Food intolerances are common digestive issues that can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system, food intolerances occur when the body has difficulty digesting certain foods. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, primarily affecting the stomach and digestive tract.
What Are Food Intolerances?
Food intolerance is a broad term that refers to an adverse reaction to food, which occurs when the digestive system is unable to break down certain components in food. The most common types of food intolerances involve lactose, gluten, fructose, and certain food additives like sulfites.
Lactose Intolerance: This occurs when the body lacks sufficient lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. As a result, undigested lactose passes into the colon, where it is fermented by bacteria, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Gluten Intolerance (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity): Individuals with gluten intolerance experience symptoms similar to celiac disease, such as bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, but without the immune response that characterizes celiac disease. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Fructose Intolerance: Fructose is a sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey. Individuals with fructose intolerance may have difficulty absorbing this sugar, leading to bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort after consuming foods high in fructose.
Food Additive Intolerances: Some people react adversely to food additives such as sulfites, which are used as preservatives in foods like wine, dried fruits, and processed meats. Symptoms can include stomach pain, headaches, and asthma-like symptoms.
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