Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is the inability of the body to properly break down a substance in food usually due to the lack of or partial lack of a digestive enzyme.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is your body’s inability to digest the sugar found in milk and some other dairy products. This sugar is known as lactose.
Lactose intolerance may be caused by an inadequate production of or a defect in the enzyme lactase. Lactase breaks down the sugar lactose.
Many people lose their ability to digest lactose as they age but this disorder can affect children too.
Lactose can be in milk products even if they don’t taste sweet, although sour cream and most cured cheeses are low in lactose. The good bacterium in yogurt breaks down lactose in the food into a digestible form usually making it acceptable for those on a lactose-free diet.
In time some people become tolerant to lactose and still others don’t experience symptoms when they consume milk products along with other foods.
Symptoms usually begin thirty minutes to two hours after eating or drinking milk or milk products. Common symptoms of this disorder are diarrhea, bloating, gas, pain, foamy stools, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
There is speculation that an array of other symptoms may be associated with this enzyme deficiency disorder.
Lactase can be taken in supplement form to help the body to digest this sugar.
Hydrogen is produced as a result of improper digestion and can occur with any food intolerance or other disorder that interferes with the digestive process. Hydrogen can be harmful to the kidneys and liver.
Gluten Intolerance
Gluten intolerance (also known as celiac disease or sprue) is the inability to break down gluten which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Those with gluten intolerance can eat corn and rice.
Some people affected by this disorder do not absorb fats well but may be able to absorb oils especially when accompanied by the supplement lecithin. Even lecithin made from soy is believed to be gluten-free.
Celiac disease is more common in females than males and tends to run in families.
Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, muscle wasting, dermatitis, anemia, and allergies. Left untreated, this disease can become life threatening and can cause other health problems from the damage it causes to the lining of the intestines and deficiencies it creates. This damage can result in malabsorption problems or hyperpermeability which may lead to the development of some forms of epilepsy, schizophrenia, or an autoimmune disease. It is common for people with gluten intolerance to also be lactose intolerant.
Malabsorption problems can lead to multiple deficiencies and a gluten free supplement may be necessary.
Fructose Intolerance
Fructose intolerance is an inherited disorder caused by the absence of the enzyme that’s needed to metabolize fruit sugar.
Typical symptoms are gas, bloating, vomiting, sweating, tremors, confusion, and failure to grow in infants. The fermentation of undigested fruit produces hydrogen which can damage the liver and kidneys.
Fructose should be avoided by anyone with fructose intolerance, allergy to fructose, candida, or a yeast or bacterial infection. Yeast and bacteria thrive on sugar.
Symptoms of allergies, intolerances and other digestive disorders can have similar symptoms. Ask your doctor.
Important Information. I am a clinical nutritionist and holistic health practitioner. I am not a medical doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical treatments or care. Always consult with your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or fitness programs.
