Food intolerances and sensitivities

Food intolerances and sensitivities

Food intolerances and sensitivities

When it comes to nutrition, it's important to listen to our bodies and pay attention to possible food intolerances or sensitivities. In this article we will take a closer look at this topic and explain what food intolerances and sensitivities are and how they can affect our bodies.

What are food intolerances?

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

Types of food intolerances

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

1.Lactose intolerance:In lactose intolerance, the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down milk sugar (lactose). This leads to digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea and stomach pain.
2.Gluten intolerance (celiac disease):People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Exposure to gluten can cause damage to the intestinal villi, which can lead to digestive problems, weight loss and malnutrition.
3.Histamine intolerance:Histamine intolerance occurs when the body cannot break down histamine sufficiently. This can lead to headaches, skin rashes, indigestion, and other symptoms.
4.Fructose malabsorption:This is an intolerance to fructose, the natural sugar in fruits and some vegetables. Impaired fructose processing can lead to digestive disorders such as bloating 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 the body's immune reactions to certain food components.

What are food intolerances?

Unlike food intolerances, food intolerances are a less specific reaction to certain foods. The body reacts sensitively to certain foods without there being a clear cause.

Symptoms of food intolerances

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

– Abdominal pain
– Flatulence
– Diarrhea or constipation
– Nausea
– Headache or migraine-like symptoms
– Skin rashes or irritations
– Tiredness or lack of energy

Trigger foods

There are certain foods that are more commonly identified as triggers for food intolerances or sensitivities. This includes:

1.Dairy products:Milk and dairy products are often triggers for lactose intolerance.
2.Products containing wheat and gluten:Products containing gluten such as bread, pasta and pastries are common triggers for gluten intolerance.
3.Eggs:Eggs can cause food intolerances, especially if they are raw or undercooked.
4.Fish and seafood:Shellfish in particular can trigger food intolerances.
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 cause intolerance in some people.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing food intolerances can be challenging because symptoms can be similar to other medical conditions. If you suspect that you have a food intolerance, you should consult your doctor or nutritionist. A comprehensive history of your symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly diagnostic testing can help identify the underlying cause.

Treating food intolerances usually involves eliminating or limiting the trigger foods from the diet. This may mean that certain foods need to be avoided completely or that they can only be consumed in small quantities. In some cases, supportive treatment may be necessary to relieve symptoms, such as taking digestive enzymes.

Prevention and recommendations

To reduce or prevent food intolerances or sensitivities, the following measures can be taken:

1.Eat a balanced diet:Eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods can help prevent food intolerances.
2.Pay attention to your reactions:Listen to your body and pay attention to any symptoms that might occur after eating certain foods.
3.Keep a food diary:Keeping a food diary can help identify connections between certain foods and symptoms that occur.
4.Work with a professional:If you suspect you have a food intolerance, see a doctor or nutritionist who can help you diagnose and treat it.

It is important to emphasize that food intolerances and sensitivities are individual and not everyone reacts the same way. An accurate diagnosis is the key to proper treatment and achieving optimal health and quality of life.

Conclusion

Food intolerances and sensitivities are common problems that affect many people. It is important to listen to our bodies and take possible symptoms seriously. An accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Through a balanced diet, mindfulness and, if necessary, the support of a professional, we can learn how to adapt our diet to our individual needs.