Food intolerance

What is Food Intolerance?

Food intolerance refers to the body's inability to properly digest or process certain foods, leading to unpleasant symptoms or discomfort. Food intolerance is different from a food allergy, which is an immune response triggered by the body's immune system upon consuming certain foods. Food intolerance is usually caused by a deficiency of certain enzymes or other mechanisms that are needed for digestion or processing of specific foods, and can result in symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea.

Examples of common food intolerances include lactose intolerance, which is the inability to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products; gluten intolerance or sensitivity, which is a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye; and fructose intolerance, which is the inability to properly absorb fructose, a type of sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and some sweeteners. Food intolerance can vary in severity, and some individuals may be able to tolerate small amounts of the offending food without experiencing symptoms, while others may need to completely avoid the trigger food.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

It may be necessary to see a doctor if you suspect you have a food intolerance, which is a condition where the body has difficulty digesting certain types of foods. If you consistently experience discomfort or distress after consuming certain foods and suspect a food intolerance, it is important to seek medical advice. A doctor can help identify the specific food triggers, provide guidance on dietary modifications, and suggest appropriate management strategies.