Digestive distress due to food intolerance affects millions of people worldwide. Unlike food allergies, which are a direct response of the immune system, food intolerance primarily affects the digestive system showing uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms that can be long lasting. In this blog, we will understand what food intolerance is and how can you check food intolerance by understanding the symptoms, common causes and how food intolerance tests can help identify the culprits.
What is Food Intolerance?
The digestive system is a complex network of organs responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. Breaking down food requires enzymes released by liver and pancreas to aid digestion. This complex system ensures that the body gets essential nutrients for energy, growth and repair while removing indigestible substances. Food intolerance occurs when our digestive system is unable to break down certain foods due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to certain chemicals or reactions to food additives.
Food intolerance is not an immune response of the body. Food allergy causes immediate and potentially life threatening symptoms, food intolerance typically leads to delayed symptoms that affect the digestive health of a person and can be long lasting.
Many people with food intolerance can consume small amounts of the offending food without experiencing symptoms, whereas someone with a food allergy must avoid the food entirely to prevent severe reactions. Understanding the distinction between the two is important for managing dietary concerns.
How To Check Food Intolerance At Home
Food intolerance comes with a number of symptoms that can appear several hours or even days after consuming specific foods, which include:
- Bloating and Gas – One of the most frequent symptom happens when undigested food ferments in intestines.
- Diarrhea – Food intolerance can result in loose stools or diarrhea due to poor absorption in the intestines.
- Stomach Cramps – Abdominal pain or cramping may occur.
- Nausea – Feeling queasy or nauseous after eating larger quantities of the offending
- Headaches and Migraines – Food intolerance can trigger migraines or severe headaches, often tied to chemical sensitivities in certain foods.
- Fatigue – A very common symptom as the body uses more energy to digest food.
- Skin Issues – While less common, food intolerance can sometimes cause skin conditions like eczema, hives, or rashes, particularly with sensitivities to additives or preservatives.
- Irritability and Mood Swings – Some people report mood swings, depression and irritability when consuming larger quantity of trigger foods.
Common Culprits of Food Intolerance
Following are the common culprits of food intolerance:
Lactose
Lactose is one of the most common types of food intolerance. It is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Easy way to check food intolerance against lactose is the symptoms that follow after consuming dairy products. Lactase is an enzyme, deficiency of which leads to lactose intolerance.
Gluten
A protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Individuals with gluten intolerance experience similar digestive issues including bloating, abdominal pain and fatigue.
Fructose
It is a sugar found in fruits, honey and processed foods. Fructose malabsorption leads to diarrhea, bloating and gas after consuming.
Histamine
A compound found in fermented foods like cheese, wine, pickles etc. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, hives and digestive issues.
Caffeine
Found in coffee, tea, chocolate and some soft drinks, caffeine can cause jitteriness, rapid heartbeat, and digestive discomfort in those who are sensitive to it.
Food Additives
Certain food additives such as sulfites (used in wine and dried fruits) or monosodium glutamate (MSG, commonly found in Chinese food and processed snacks), can trigger reactions in people sensitive to these chemicals.
FODMAPs
Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols are a group of short-chain carbohydrates that some individuals find difficult to digest. Foods high in FODMAPs include onions, garlic, beans and certain fruits.
Check Food Intolerance By At Home Food Allergy Tests
Identifying food intolerance can be a complex process since symptoms are often delayed and can mimic other conditions. Fortunately, it is easy to check food intolerance with the help of at home food allergy tests that can help pinpoint the problem foods, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their diets.
Blood Tests
At home food intolerance tests analyze a person’s blood to measure levels of IgG antibodies in response to certain foods. High levels of these antibodies may indicate that the body is reacting negatively to specific foods. Although the scientific consensus on IgG testing is debated, many individuals have found relief by eliminating the foods flagged in these tests.
Elimination Diet
One of the most commonly recommended methods to check food intolerance is an elimination diet. This involves removing suspected foods from the diet for several weeks and then gradually reintroducing them one by one to observe the body’s reaction. While this method is effective, it requires patience and strict adherence to dietary changes.
Breath Tests
Breath tests, such as a hydrogen breath test, are used to diagnose lactose intolerance or fructose malabsorption. These tests measure the amount of hydrogen in the breath after consuming a test dose of a specific sugar. Elevated hydrogen levels indicate that the sugar is not being properly absorbed in the intestines, leading to fermentation and gas production.
Skin Prick Tests
While typically used for at home food allergy tests, skin prick tests can sometimes help check food intolerance, especially for food additives or preservatives.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can also be a good way to check food intolerance, particularly for conditions like lactose intolerance, where a specific gene mutation affects the body’s ability to produce lactase.
Managing Food Intolerance
At home food allergy test is the best way to check food intolerance. Once a trigger food is identified, managing it usually involves dietary changes. Some people are able to tolerate small amounts of trigger foods while others must avoid them altogether. Working with a healthcare provider or nutritionist can help tailor a plan that ensures nutritional needs are met while avoiding trigger foods.
Additionally, digestive enzyme supplements can sometimes be used to help the body break down certain foods, such as lactase supplements for lactose intolerance.