Food allergies can be minor or life-threatening. Food intolerances or sensitivities, on the other hand, tend to be a little less serious. They are extremely common and research suggests they are on the rise. Most people are unaware of the foods they are intolerant to. A simple DNA test can identify which foods or food groups you should avoid. Food intolerance tests can identify dietary triggers and put you in control of your health and wellness. Continue reading to uncover the most common food intolerances.
- Dairy
Dairy is one of the most common food intolerances around the world. Sufferers are unable to break down and digest lactose. Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is usually broken down by an enzyme called lactase. Dairy intolerance occurs when the host lacks a sufficient amount of lactase enzymes. There are a number of symptoms that may present themselves as a result of dairy intolerance. These include minor or severe abdominal pain, gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhoea. According to a recent study, over 65% of the world’s population struggle to digest lactose. Dairy intolerance can be diagnosed in several different ways. A lactose intolerance test can be easily obtained from your doctor or a number of online vendors. You may also be asked to provide a sample of your stool. Some dairy products contain less lactose than others. For example, fermented dairy products such as sour cream, yoghurt, and kefir can shrink any potential side effects and even reduce your chances of developing cardiometabolic disease when consumed over a prolonged period of time. You can be born with an intolerance to food or develop it later in life. There are several online and in-person companies offering a series of tests designed to highlight whether or not you are suffering from an intolerance to food. By uncovering any intolerances or allergies ahead of time, you can take the appropriate action.
- Caffeine
Caffeine is another common food intolerance. It is a chemical and stimulant found in a wide range of food products and beverages. It is most commonly found in coffee and dark chocolate and can reduce fatigue and boost alertness when consumed on a regular basis. Caffeine gets to work by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep and digestion. Most people can consume and digest up to 400mg of caffeine in any given day. This equals around four cups of coffee. Others are much more likely to experience a number of side effects after just one cup. A caffeine allergy is much more serious than a caffeine intolerance and requires a separate diagnosis and treatment. There are a number of differences between the two. A caffeine allergy can trigger hives, swelling, and itchiness in and around the mouth. A caffeine intolerance, on the other hand, is likely to cause anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
- Gluten
Gluten is the name given to a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Most gluten intolerances are minor, but they can trigger a number of severe side effects. Several serious medical conditions may also arise as a result of a gluten intolerance. These include coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, gluten ataxia, and even dermatitis herpetiformis. Reducing your intake of gluten or cutting it from your diet completely can reduce the risk of developing a number of nasty symptoms. A gluten-free diet usually avoids bread, pasta, cereal, beer, and baked goods. When sufferers of coeliac disease are exposed to gluten, their immune system attacks both the small intestine and digestive system. It can be difficult to differentiate between coeliac disease and a wheat allergy. They both trigger a similar set of symptoms. Your doctor will be able to conduct a number of tests and provide you with an accurate diagnosis so you can take action. An intolerance to gluten can trigger an exhaustive list of symptoms. You may suffer from one or many at the same time. They include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, a skin rash, and anaemia. As well as your physical health and wellness, a gluten intolerance can wreak havoc on your mental health.
- Shellfish
Shellfish includes clams, lobster, crab, squid, oyster, scallops, and shrimp. An intolerance can occur as a result of being exposed to a number of proteins found within these marine animals. The protein most likely to cause a problem is tropomyosin or TM. Some sufferers may react to one or more of these fish and sensitivity can come and go over time during the course of your lifetime. Symptoms of shellfish intolerance include hives, swelling of the mouth, wheezing, abdominal pain, and dizziness. While most shellfish intolerances are minor, they can also trigger the onset of a potentially fatal condition known as anaphylaxis. This is a severe reaction to a food allergy or intolerance. Anaphylaxis can cause a rash, low pulse, and shock. This is also known as anaphylactic shock. Those with a shellfish intolerance may also experience the same symptoms from fish oil, fish sticks, fish gelatine, Worcestershire sauce, fish stock, sushi, and even BBQ sauce. A shellfish intolerance is an inconvenience, but it can be managed. Paying close attention to labels on food packaging can also prevent any unexpected reactions. Look out for ingredient lists that contain the words scampi, ceviche, and clamato.
- Red meat
Some people are intolerant to beef, pork, and lamb as a result of the way in which the animal was reared. Some livestock are fed corn and soy as opposed to grass. These animals are also more likely to be given growth hormones and antibiotics to control growth and milk production. This can reduce livestock raising costs and raise the price of the meat. This can, however, also affect the overall taste and quality of the meat and can lead to intolerances or allergies. If you have developed a reaction to consuming red meat, you may benefit from shopping around for meat that has been pasture-raised. Cutting out meat from your diet, however, can lead to a number of serious health problems down the line. You may suffer from a protein or B12 deficiency or develop anaemia. You can reduce the severity of these problems with daily supplements. You must also ensure you are supplying your body with additional nutrients and vitamins that are usually obtained through eating meat. Suitable meat replacements include lentils, quinoa, chickpeas, kidney beans, and nuts. An online or in-person allergy or intolerance test can highlight whether or not you should stray away from red meat.
Food intolerances can be a nuisance. The number of people suffering from a food intolerance has risen dramatically in recent years. They can trigger a number of nasty side effects and lead to the onset of a variety of serious health conditions down the line if left untreated. Food intolerances differ from food allergies. They tend to be less severe and are easily managed. By knowing what upsets your stomach, you can alter your diet accordingly. Take the time to monitor your diet over a prolonged period of time and make a note of any foods that cause any unpleasant physical reactions.
