Signs of Food Intolerance

Have you ever enjoyed a meal and then seconds later you find yourself gasping for air, dealing with congestion, itching shamelessly, and feeling stumped as to what could be wrong?

Chances are you are dealing with food allergies or intolerance to certain types of food. Food Intolerance is the body’s chemical reaction that some people experience after eating or drinking certain types of foods.

Individuals who have auto-immune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies and asthma are more susceptible to developing intolerances against various food groups. The difference between food intolerance and food allergies is the fact that an allergic reaction toward certain foods is an immune system response.  The smallest dose of that food can make one gravely ill or cause an anaphylactic reaction. Often symptoms manifest as stomach issues, rashes, and swelling.

How do you know if you have a food intolerance?

Although it is possible to go through life for years without being aware of allergies towards certain foods, most of the time, there are symptoms that indicate that something is not quite right.  For instance, if you feel lethargic, unfocused, experiencing tingling, joint pains and skin outbreaks, there is a good possibility that you are exhibiting signs of intolerance to specific foods.

Signs of Food Intolerance

Intolerant Foods

Causes of Food Intolerance

Food Intolerance is caused by difficulty digesting certain types of foods, lack of digestive enzymes, error of metabolism and hereditary factors.  At times some of the visible signs are very different from the physical symptoms.  Those who have been suffering with food intolerances will say the physical symptoms are disconcerting.  The bloating, belching, vomiting, itchy rashes and abdominal cramping that occurs can be embarrassing and inconvenient when in public.  When it comes to signs and symptoms of food intolerance, no two people are alike.  Some more severe symptoms include wheezing, runny nose, feeling unwell, and candida. Intolerance to foods is more common than people may think.

Statistics have shown that approximately 45% of the population suffers from food intolerances. The strange phenomenon about having intolerance towards certain foods is that a person may have an immediate reaction or he/she may experience a delayed reaction with 72 hours of consuming the intolerable food.  The difference between having food intolerance and an allergy is that most food allergies prompt an immediate reaction within two hours of consuming the disagreeable food. Food allergies are deadly as the smallest trace of the food can be life threatening.

Foods that are known for allergic reactions

Causes of Food Allergies

Food allergies are persistent and are generally a lifelong ailment. Allergies triggered by consuming specific foods are caused by gut inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, H. Pylori Bacteria, altered gut microbiome, deficient immune system, GMO foods, and gluten sensitivity.

Common food intolerances are wheat, gluten, milk, certain fruits and vegetables. In comparison to food allergies, the sufferer is only allergic to one or two foods. While a person battling food in tolerances will find out that he/she is allergic to many food groups.

It is not enough to have a gut feeling that you have a Food Intolerance issue, since symptoms can manifest into serious ailments you would never even conceive to be associated with your digestive issues.

Symptoms such as acne, colic, weight gain, hypoglycemia, recurrent infections, bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, chest pains, and dry skin are all connected to the food intolerance syndrome. To be certain of one’s intolerance to certain food groups, tests have to be conducted.

First, you will need to consult with a Dietitian, Nutritionist or Allergy & Immunology specialist. The practitioner will then test your blood for IgG antibodies for up to 222 foods. This is also known as a Food Intolerance blood test.

Through this type of testing, the practitioner is able to determine the foods that require elimination from your diet. Food Intolerances prevent one from achieving good health. If left untreated, it may lead to chronic illnesses.

Testing for food allergies is slightly different as the testing is more comprehensive and there are four tests associated.

1. Physical examination (looking for anaphylactic reaction)
2. Blood test (looking for specific IgE markers that are a part of some allergic reactions)
3. Skin prick test (small doses of the allergen are put under the skin)
4. Food challenge (under a doctor’s supervision the food is eaten to see if it causes a reaction)

Food Intolerance may cause the following diseases:

• Bronchitis
• Gastritis
• Celiac disease
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Malabsorption

If you have food allergies or intolerance towards specific food groups when dining out it is best to inform a member of the establishment regarding your requirements and concerns. It may be necessary to make prior inquiries about contamination of menu foods with allergic food products.

Persons who are suffering from food intolerance or allergies may also have an egg allergy. If this is the situation, then these individuals should avoid the following foods:

Gluten sensitivity is real as three million people in the United States battle gluten sensitivity each year. Gluten is found in foods such as bread, pastries, candy, pancakes, crackers, chocolate, grains and pickles.

Signs of Gluten Sensitivity

The following diseases are associated with gluten sensitivity:

• Psychological issues
• Anemia
• Lupus
• Thyroid disease

To prevent health issues, if you have been diagnosed with food intolerance, avoid mixing food groups. That way, when there is an adverse reaction, you can identify the food that caused the issue. Besides being careful what you eat, avoid allergenic foods, fast intermittently, avoid sugar, and consume adequate amounts of fiber.