Food intolerance is a condition that makes it difficult for some to process and break down certain foods. According to statistics, approximately as much as 20% of the world’s population may suffer from some kind of food intolerance. Although it may not cause severe symptoms, suffering from this condition could make it challenging to manage underlying health problems. The following article lists the types of food intolerance and offers tips to manage them.
Difference between food intolerance and food allergies
Before we discuss food intolerance types, let’s understand the difference between food intolerance and food allergies. While food intolerance affects the digestive system due to body’s inability to process the food, suffering from food allergies affects the immune system. The body reacts to allergens present in the food by releasing chemicals called histamines. Food allergies can be life-threatening and cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, swelling, itching, etc. Food intolerance is primarily due to the absence of some enzymes in the body that results in digestive issues, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Types of food intolerance
Food intolerance types are categorized based on the chemicals present in them that impair the digestive system. Some common types include:
Fructose intolerance
As the name suggests, fructose intolerance is caused due to the fructose content in some fruits, vegetables, and honey. Hereditary fructose intolerance is the result of ALDOB gene mutation. Symptoms of fructose intolerance include gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.
Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is one of the most common types of food intolerance, with an estimated 30 million people in the country suffering from the same. Lactose is a sugar present in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerant people do not have enough lactase enzyme to break down lactose for it to be absorbed by the intestine. Ingesting milk and other dairy products may exhibit symptoms like spasms, stomachache, bloating, gas, and diarrhea in severe cases.
Salicylate intolerance
Salicylate intolerance occurs due to compounds called salicylates present in eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers. The compound is also present in preservatives and flavorings used in toothpaste, candies, and chewing gum. A person suffering from salicylate intolerance may exhibit collective symptoms like hives, stomach pain, fatigue, wheezing, and diarrhea.
Gluten intolerance
It is yet another one of the most common food intolerances. Gluten is a protein present in cereals and grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the grain. Gluten intolerant individuals do not possess dipeptidyl peptidase – IV, an enzyme responsible for breaking down gluten. As a result, they experience symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, bloating, and gas. Non-digestive symptoms may include brain fog, headache, joint pain, and fatigue.
FODMAPs intolerance
FODMAPs or fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols are nothing but short-chain carbohydrates that are naturally found in daily foods. Simply put, FODMAPs intolerance is a collective intolerance of the ones mentioned above. FODMAPs intolerance causes bloating and other digestive distress as they are poorly absorbed by small intestines. Due to poor absorption, they act as fuel for the bacteria present in the large intestine. FODMAP carbohydrates have osmotic properties, due to which, they draw water into the digestive system, causing diarrhea.
Intolerance towards specific foods
Some individuals may not be intolerant towards a group of food but specific foods. For instance, some people may face digestive issues on eating egg whites and experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. Others may be intolerant to foods containing yeast.
Tips to manage food intolerance
Food intolerance can be very uncomfortable, and it can be especially problematic for individuals who are already suffering from underlying health conditions. Hence, the following tips can help manage food intolerance:
Avoid triggers
The primary tip to get relief from food intolerance is to simply omit particular food triggers from daily meals and switch to their alternatives. For instance, lactose-intolerant people can switch to lactose-free options made from soy, almond, or coconut milk and tofu. Gluten intolerant individuals can indulge in gluten-free alternatives like food made from brown rice, amaranth, and buckwheat. However, it is important to consult a doctor to ensure these alternatives do not aggravate underlying health conditions.
Read the food labels
When buying packed foods that may appear safe, it is best to check the ingredients and ascertain that your favorite snack does not contain ingredients that your digestive system cannot process.
Keep treatment options handy
In case of accidental ingestion of food intolerance triggers, make sure to keep treatment options handy to be used to get relief from symptom flare-ups. Seek healthcare assistance at the earliest for worsening symptoms.
