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Identify symptoms food intolerance - allergens
Food intolerances are increasingly common and, unlike food allergies, do not involve an immune system response, but can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Identifying these symptoms can be crucial to improving your quality of life.
A food intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting certain foods. This is not the same as a food allergy, which involves an immune response. Food intolerances usually affect the digestive system and occur every time the trigger food is consumed.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but generally include:
In addition to these digestive symptoms, some people may experience headaches, fatigue, and even joint pain. These symptoms may appear within hours of eating the problematic food and last from a few hours to several days.
Food intolerances can be caused by different factors. Often it is because the body lacks the enzymes needed to digest certain food components. For example, lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar present in dairy products.
Other common intolerances include:
Diagnosing a food intolerance can be complicated, as the symptoms can be confused with other health problems. However, a common method is to keep a food and symptom diary. This involves recording everything you eat and how you feel afterwards, which can help you identify patterns and possible triggers.
Another approach is to go on an elimination diet, in which you avoid the suspect foods for a few weeks and then gradually reintroduce them to see if symptoms reappear.
Management of a food intolerance usually involves avoiding the problem food. In some cases, as with lactose intolerance, supplements such as lactase enzyme may be helpful. In addition, some studies suggest that probiotics may help improve digestion and reduce symptoms.
If you suspect you have a food intolerance, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Identifying and managing food intolerances can make a big difference in your daily well-being. Learning to recognize symptoms and avoid triggers is key to living a healthier and more comfortable life.
