Food allergies and intolerances have some similar symptoms. However, in the case of intolerance, only one specific type of discomfort manifests itself.
Food is the body’s main source of energy. Every day, we need to ingest foods from different groups in order to eat properly. However, many people suffer from food intolerance, and as a result, it is difficult for them to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.
You may have experienced unpleasant symptoms after consuming certain types of food. That’s why in this article, we wanted to introduce you to the main food intolerances and the symptoms associated with them.
Difference between food intolerance and allergy
It is important to know that there is also what is called a food allergy, which is different from food intolerance. In the first case, the immune system is involved.
Intolerance, on the other hand, is generally explained by the lack of components necessary for the correct digestion of a trigger food, but without the action of the immune system. However, there is one exception: gluten. Gluten intolerance also has changes in the immune system.
A person who is allergic to a food cannot eat it, not even in small amounts. However, in the case of any food intolerance, it is possible to ingest a minimal amount of the food without inconvenience.
Symptoms of food intolerances
Although certain foods can cause both an allergy and an intolerance, in both situations similar symptoms occur, but with different origins. As we have mentioned, some symptoms are immunological in nature and some are not.
In the case of allergies, the most common symptoms are:
- Urticaria
- Rashes
- Swelling of the lips or eyelids
- Eye reddening
- Cough
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty in breathing
- Hypotension
As for food intolerances, they present similar symptoms, but milder. However, they remain the most troublesome. Among them we can mention the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal distension
Allergies usually appear 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and can be serious. On the contrary, the symptoms of food intolerance may take longer to appear and are milder in nature.
Now that we know the main differences between allergies and intolerances, it’s time to mention which are the most common food intolerances.
Lactose intolerance
It is caused by the inability of the digestive system to digest lactose, which is the sugar in milk. This food intolerance is caused by the body’s lack of production of an enzyme called lactase. Lactase is responsible for digesting and therefore ensuring that lactose can be absorbed properly. This condition can be temporary or permanent.
Gluten intolerance or celiac disease
Gluten is a glycoprotein found in many foods such as wheat, oats or barley. As part of this intolerance, the small intestine is unable to digest gluten. As a result, an inflammatory reaction occurs at the intestinal level. This type of intolerance persists throughout life.
This is an autoimmune food intolerance. The main symptoms are as follows, and may be absent or atypical:
- Loss of weight and appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of muscle mass
Sucrose intolerance
It consists of intolerance to common sugar. This intolerance consists of the deficiency of an enzyme called sucrase, which makes it difficult to digest the sucrose properly. As a result, already known symptoms such as diarrhea, gas or abdominal pain, among others, develop.
Fructose intolerance
Fructose, also known as levulose, is the sugar found in fruits, some vegetables, and honey. If your gut is unable to digest any type of sugar, you will experience typical symptoms of food intolerance after consuming this type of food.
It is very important that you consult a professional if you are concerned that you have such a food intolerance. This condition can cause you many health problems as a result of the poor absorption of the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of your body.
In some cases, specialist examinations will be recommended by your doctor in order to identify the main agent causing your problems and to follow the appropriate treatment.
