Nutrition Intolerance: Definition, How it works, Causes, Symptoms

Food intolerance is a non-allergic and non-immune reaction to certain foods or food components that can cause unpleasant symptoms, often digestive in nature. Food intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting certain foods or absorbing certain nutrients. Food intolerance is different from a food allergy, which is an immune reaction to a specific food protein. Food allergies cause severe or life-threatening symptoms and reactions, such as anaphylaxis, while food intolerances are generally less severe in symptoms. 

Symptoms of food intolerance include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, headaches, skin rash, and other symptoms such as nausea and heartburn. Food intolerance symptoms occur hours or even days after consuming the offending food or nutrient, making it difficult to identify the exact cause.

The five most common types of food intolerances are lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and histamine intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body has a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Gluten intolerance, also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, occurs when the body has difficulty digesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Histamine intolerance is a nutrition intolerance that occurs when the body has difficulty breaking down histamine, a compound found in certain foods, such as aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented foods. 

For people who suspect they have a food intolerance, it is recommended to keep a food diary and work with a healthcare professional to identify the offending food or nutrient and develop a plan to manage symptoms. Treatment of nutrition intolerance includes avoiding certain foods containing dairy, gluten, caffeine, fructose and preservatives or taking digestive enzymes or other supplements to aid in digestion.

What is Nutrition Intolerance?

Nutrition intolerance, also known as food intolerance, is a condition where the body has difficulty digesting certain foods or absorbing certain nutrients. The definition of food intolerance is “an adverse reaction resulting due to inability of the body to digest specific foods”. Unlike food allergies, which are immune reactions to specific food proteins, food intolerances are non-allergic and non-immune reactions that can cause unpleasant symptoms.

What are other terms for Nutrition Intolerance?

Food intolerance, food sensitivity, food sensitivity syndrome, food hypersensitivity, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity are other synonyms for nutrition intolerance. Despite the fact that these synonyms are frequently used interchangeably, they may refer to various ailments or symptom clusters. The interchangeable synonym food allergies, which are immune system responses to particular food proteins and can result in severe or life-threatening events like anaphylaxis, should not be confused with these terms.

How does food intolerance works?

Food intolerance is an adverse reaction when the body has trouble breaking down or absorbing particular meals or nutrients. Food intolerances are not allergic or immunological reactions to specific dietary proteins, in contrast to food allergies. There are numerous ways that food intolerance might develop. A food intolerance develops when you lack an enzyme necessary to digest a specific meal, resulting in an adverse digestive reaction. For instance, people who are lactose intolerant have stomach discomfort because they don't have enough of the enzyme lactase to break down the milk's carbohydrates.

How does food intolerance affect the body?

Food intolerance affects the body by causing a variety of symptoms, which can vary depending on the type of intolerance and the individual's sensitivity. Bloating, gas, and diarrhea can occur as a result of the body's inability to effectively digest some foods or absorb some nutrients. Additional signs of food intolerance may include weariness, rashes on the skin, and headaches.

For instance, some people may develop diarrhea after eating chocolate if they are sensitive to the histamine substance that is present in the substance. This is not the same as a chocolate allergy, which is an immunological response to the proteins in chocolate and can result in serious symptoms including anaphylaxis and difficulty breathing. Contrarily, a chocolate sensitivity could result in gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea.

Undigested food particles can aggravate the lining of the gut and trigger immunological reactions, which is another way that food intolerance can result in inflammation in the body. This might result in long-term health problems such autoimmune diseases and inflammatory bowel disease.

It is crucial to remember that food intolerance reactions are often milder and manifest more gradually than food allergies, which may result in severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. Food intolerance can still cause a lot of discomfort and even worsen health conditions if addressed or if the offending meal is ingested frequently.

What are some of the causes of food intolerance?

There are numerous reasons for food intolerance, depending on the type of intolerance and the person's sensitivity. The following are some typical reasons for food of food intolerance.

 1. Gluten 

Gluten intolerance (gluten sensitivity, non-celiac gluten sensitivity), often referred to as gluten sensitivity or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is a form of food intolerance where the body has trouble breaking down gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten intolerance does not result in the same level of damage as celiac disease, a major autoimmune disorder in which ingesting gluten can seriously harm the small intestine.

Bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and exhaustion are just a few of the symptoms that people with gluten intolerance could feel after consuming meals that contain gluten. Non-gastrointestinal symptoms including headaches and joint discomfort can also occur in some people. From minor discomfort to severe and acute symptoms, gluten intolerance symptoms can range in severity and start time.

It is thought that a mix of hereditary and environmental factors contribute to gluten intolerance. Since the precise process is still unclear, it is believed that gluten intolerance is maybe caused by a faulty immunological response to gluten in the gut. Gluten intolerance may also be caused by several underlying medical diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and irritable bowel syndrome.

