Food Intolerance
The condition, food intolerance refers to difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to unpleasant physical symptoms that usually affect the digestive system. This intolerance is different from a food allergy: it does not involve the immune system and is rarely life-threatening. However, it can significantly affect comfort, energy levels, and quality of life if left unmanaged.
Common examples of this intolerance include lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting milk sugar), fructose intolerance, and sensitivity to food additives like sulphites or MSG. Reactions can occur hours after eating and are typically dose-dependent—meaning the more of the food you eat, the worse the symptoms become.
Food Intolerance
Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, gas, or nausea. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diagnosis can be tricky and may involve a process of elimination.
Managing food intolerance requires identifying the trigger and adjusting the diet while maintaining balanced nutrition. Many people can eat small amounts of the food without experiencing severe discomfort. Which differentiates intolerance from allergies that require complete avoidance.
How Food Intolerance Develops
People can develop food intolerance at any age, and various factors can trigger it. In some cases, the body lacks specific enzymes needed to break down components of certain foods—such as lactase for digesting lactose in dairy. In other cases, intolerance arises from sensitivity to natural compounds in foods, like histamine in aged cheese or caffeine in coffee. Reactions can also stem from an overreaction to food additives, preservatives, or chemicals used in processing. Unlike allergies, intolerances develop gradually and may result from genetics, gut health, or underlying digestive disorders.
Diagnosing Food Intolerance
Because these intolerance symptoms can be vague and overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions, diagnosis often involves a process of exclusion. Keeping a detailed food and symptom diary can help identify patterns. Professionals commonly use elimination diets, removing suspected foods and then slowly reintroducing them. In some cases, breath tests may be used, such as the hydrogen breath test for lactose or fructose intolerance. It’s important to seek medical advice to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions and ensure nutritional needs are still met.
Managing Daily Life with Intolerance
Living with food intolerance involves adapting eating habits while still enjoying a diverse and nutritious diet. Once trigger foods are identified, many people find relief through portion control or using substitutes—like lactose-free dairy products or sulphite-free wines. Reading ingredient labels becomes a daily habit, especially when eating packaged or prepared foods. Dining out may require extra caution, but communicating clearly with restaurant staff can help avoid reactions. With proper planning and support, most people with this intolerance can lead healthy, comfortable lives without feeling overly restricted.
[Next: Causes of Food Intolerance →]
