What is a food intolerance?
Food intolerances are characterized by an inflammatory digestive reaction due to poor absorption of certain foods. It is different from an allergy, which occurs as a reaction of the immune system. An intolerance can go unnoticed for many years, while an allergy systematically causes an immediate reaction.
The symptoms of food intolerances
The symptoms of food intolerance are often digestive:
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Bloating
- Constipation
But not only, they can also result in :
- Chronic fatigue
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Skin problems
- ENT infections
How to identify a food intolerance?
In case of doubt, the first step is to analyze the menus and the nature of the symptoms. If a type of food seems suspicious (recurring food, known as non-digestible…) it can be removed from the diet for a month, in order to observe possible improvements. If the experiment is not conclusive, a visit to the doctor is necessary to make further investigations such as medical analysis.
How to deal with food intolerances?
Once the intolerance has been identified, several actions can be taken with the support of a naturopath or a dietitian-nutritionist
- Eliminate the responsible substance(s) from the diet, ensuring that the diet is appropriate and free of deficiencies.
- Work on the intestinal permeability, because if this function is affected, large molecules will pass through the intestinal wall, go into the bloodstream and cause digestive disorders, joint pains, and headaches previously mentioned.
- Work on the microbiota to restore the intestinal flora
- Reintroduce the substance in question. Indeed, an attempt to reintroduce the substance is possible if it is well accompanied by a naturopath or a nutritionist.
A few nutrtion tips
As a reminder, on a daily basis
- Favor foods coming from less intensive cultures
- Reduce the proportion of ultra-processed foods (sources of hidden allergens)
- Read labels carefully
- Avoid added sugar (pro-inflammatory effect)
- Boost the immune system with green leafy vegetables rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
It is imperative that you seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health professional for any question related to your health condition.
