Food intolerances are becoming more prevalent these days, as people become more aware of food's effects on their bodies. If you think you may have a food intolerance, getting a proper diagnosis from a doctor is essential. This article will discuss some of the most common intolerances and how it affects your gut health.

What is Food Intolerance?

A food sensitivity or intolerance is a condition in which someone has trouble digesting a particular food. This can cause intestinal gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhea due to the enzymes destroyed by the body's reaction to it.

A food allergy is sometimes mistaken for or mislabeled as food intolerance. However, food intolerances are associated with the digestive system. Food allergies are linked to the immune response. Even a tiny amount of foodstuff can cause anaphylactic shock, a severe or deadly allergic reaction.

How Does Food Intolerance Affect Gut Health?

Food intolerance can affect your gut health in a few ways. If you are intolerant to food, your body may not be able to digest it properly, which can cause problems such as constipation or diarrhea. Additionally, if you are intolerant to food, your body may produce more toxins as it tries to break down the food. This can lead to inflammation and other problems in the gut. 

Finally, food intolerance can also cause your body to produce less of the good bacteria that help keep your stomach healthy. This can lead to an imbalance in the gut flora and may contribute to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The 10 Most Common Food Intolerances

Food intolerances are very common and can cause a wide range of symptoms. The ten most common food intolerances are:

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. 

Symptoms include nausea, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

Wheat intolerance is the inability to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat. 

Symptoms include nausea, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

Gluten intolerance see wheat intolerance.

Soy intolerance is the inability to digest soy protein. 

Symptoms include nausea, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

Corn intolerance is the inability to digest corn starch. 

Symptoms include nausea, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

Egg intolerance is the inability to digest egg whites or yolks. 

Symptoms include nausea, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

Caffeine intolerance is the inability to digest caffeine properly. 

Symptoms include headache, racing heart rate, and an anxiety attack.

Alcohol intolerance is the inability to process alcohol properly. 

Symptoms include headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Sugar intolerance is the inability to digest sugar properly. 

Symptoms include bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Chemical intolerance is the inability to tolerate certain chemicals in food. 

Symptoms include headache, nausea, and vomiting.

How to Get a Proper Diagnosis?

It can be challenging to determine whether you have a food intolerance or not. Many people self-diagnose, but this can often be inaccurate. If you think you have a food intolerance, you must see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. A few ways your doctor can test for food intolerance include blood tests, elimination diets, and food diary logs.

If you think you might have a food intolerance, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out the best way to test for it and give you advice on how to manage your symptoms.

Treatment Options for Food Intolerances

Food intolerances are a common problem that can cause various symptoms. The most common treatments for food intolerances are dietary changes and medication.

Dietary changes are the first step in treating food intolerance. This includes eliminating the food that is causing the problem from your diet. You may also need to change your diet to help manage your symptoms. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, you must avoid dairy products.

If dietary changes do not help, you may need to take medication. There are several medications available to treat food intolerances. These include over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications.

You must see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you have a food intolerance. You can manage your symptoms and enjoy a healthy lifestyle with proper treatment.

Digestive Health Partners Can Help

We encourage you to contact us and set up an appointment to help screen for and diagnose abnormalities within your gut.