Food intolerances occur when a person’s body lacks the ability to properly digest certain foods, such as lactose in dairy products or gluten, which is found in things like flour. The symptoms are usually unpleasant but not life-threatening. Understanding what leads to food intolerances can help people manage their diets and improve their quality of life.
Enzyme Deficiencies
Many food intolerances stem from a lack of enzymes needed to fully break down particular foods. For example, lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase which breaks down the milk sugar lactose. When lactose is not properly digested, it can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Lactase products can help correct this deficiency by providing the crucial enzyme to break down lactose, thus preventing any side effects caused by a lactose intolerance. The Intoleran website has more information.
Another common example is fructose malabsorption which occurs when there is not enough of the enzyme fructase to split fructose (fruit sugar) into glucose and galactose for absorption in the small intestine. Like lactose intolerance, this leads to abdominal discomfort after eating high-fructose foods.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are different from food intolerances but some of the symptoms can overlap. With a food allergy, the body’s immune system wrongly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat. When the food is eaten again, antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that lead to symptoms like hives, vomiting, and wheezing.
Common food allergy triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, and soy. Food allergies tend to appear early in life while food intolerances develop later. An allergy test can help diagnose true food allergies.
Genetic Predispositions
Genetics play a role in some food intolerances. People may be born with a lower activity of certain digestive enzymes or are simply missing them altogether. Ethnic backgrounds can increase risks for certain intolerances. For example, around 90% of Asian populations lack the enzyme needed to digest alcohol leading to acute reactions from even small amounts.
Autoimmune Disorders
Various autoimmune disorders involve the immune system attacking the body’s own cells and tissues. This can affect organs involved in food digestion and absorption.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the small intestine becomes damaged from exposure to gluten proteins in wheat, barley, and rye. This leads to poor absorption of nutrients and gluten intolerance symptoms. Other autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease can also impair proper digestion and absorption.
Food Additives and Natural Chemicals
Certain additives like MSG and sulfites added to foods can trigger headaches, flushing, and other intolerant reactions in sensitive people. Some naturally occurring chemicals in foods can also cause problems for those with intolerances. Salicylates found in spices, nuts, and fruits may promote digestive discomfort. Amines in foods like aged cheese, wine, and processed meats can also lead to reactions.
Identifying and limiting trigger foods based on your intolerances and working with a functional doctor can help reduce unwanted symptoms and improve your dietary health.
