Food intolerances and sensitivities

Food intolerances and sensitivities

Food intolerances and sensitivities

When it comes to nutrition, it is important to listen to our body and pay attention to possible food intolerances or sensitivities. In this article we will deal with this topic more precisely and explain what food intolerances and sensitivities are and how you can affect our body.

What are food intolerances?

Food intolerances occur if the body cannot digest or process certain foods. The body reacts to these foods with various symptoms that can range from mild symptoms to serious health problems.

types of food intolerances

There are different types of food intolerances, of which the best known are:

1. lactose intolerance: In the case of lactose intolerance, the body lacks the enzyme lactase that is needed to reduce milk sugar (lactose). This leads to digestive problems such as flatulence, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
2. gluten intolerance (celiac disease): people with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Contact with gluten can lead to damage to the intestinal villains, which can lead to indigestion, weight loss and malnutrition.
3. histamine intolerance: Histamine intolerance occurs if the body cannot dismantle sufficiently histamine. This can lead to headaches, rashes, indigestion and other symptoms.
4. fructosemalabsorption: This is an intolerance to fructose, the natural sugar in fruit and a few types of vegetables. An impaired fructose processing can lead to indigestion such as flatulence and diarrhea.

causes of food intolerances

There are various possible causes of food intolerance. A genetic predisposition can play a role, as can a disturbed intestinal flora or immune reactions of the body to certain food components.

What are food intolerances?

In contrast to food intolerance, food intolerance is a less specific reaction to certain foods. Here the body is sensitive to certain foods without a clear cause.

Symptoms of food intolerances

The symptoms of food intolerances are diverse and can vary from person to person. Common symptoms are:

- abdominal pain
- flatulence
- diarrhea or constipation
- nausea
- Headache or migraine -like symptoms
-Rashes or irritation
- Fatigue or energy deficiency

trigger food

There are certain foods that are more likely to be identified as trigger for food intolerances or sensitivities. These include:

1. dairy products: milk and milk products are often triggered for lactose intolerance.
2. wheat and gluten -containing products: gluten -containing products such as bread, pasta and pastries are common triggers for gluten intolerances.
3. eggs: eggs can cause food intolerances, especially if they are raw or incomplete.
4. Fish and seafood: In particular, shellfish can trigger food intolerance.
5. soy: soy products are known for their allergenic properties and can cause sensitive reactions.
6. nuts and seeds: peanuts, almonds and other nuts or seeds can lead to intolerance in some people.

diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of food intolerance can be a challenge because the symptoms can resemble those of other diseases. If you suspect that you suffer from food intolerance, you should consult your doctor or nutritionist. A comprehensive history of their symptoms, a physical examination and possibly diagnostic tests can help identify the underlying cause.

Treatment of food intolerances usually includes the elimination or restriction of the trigger foods from nutrition. This can mean that certain foods must be avoided completely or that they can only be consumed in small quantities. In some cases, supportive treatment may be necessary to relieve the symptoms, such as taking digestive enzymes.

prevention and recommendations

In order to reduce or avoid food intolerances or sensitivities, the following measures can be taken:

1. eat a balanced diet: A balanced diet with a variety of food can help prevent food intolerance.
2. pay attention to your reactions: listen to your body and pay attention to symptoms that could occur after consuming certain foods.
3. keep a nutritional diary: leading a nutritional diary can help to recognize relationships between certain foods and symptoms.
4. work with a specialist: If you suspect that you suffer from food intolerance, see a doctor or nutritionist who can help you with diagnosis and treatment.

It is important to emphasize that food intolerances and sensitivities are individual and that not everyone reacts in the same way. A precise diagnosis is the key to the correct treatment and to achieve optimal health and quality of life.

FAZIT

Food intolerances and sensitivities are widespread problems that affect many people. It is important to listen to our body and take possible symptoms seriously. A precise diagnosis and individual treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. With a balanced diet, mindfulness and, if necessary, we can learn how to adapt our diet to our individual needs.