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French pharmacy
What is food intolerance and how does it differ from food allergy?
Food intolerance involves difficulty in digesting certain foods and is often confused with food allergy, which is an immune system reaction. Unlike food allergies, which can cause severe and immediate symptoms,food intolerance generally leads to less severe reactions that can occur several hours after consumption. Common symptoms include bloating, stomach ache, diarrhea or fatigue.
What are the most common symptoms of food intolerance?
Symptoms offood intolerance vary, but often include digestive disorders such as bloating, gas and diarrhea, as well as symptoms such as headaches, lethargy and skin irritations. It's important to note that these symptoms can be delayed, appearing several hours after eating the food in question.
How is food intolerance diagnosed?
Diagnosis of food intolerance generally begins with a detailed food diary, followed by a gradual elimination of suspect foods. Specific tests, such as the lactose intolerance test or the glucose load test for fructose intolerance, may be used. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a precise diagnosis.
Are there any treatments for food intolerance?
The main treatment forfood intolerance is to avoid the foods that cause symptoms. In some cases, enzyme supplements can help digest certain foods. For example, people with lactose intolerance may benefit from lactase supplements. Follow-up with a nutritionist can also help to adapt the diet while ensuring a balanced diet.
What are the causes of food intolerance?
The causes offood intolerance can include a lack of digestive enzymes, as in the case of lactose intolerance, chemical sensitivities to food additives, or reactions to natural substances present in food.actions to natural substances present in foods, as in the case of intolerance to histamines present in certain wines and cheeses.
What foods are commonly associated with food intolerance?
Foods frequently associated withfood intolerance include dairy products, gluten-containing products, certain fruits and vegetables, foods rich in fructose, and foods containing additives such as sulfites or monosodium glutamate.
What tests can confirm a specific food intolerance?
To confirm food intolerance, several tests can be carried out. Among them, the respiration test is used to detect lactose or fructose intolerance. This test measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath after consumption of a specific food, indicating incomplete digestion. Blood tests can also assess your body's reaction to certain foods, although their accuracy may vary.
How can managing food intolerance improve quality of life?
Effective management offood intolerance can significantly improve quality of life. Eliminating trigger foods reduces unpleasant symptoms, enabling better digestion and increased energy. What's more, diet adaptation can also prevent long-term complications such as nutritional imbalances and support better overall health.
Can food intolerance develop at any age?
Yes, food intolerance can develop at any age. Unlike some food allergies, which often appear in childhood and can sometimes be outgrown, intolerances can occur in adulthood or manifest themselves when the body can no longer tolerate a food it previously accepted, often due to changes in digestive capacity.
Are there any food alternatives for people suffering from food intolerance?
For people suffering fromfood intolerance, many food alternatives are available to replace problematic ingredients. For example, lactose-intolerant people can opt for plant-based milks such as almond or soy milk. Similarly, gluten-free flours and substitutes for gluten-containing products offer options for those with gluten intolerance.
How can healthcare professionals help manage food intolerance?
Healthcare professionals, such as gastroenterologists, allergists and nutritionists, play a crucial role in managingfood intolerance. They can help diagnose intolerance, recommend appropriate testing, develop personalized eating plans to avoid trigger foods while ensuring a balanced diet, and monitor response to the modified diet. Their expertise is essential to maintaining good health while managing dietary restrictions.
