What is food intolerance?

Food tolerance occurs when the body cannot digest the food that is eaten, or in other words, when food irritates the digestive system. 

Food intolerance is different from food allergy. Food allergy occurs when the body sees the food as an invader. Food allergy affects the immune system. Some examples of an allergic reaction are hives, swelling, wheezing, etc. 

Types of food intolerance 

Lactose intolerance 

Lactose intolerance occurs when your body can’t break down or digest lactose, specifically, when there is an intake of dairy products such as cow’s milk, cheese, or yogurt. 

Symptoms include:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Stomach pain
3. Diarrhea

Gluten intolerance

Gluten is a protein found in many foods, such as wheat and barley. Gluten intolerance, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is quite common, affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK. It involves a negative reaction to eating products that contain gluten (e.g., wheat bread). 

Symptoms include: 

1. Tiredness 
2. Anemia 
3. Bloating 
4. Fatigue 
5. Headaches 

Chemical sensitivities

Chemicals found in foods like fruits, vegetables, or cheese, can cause certain people intolerance problems, such as bloating, pain, and diarrhoea. 

Symptoms include: 

1. Skin rashes 
2. Sinus 
3. Asthma 
4. Mouth ulcers 
5. Cramps 

Sensitivity to food additives 

Food additives are chemicals which are added to foods to keep them fresh or to enhance colour. Examples of food additives include food colouring and MSG. After the consumption of food additives, the individual may have reactions like hives and diarrhoea. 

Different types of food additives include: 

1. Emulsifiers 
2. Food acids 
3. Mineral salts 
4. Antioxidants 

Caffeine sensitivity 

People have different levels of tolerance regarding their caffeine intake. 

Symptoms include:

1. Nausea 
2. Anxiety 
3. Low mood 
4. Jitteriness 

Risk factors of caffeine sensitivity are particularly prevalent in pregnant women, children, and older adults. 

Causes of food intolerance

Basic causes 

• Lack of enzymes
• Food poisoning
• Celiac disease - an autoimmune disease that results in an allergic reaction to gluten products

Psychological factors 

Research has shown that individuals with food tolerance also typically suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress. For instance, individuals with Lactose intolerance are likely to be depressed, since their gut has a direct connection with the brain. It may also have an effect on sensory memory, including one’s memory and thinking. The relationship between your gut and depression is ‘bi-directional’ (if you are feeling depressed or anxious it would directly trickle down and affect your health as well).

Certain foods can trigger or affect anxiety or depression, including:

• Caffeine 
• Sugar
• Soda 

Age and developmental factors

As you age, your eating speed and the amount of food being swallowed increases, which can result in ‘digestive discomfort’. This is why it is advisable to take time while swallowing food. Medication can also completely change your food patterns and lifestyle in general. 

"Medications can have a variety of side effects that impact digestion, including reducing saliva production, constipation, and nutrient deficiencies," says Binder-McAsey. 

Management and prevention

One can prevent and manage food intolerance with the following steps:

• Consuming small amounts of food
• Consuming lactose-free dairy products (for those who are lactose intolerant)
• Using supplements prescribed by your doctors (only after consultation)
• Managing your diet well, by seeking help from a nutritionist (formulating a diet plan based on your nutritional needs)
• Always read labels on the food containers to see if you are sensitive to any food items mentioned

FAQ’s

What are the 2 reasons a food intolerance may occur?

The two main reasons for food intolerance occurring are a lack of digestive enzymes or a sensitivity to certain chemicals. 

What are the most common food intolerances? 

The main food intolerances are lactose, FODMAPs, and histamine. 

What are the six foods that tend to cause food intolerances?

• Dairy products 
• Chocolate 
• Eggs 
• Food additives 
• Flavor enhances (e.g., MSG)
• Wine (red wine) 

How to reverse food intolerance? 

Food intolerance can be reduced by healing the gut and making dietary and lifestyle changes. (e.g., substituting dairy products). 

What triggers food intolerance? 

• Genetics 
• Lack of enzymes 
• Food poisoning 

Can food intolerance get worse over time? 

Food intolerances increase as one gets older due to slower emptying of the stomach and microbial imbalance (i.e., an imbalance of different types of microscopic organisms in our body). 

Is food intolerance painful?

When it isn't properly treated, it causes abdominal pain, 

Why do people get proper food sensitivities? 

Individuals get food sensitivities when their bodies do not properly digest or agree with certain foods they eat. 

How can we heal food intolerance naturally? 

• Drinking ginger tea
• Consuming probiotic-rich foods in your diet (e.g., kimchi or fermented foods)

How to test for food intolerance? 

Food intolerance can be detected if an individual goes through a skin prick test or a blood test which can be done as well. 

Summary

Food intolerance can occur when your body doesn't agree with the food you eat, in turn, causing digestive issues. Examples of food intolerance include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, or intolerance to food chemicals (e.g., additives). The most common type of food intolerance is lactose intolerance, whereby the individual experiences sensitivity to dairy products. Symptoms of food intolerance include tiredness, fatigue, and stomach pain. 

There are certain steps one can take to manage food intolerances, like consuming food at a slower pace or consulting their GP about their dietary lifestyle.