Food sensitivities are reactions to foods excluding the involvement of the immune system but result in different symptoms including pain and discomfort. Food sensitivities generally cause less severe symptoms than food allergies, which can be life-threatening and entail an immune system reaction.
Here are common food sensitivities and symptoms:
Lactose Intolerance:
Lactose Intolerance are problems digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. This may result in bloating, gas, diarrhea, and may cause abdominal discomfort after consumption.
Gluten Sensitivity
Cause: Gluten sensitivity (non-celiac reactions) involves reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Symptoms: This causes abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, headache, joint pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Histamine Intolerance
Cause: Inability to break down histamine, a compound found in certain foods, due to a deficiency of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO).
Symptoms: Headaches, hives, flushing, abdominal pain, and other allergy-like symptoms after consuming histamine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese, fermented foods, certain beverages).
Fructose Malabsorption
Cause: Troubles absorbing fructose (found in fruits and some vegetables), due to a deficiency of enzymes responsible for its digestion.
Symptoms: Bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence after consuming foods high in fructose.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Trigger Foods
Certain foods can trigger symptoms in those with IBS, a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This typically includes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation) after consuming trigger foods.
Food Additive Sensitivity
Cause: Sensitivity to certain food additives, such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Symptoms: Headaches, hives, gastrointestinal discomfort, and behavioral changes after consuming foods with specific additives.
It\’s critical to distinguish between food allergies and sensitivities, both can cause severe, potentially fatal reactions. Keeping a food journal to document symptoms and speaking with a medical professional, can help pinpoint specific triggers and establish a management strategy.
