7 Ways to tell if you have a food intolerance

What’s covered?

Do certain foods disagree with you? Have you realised that it was not a one-time occurrence but rather a tendency or pattern of symptoms? Do you want to know the 7 ways to tell that you are intolerant to certain foods? Continue reading if you want to learn more or see our Food Intolerance Blood test by clicking here.

Food intolerances vs. food allergies

Food intolerance is different from food allergies. Although sensitivity to food may overlap, it's usually because different causes are present. There are some similarities between food intolerances and foods that cause allergic reactions.

More individuals than ever before believe they have food intolerances, but with so many different symptoms, triggers, and results, how can you be sure that your dietary choices are causing your issues?

Food intolerance is much more widespread than you might believe. It affects up to 10% of the western population, yet most people do nothing about it.

A food intolerance response happens when an individual's threshold to particular food components or chemicals is surpassed and negatively affects the digestive system but does not result in a food allergy, which involves the immune system. Symptoms might appear hours or even days after consuming the problematic meal. Here are 7 ways to tell if you have a food intolerance.

1. You often get migraines or headaches after eating specific foods

Monosodium Glutamate is the most well-known food chemical trigger (MSG). According to research, persons sensitive to dietary glutamate may develop headaches, muscular tightness, numbness or tingling, and weakness after consuming significant quantities. However, it may take many hours for symptoms to appear.

2. If you cannot tolerate gluten products despite testing negative for Celiac Disease

Gluten is a protein present in wheat and other grains that has been linked to digestive distress in specific individuals.

Celiac disease patients have a physiological reaction to gluten consumption that may be tested for.

However, it is estimated that between 0.5 and 13% of individuals who do not have celiac disease have difficulty digesting gluten, a condition known as Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or Gluten Intolerance. Although the cause is not the same as celiac disease, the symptoms are considered to be highly similar.

According to current findings, persons who have a negative response to meals containing gluten (but do not have celiac disease) should also investigate FODMAPs as a possible cause for their symptoms.

To see our Celiac Test, click here.

3. If your Rheumatoid arthritis worsens

Another way to tell if you have a food intolerance is if you have Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and it worsens. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is not caused by normal wear and tear on the joints.

It is nearly always the result of genetics and environmental factors, including food. An immunological reaction to particular dietary compounds, similar to Hashimoto's and Celiac Disease, is considered to cause symptoms.

According to the theory, particular dietary sensitivities may trigger an inflammatory autoimmune reaction that lengthens or exacerbates the joint inflammation that causes swelling and pain in RA patients. It should be noted that this is simply a hypothesis that has not been disproven or verified.

Given that there is no known cure for RA and that the only dietary supplement that shows some (slim) promise is high-dose fish oil, removing the risk of food intolerance is a practical aspect of therapy.

4. If you have widespread, persistent muscle or joint pain

Do you have long-term joint pain or muscle tenderness that interferes with your daily activities?

Fibromyalgia is a relatively recent medical disorder that affects up to 6% of the population, mostly middle-aged women. It is distinguished by long-term and widespread pain, not restricted to a single area.

According to research, over half of the patients with fibromyalgia reported that their symptoms worsened after consuming particular foods.

Identifying your food sensitivities and then limiting or eliminating those trigger foods may be the most significant thing you can do to address this disease.

5. If you are constantly exhausted despite getting enough sleep

Do you get tired quickly? Not just physically but also psychologically and emotionally?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition characterised by significant long-term exhaustion that impairs a person's ability to do routine daily tasks. According to the NHS, it is more common in women who experience it in their mid-20s and mid-40s.

Click here to see our Tiredness and Fatigue Blood Test.

6. If you have an underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) occurs when the thyroid gland in your body does not generate enough of the thyroid hormone.

Most hypothyroid instances are caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition. Preliminary research indicates a substantial relationship between Hashimoto's and gluten sensitivity (specifically celiac disease). Around 16% of Celiac Disease patients have antibodies that assault the thyroid.

Several studies have also shown that a gluten-free diet lowers the quantity of anti-thyroid antibodies, which is beneficial for hypothyroid therapy and avoiding future difficulties.

In other words, those who have an underactive thyroid are more likely to develop gluten sensitivity.

To view our information page about Thyroid problems, click here.

7. If some foods cause rashes, eczema, or other skin issues

   

Because blood testing may provide an inaccurate diagnosis for allergies, we usually link skin responses with food allergies.

However, it is now generally established that food intolerances may also induce skin responses (such as eczema), but with a slower response than allergies.

Remember that most people with food intolerance can handle a decent quantity of the food's main ingredient, but symptoms may appear if they consume too much (or too often).

Salicylate, a natural dietary chemical, is one of the leading causes of skin disorders and histamine. It has been hypothesised that around 2.5 per cent of Europeans are sensitive to salicylates.

While it is almost impossible to eliminate all salicylates, reducing the quantity taken to a bearable level is the most efficient strategy to control it. Tomatoes and peppers (also known as capsicum or paprika) are two of the most prevalent sources of salicylates reported by patients.

Food intolerance may have significant consequences for your health and should be addressed carefully. Many individuals are intolerant or hypersensitive to certain foods and substances, such as gluten, caffeine, and dairy.

To see our range of Eczema treatments, click here.

What are the best foods to eliminate?

It is usually helpful to start an elimination food program when you avoid foods which cause the most discomfort in the person. You may eliminate a single food at any given moment, or you could eliminate them all at once. Start at the food you notice makes you feel unwell or you think contributes to any of the symptoms mentioned above. Keeping a journal documenting which foods you have eliminated and how you feel, might assist you in this elimination process. This way you can document all the foods you have tested and won't lose track of which food to eliminate next. This may even help you with meal planning! However, it may take a couple of days for your body to recover from the last time you ate that particular food. Therefore, patience is key.

Is there any food intolerance test?

Many firms have food intolerance testing equipment which is not scientifically proven and is not recommended by the British Dietarian Association. The most effective way to diagnose food intolerance is to check your symptoms. Watch what happens when we omit the foods and retake the foods from our diet once again.

Our Food Intolerance Test can help you to understand how foods may be impacting you. To see our test, click here.

To learn more about Allergies, read our comprehensive guide that covers: Allergies:, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment options. 

If you are looking for treatments for hay fever or general allergens, then visit our extensive page with allergy and hayfever medication and tablets.

Conclusion

If you do notice the abovementioned symptoms try cutting those foods out of your diet and discover if it makes a difference. Alternatively, if you are worried about your symptoms or they increase in severity, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about testing and treatment choices. Although food intolerances are typically less severe than food allergies, they may nevertheless have an impact on your quality of life.

That is why it's critical to try to discover food intolerances to avoid unpleasant symptoms and health problems.

For a full range of blood tests and medications, visit our Welzo Online Pharmacy Page. For more details, click here.

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