Food Intolerance

A food intolerance, also known as non-IgE mediated food hypersensitivity or non-allergic food hypersensitivity, refers to difficulty in digesting certain foods. It is important to note that a food intolerance is different from food allergy.

A food allergy triggers the immune system, while a food intolerance does not. Some people suffer digestive problems after eating certain foods even though their immune system has not reacted – there is no histamine response.

Foods most commonly associated with a food intolerance include dairy products, grains that contain gluten, and foods that cause intestinal gas buildup, such as beans and cabbage.

What are the causes of a food intolerance?

It can be difficult to determine whether the patient has a food intolerance or allergy, because often signs and symptoms overlap. When it is an allergy even small amounts result in symptoms, as may be the case with peanuts, according to James Li, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic allergy specialist.

With a food intolerance trace amounts will usually have no effect. Doctors can also test for Immunoglobin E (IgE) antibodies.

A symptom is something the sufferer feels and describes, such as pain or discomfort, while a sign is something others can detect, such as a rash.

The symptoms of a food intolerance generally take longer to emerge, compared to food allergies.

Onset typically occurs several hours after ingesting the offending food or compound and may persist for several hours or days. In some cases symptoms may take 48 hours to emerge.

Some people are intolerant to several groups of foods, making it harder for doctors to determine whether it might be a chronic illness or a food intolerance. Identifying which foods are culprits can take a long time.

Absence Of An Enzyme
Enzymes are needed to fully digest foods. If some of these enzymes are missing or insufficient, proper digestion may be undermined.

People who are lactose intolerant do not have enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose) into smaller molecules that the body can break down further and absorb through the intestine. Lactose cannot be absorbed through the gut wall into the bloodstream. If it remains in the digestive tract it can cause spasm, stomachache, bloating, diarrhea and gas.

People with an allergy to milk protein have similar symptoms to those with lactose intolerance; that is why lactose intolerant individuals are commonly misdiagnosed as allergic.

Researchers from Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center in Tacoma, WA, USA, found that fructose intolerance is common in children with recurrent or functional abdominal pain.
Nearly all foods require an enzyme for proper digestion. According to the British Allergy Foundation, enzyme deficiencies are common causes of food intolerance.

Chemical Causes Of Food Intolerance
Certain chemicals in foods and drinks can cause intolerance, including amines in some cheeses, and caffeine in coffee, tea and chocolates. Some people are more susceptible to these chemicals than others.

Food Poisoning – Toxins Can Cause Food Intolerance: Some foods have naturally-occurring chemicals that can have a toxic effect on humans, causing diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Undercooked beans have aflotoxins that can cause extremely unpleasant digestive problems. Fully cooked beans do not have the toxin. Hence, people may wonder why they react to beans after one meal, and not after another.

Natural Occurrence Of Histamine In Some Foods: Some foods, such as fish that has not been stored properly, can have an accumulation of histamine as they “rot”. A number of people are particularly sensitive this naturally-occurring histamine and develop skin rashes, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Often, the symptoms are similar to anaphylaxis (a strong allergic reaction).

Salicylates Are Present In Many Foods: Salicylate intolerance, also known as salicylate sensitivity occurs when somebody reacts to normal amounts of ingested salicylate. Salicylates are derivatives of salicylic acid, which occurs naturally in plants as a defense mechanism against harmful bacteria, fungi, insects and diseases.

Citrus fruits have high levels of salicylates. Salicylates are found in many foods. Most of us can consume salicylate-containing foods without any adverse effects, but a number of people suffer symptoms after eating large amounts. Salicylate intolerant individuals should avoid foods that are high in salicylates.

Salicylates are present in most plant-sourced foods, including the majority of fruits and vegetables, spices, herbs, tea and flavor additives. Mint-flavoring, tomato sauce, berries, and citrus fruits have particularly high levels of salicylates. Processed foods with flavor additives are usually high in salicylates as well.

Food Additives Are Common Causes Of Food Intolerance
Food additive intolerance has been a steadily-growing problem over the last thirty years, because more and more foods contain additives. Even so, food additive intolerance is not estimated to affect more than 1% of people.

Food additives are used to enhance flavors, make foods look more appealing, and to increase their shelf life. Examples of food additives include:

• Antioxidants
• Artificial colorings
• Artificial flavorings
• Emulsifiers
• Flavor enhancers
• Preservatives
• Sweeteners

Of the thousands of additives used in the food industry, a relatively small number are thought to cause problems.

The following food additives are known to cause adverse reactions:

• Nitrates – known to cause itching and skin rashes. Processed meats are generally high in nitrates and nitrites.
• MSG (monosodium glutamate) – used as a flavor enhancer, known to cause headaches.
• Sulfites – used as a food preserver or enhancer. Commonly used in wines. In the USA and European Union wines bottled after 1987 and 2005 respectively must state on their labels if they contain sulfites at more than 10 parts per million; known to case skin problems, digestive problems and/or respiratory problems.
• Some colorings – especially carmine (red) and annatto (yellow), known to cause behavioral and sleep issues.