from person to person and may affect different parts of the body.
Common Digestive Symptoms
The most frequently reported symptoms of food intolerance are related to the digestive system. These include:
- Diarrhea: Loose, watery stools.
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness and swelling in the abdomen.
- Excessive Gas (Farting): Increased flatulence.
- Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or cramping in the stomach area.
Other Possible Symptoms
Beyond digestive issues, food intolerance can manifest in a wider range of symptoms that may not always be immediately linked to food. These can include:
- Headache: Persistent or recurring headaches.
- Fatigue or Exhaustion: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing stools.
- Joint Pain: Aches and stiffness in the joints.
- Skin Rashes: Red, itchy, or bumpy skin.
Symptoms can last for several hours or even days, depending on the severity of the intolerance and the amount of food consumed.
Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy: Knowing the Difference
It’s crucial to distinguish food intolerance from a food allergy. While both involve adverse reactions to food, they are fundamentally different. A food allergy involves the immune system and can trigger severe, potentially life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis. Symptoms of a food allergy typically appear rapidly and can include:
- Itchy skin
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the lips, face, and eyes
Food intolerance, on the other hand, does not involve the immune system. It’s primarily a digestive issue. While symptoms can be unpleasant, they are generally not life-threatening.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Food Intolerance
While food intolerance is not usually an emergency, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.
Non-Urgent Advice: See a Doctor (GP) If:
- You or your child experience recurring symptoms of food intolerance.
- You are unsure about the cause of your digestive issues.
- Your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life.
Immediate Action Required: Call Emergency Services (999) If:
It’s vital to recognize the signs of a severe allergic reaction, which requires immediate medical attention. Call 999 (or your local emergency number) if you experience any of the following symptoms after eating:
- Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue.
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, choking, or gasping for air.
- Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing.
- Blue, grey, or pale skin, tongue, or lips (especially noticeable on palms or soles for darker skin tones).
- Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness.
- Fainting or unresponsiveness.
- In a child, limpness, floppiness, or unresponsiveness.
These symptoms indicate a serious allergic reaction and require immediate hospital treatment.
What Causes Food Intolerance?
Food intolerance arises when your body lacks the necessary enzymes or mechanisms to properly break down certain foods or food components. Unlike food allergies, it’s not an immune system response.
Common Food Intolerances:
While you can be intolerant to almost any food, some are more common than others. These include:
- Lactose Intolerance: The most prevalent food intolerance, caused by a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose (milk sugar) found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Gluten Intolerance (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity): A sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, common in bread, pasta, and cereals.
- Histamine Intolerance: Reactions to histamine, a natural compound found in fermented foods and drinks like wine, cheese, and some fish.
- Caffeine Intolerance: Sensitivity to caffeine present in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.
- Alcohol Intolerance: Difficulty processing alcohol, often linked to enzyme deficiencies.
- Sulphite Sensitivity: Reactions to sulphites, preservatives found in wine, beer, cider, and dried fruits.
- Salicylate Sensitivity: Sensitivity to salicylates, natural chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Sensitivity: Reactions to MSG, a flavor enhancer present in ripened fruits, cured meats, and savory snacks.
Tests for Food Intolerance: How is it Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects a food intolerance, they may refer you to a registered dietitian, a food and nutrition specialist. Diagnosis often involves a combination of methods:
- Elimination Diet: A temporary diet where you remove suspected foods to see if symptoms improve. After a few weeks, foods are reintroduced one at a time to identify triggers.
- Blood Tests: May be used to rule out other conditions or, in some cases, to assess specific intolerances.
- Breath Test: Used specifically for lactose intolerance to measure hydrogen levels after consuming lactose.
- Food and Symptom Diary: Keeping a detailed record of your food intake and symptoms can help identify patterns and potential triggers.
Important Warning: Be Cautious of Home Tests
Be wary of home food intolerance tests available for purchase. These tests are generally not recommended by healthcare professionals. There’s limited scientific evidence to support their accuracy, and they may lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions, potentially harming your health, especially if they suggest eliminating multiple foods.
Treatment and Management of Food Intolerance
The primary approach to managing food intolerance is to avoid or reduce consumption of the offending food or ingredient. This may involve carefully reading food labels and making informed choices when eating out.
Key Management Strategies:
- Avoidance or Reduction: Identify and limit or eliminate trigger foods from your diet.
- Professional Guidance: Consult a GP or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, especially for children. They can help ensure you maintain a balanced diet and avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Managing food intolerance often involves a personalized approach, and working with healthcare professionals can help you identify triggers, manage symptoms, and maintain a healthy and enjoyable diet.
