What Are The Main Food Intolerances?

Food is the body’s main source of energy. After all, you need a daily intake of different food groups to provide your body with all the nutrients it needs. However, many people have food intolerances that make it difficult to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet. Discover the main food intolerances below!

You may have had unpleasant symptoms after eating certain types of food. For this reason, in this article, we will discuss in detail about the main food intolerances and their associated symptoms.

The difference between food allergies and food intolerances

First of all, it is important to know that there is a difference between food allergies and food intolerances. This is because our immune system is involved in the mechanism of food allergies.

On the other hand, food intolerances are generally caused by a lack of components needed for proper digestion of trigger foods. However, there is one exception: gluten. Gluten intolerance causes changes in the immune system.

A person who is allergic to a food cannot eat it at all. However, if a person has a food intolerance, he can ingest some of the food without any problems.

Symptoms of food intolerances

Although some foods can cause both allergy and intolerance, similar symptoms are triggered in both situations. As mentioned above, some symptoms are immunological, while others are not.

The most common symptoms of food allergies are:

• Hives
• Eczema
• Swelling of the lips or eyelids

• Red eyes
• Cough
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Hypotension

The main food intolerances have similar symptoms, but are milder in intensity. However, they are quite annoying. Here are the most common:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal distension

Allergies usually occur 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion of food and can be severe and dangerous. On the other hand, the symptoms of food intolerance may be delayed and are milder.

Now you know the main differences between food allergies and intolerances. Next, it’s time to mention the main food intolerances.

Lactose intolerance

This intolerance occurs due to the inability of the digestive system to digest lactose, which is the sugar in milk.

This food intolerance is caused by a deficiency in the production of the enzyme lactase. This enzyme is responsible for the digestion of lactose and, consequently, for its proper absorption. In general, this condition can be temporary or permanent.

Gluten intolerance or celiac disease

Gluten is a glycoprotein present in many foods such as wheat, oats or barley. A person suffers from gluten intolerance when his small intestine is not able to digest gluten. Therefore, an inflammatory reaction occurs in the intestine. Usually, this is a condition that does not heal for a lifetime. In essence, it is an autoimmune food intolerance.

Its main symptoms are:

• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of muscle mass

Sucrose intolerance

Among the main food intolerances we find sucrose intolerance. It is triggered after ingesting sugar and is caused by the lack of a digestive enzyme called sucrase.

In the case of this intolerance, the absence of the enzyme sucrose prevents the correct digestion of sucrose. This causes symptoms such as diarrhea, flatulence and abdominal pain, among others.

Fructose malabsorption

The fructose contained in fruits causes many food intolerances.

Fructose is the sugar in fruits, certain vegetables and honey. If your gut cannot digest this type of sugar, you will suffer from the typical symptoms of food intolerances after eating these foods.

It is very important to go to a specialist consultation if you suspect that you suffer from a food intolerance. After all, these conditions can lead to many health problems caused by poor absorption of nutrients that the body needs to function properly.

In some cases, you may need specialized tests to identify the cause. Thus, you will be able to discover the best treatment.