In recent years, you may have noticed an increased number of people avoiding certain ingredients in foods; they might eliminate dairy or gluten completely from their diet, for example. Is it possible that this many people are actually experiencing serious allergic reactions to these foods? The reality is that a food allergy is not the problem; a food intolerance is the culprit.
A food intolerance makes it difficult or impossible for someone to be able to digest a specific type of food. When that particular food is eaten, the individuals suffering from the intolerance may experience problems such as decreased energy, trouble concentrating, or they may find it difficult to be able to lose weight. While allergies only affect approximately 1 to 4 percent of people, intolerances affect a substantially larger amount.
If you are not sure whether or not you have food intolerances, or which foods are affecting you, there are changes that you can make to your diet to avoid common irritants. One of the possible reasons that an increasing number of people have been suffering from food sensitivity is because the amount of processed foods being consumed has also been on the rise. These foods often contain high amounts of possible irritants, such as fructose, that could be causing you to become sluggish or bloated.
A great way to determine if you are suffering from a food intolerance is to keep a food diary. In this diary, keep a detailed list of when you eat, and what you are eating. Along with this information, make a note of when you are feeling your symptoms. You can then review your food diary with the help of a nutritionist or dietician. These professionals can use the data you’ve collected to possibly pinpoint the foods causing your intolerance, and help you craft a healthier diet.
