Causes of food intolerances, and symptoms

Started 06/02/2019 92 0 0

Causes of food intolerances, and symptoms

Some of the most common causes of food intolerance are

Dairy

Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

It is broken down in the body by an enzyme called lactase, which is necessary in order for lactose to be properly digested and absorbed.

Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of lactase enzymes, which causes an inability to digest lactose and results in digestive symptoms.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Diarrhoea
Gas
Nausea

Gluten

Gluten is the general name given to proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale.

Several conditions relate to gluten, including celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy.

Celiac disease involves an immune response, when people with celiac disease are exposed to gluten, the immune system attacks the small intestine and can cause serious harm to the digestive system.

Wheat allergies are often confused with celiac disease due to their similar symptoms.

They differ in that wheat allergies generate an allergy-producing antibody to proteins in wheat, while celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten in particular.

Symptoms include:

Bloating
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea or constipation
Headaches
Skin rash

Caffeine

Caffeine is a bitter chemical that is found in a wide variety of beverages, including coffee, tea and energy drinks.

It’s a stimulant, meaning it reduces fatigue and increases alertness when consumed.

Some people are sensitive to caffeine and experience reactions even after consuming a small amount. Symptoms including

Rapid heartbeat
Anxiety
Jitters
Insomnia
Nervousness
Restlessness

Salicylates

Salicylates are natural chemicals that are produced by plants as a defence against environmental stressors such as insects.

These natural chemicals are found in a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, teas, coffee, spices, nuts and honey.

Aside from being a natural component of many foods, salicylates are often used as a food preservative and may be found in medications.

Some people are extremely sensitive to these chemicals and develop adverse reactions when they consume even small amounts. Symptoms include:

Stuffy nose
Sinus infections
Nasal and sinus polyps
Asthma
Diarrhoea
Gut inflammation (colitis)
Hives

While completely removing salicylates from the diet is impossible, those with salicylate intolerance should avoid foods high in salicylates like spices, coffee, raisins and oranges.

Amines

Amines are produced by bacteria during food storage and fermentation and found in a wide variety of foods.

Though there are many types of amines, histamine is most frequently associated with food-related intolerances. Histamine is a chemical in the body that plays a role in the immune, digestive and nervous systems.

Symptoms of histamine intolerance include:

Flushing of the skin
Headaches
Hives
Itching
Anxiety
Stomach cramps
Diarrhoea
Low blood pressure

People intolerant to histamine should avoid foods high in this natural chemical, including:

Fermented foods
Cured meats
Dried fruits
Citrus fruits
Avocados
Aged cheeses
Smoked fish
Vinegar
Soured foods like buttermilk
Fermented alcoholic beverages like beer and wine

FODMAPs

FODMAPs are a group of short-chain carbohydrates found in a wide array of foods. They can cause digestive distress in many people, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of FODMAP intolerance include:

Bloating
Diarrhoea
Gas
Abdominal pain
Constipation

There are many foods high in FODMAPs, including:

Apples
Soft cheeses
Honey
Milk
Artichokes
Bread
Beans
Lentils
Beer

Sulfites

Sulfites are chemicals that are primarily used as preservatives in foods, drinks and some medications. They can also be found naturally in some foods like grapes and aged cheeses.

Common symptoms of sulfite sensitivity include:

Hives
Swelling of the skin
Stuffy nose
Hypotension
Flushing
Diarrhoea
Wheezing
Coughing

Sulfites can even cause airway constriction in asthmatic patients with sulfite sensitivity, and, in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening reactions.

Examples of foods that may contain sulfites include:

Dried fruit
Wine
Apple cider
Canned vegetables
Pickled foods
Condiments
Potato chips
Beer
Tea
Baked goods

Fructose

Fructose is a simple sugar found in fruits and vegetables, as well as sweeteners like honey, agave and high-fructose corn syrup.

In people with fructose intolerance, fructose isn’t efficiently absorbed into the blood. Symptoms of fructose malabsorption include:

Reflux
Gas
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Bloating

The following are high-fructose foods:

Honey
Apples, apple juice and apple cider
Agave nectar
Foods containing high-fructose corn syrup
Certain fruits like watermelon, cherries and pears
Certain vegetables like sugar snap peas

Other common food intolerances are Aspartame (artificial sweetener), Eggs, MSG, Food colourings and yeasts.

It is not easy to determine whether somebody has a food intolerance or allergy because the signs and symptoms often overlap, but both reactions can have severe consequences. It is the responsibility of food businesses to take extra cares at each step of their processes to minimise and eliminate the risk.