Food intolerances are defined as non-allergic hypersensitivity to certain types of foods. While food allergies tend to cause more severe symptoms than food intolerances, an intolerance to food can lead to negative reactions that compromise the health and comfort levels of an individual. The most common types of food intolerances include lactose intolerance, intolerance to nuts, and wheat intolerance.
Lactose Intolerance
Individuals with lactose intolerance lack sufficient amounts of the enzyme known as lactase. Without enough of this enzyme, the body is unable to properly digest lactose, which is found in dairy products. Many people with lactose intolerance are able to consume small amounts of dairy products. Others suffer more severe symptoms and must eliminate dairy from their diet altogether.
Intolerance to Nuts
People with nut intolerance may be allergic to different types of nuts. For instance, some people only experience symptoms when they consume peanuts. Others have adverse reactions to tree nuts such as walnuts, beechnuts and almonds. Individuals with intolerance to nuts may find it difficult to avoid nuts since they are included in a variety of foods. However, with a little care and with practice, it is possible to eliminate the types of nuts that cause problems completely from your diet.
Wheat Intolerance
Wheat intolerance should not be confused with Celiac’s disease, which is an autoimmune disorder and response to the consumption of proteins found in wheat products. That said, both wheat intolerance and wheat allergies can cause similar symptoms including abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea.
Professional Diagnosis
It is important to receive a professional diagnosis if you believe that you suffer from a food allergy or from food intolerance of any type. Your doctor will be able to determine whether you suffer from an intolerance to dairy, nuts, wheat, or any other type of food, and will be able to rule out more serious underlying causes of your symptoms.
If you have questions about food intolerances arrange to see our dietitian at ENT Wellbeing, Call 1300 123 368 Sydney.