2. Caffeine 

Caffeine intolerance is a type of food intolerance in which the body has trouble processing caffeine, a stimulant present in foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and other foods. Caffeine intolerance is a non-allergic reaction that can result in a variety of symptoms, as opposed to a rare and severe immunological reaction known as a caffeine allergy.

After consuming meals or beverages that contain caffeine, those who are sensitive to it may experience symptoms like headaches, jitteriness, anxiety, heart palpitations, and trouble sleeping. From slight discomfort to severe and urgent symptoms, the symptoms might range in degree and time of onset.

Caffeine intolerance symptoms can occasionally also be brought on by an excessive amount of caffeine intake or a rapid cessation of caffeine use. Genetic predisposition, individual sensitivity, and underlying medical diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety disorders are only a few of the causes of caffeine intolerance.

3. Dairy 

Lactose intolerance, commonly referred to as dairy intolerance, is a type of dietary intolerance in which the body has trouble breaking down lactose, a sugar present in milk and other dairy products. Dairy intolerance is a non-allergic reaction that can result in a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, in contrast to a milk allergy, which is a rare and severe immunological reaction to milk proteins.

After consuming dairy products, those who have a dairy intolerance may experience symptoms like flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. From slight discomfort to severe and urgent symptoms, the symptoms might range in degree and time of onset.

Lack of lactase, an enzyme necessary for the small intestine to break down lactose, results in dairy intolerance. Genetic factors, along with other underlying medical disorders including celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, might contribute to the deficit.

4. Histamine

Histamine, a substance naturally present in many meals and created by the body's immune system, is a type of food intolerance that develops when the body has trouble breaking it down. Histamine intolerance is a non-allergic reaction that can result in a variety of symptoms, unlike histamine allergy, which is a rare and severe immunological reaction to histamine.

People with histamine intolerance may experience symptoms like headaches, itching, hives, face flushing, and gastrointestinal discomfort. From slight discomfort to severe and urgent symptoms, the symptoms might range in degree and time of onset.

Histamine intolerance can be brought on by a lack of the enzymes necessary to break down histamine as well as other underlying medical disorders such gut dysbiosis and some drugs. In rare situations, eating histamine-rich foods like aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods can further exacerbate histamine intolerance symptoms.

5. Fructose

Fructose intolerance, often referred to as fructose malabsorption, is a type of food intolerance that happens when the body has trouble breaking down and absorbing fructose, a kind of sugar that is present naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and sweets. Fructose intolerance is a non-allergic reaction that can result in a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, in contrast to fructose allergy, which is an uncommon and severe immunological reaction to fructose.

After consuming foods high in fructose or other sugars like sucrose and sorbitol, people with fructose intolerance may feel symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas. Depending on the amount of fructose taken, the degree of symptoms can vary, and some individuals may be able to tolerate tiny amounts of fructose without developing symptoms.

Fructose intolerance can be caused by lack of the enzymes necessary to break down fructose as well as other underlying medical disorders including celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fructose intolerance symptoms can occasionally be brought on by eating foods high in fructose or other sweets, such as apples, pears, and honey.

6. Salicylate

Salicylate intolerance, also known as salicylate sensitivity, is a type of food intolerance that occurs when the body has difficulty processing and eliminating salicylates, a natural chemical compound found in various foods, beverages, and medications. Salicylates are present in many fruits and vegetables, as well as spices, nuts, and flavorings. Salicylate intolerance is a non-allergic and non-immune response that can cause a range of symptoms.

People with salicylate intolerance may experience symptoms such as headaches, hives, eczema, nasal congestion, gastrointestinal distress, and asthma-like symptoms after consuming foods or beverages that are high in salicylates. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of salicylates consumed and the individual's tolerance level.

Salicylate intolerance can be caused by an enzyme deficiency that impairs the body's ability to break down and eliminate salicylates. It can also be triggered by underlying health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In some cases, consuming high amounts of salicylate-rich foods or taking salicylate-containing medications can also trigger symptoms of salicylate intolerance.

7. Sulfites

Sulfite intolerance, also known as sulfite sensitivity, is a type of food intolerance that occurs when the body has difficulty processing and eliminating sulfites, a group of sulfur-based compounds that are commonly used as preservatives in various foods and beverages. Sulfites are also found in some medications, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Sulfite intolerance is a non-allergic and non-immune response that can cause a range of symptoms.

People with sulfite intolerance may experience symptoms such as headache, flushing, hives, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and asthma-like symptoms after consuming foods or beverages that are high in sulfites. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of sulfites consumed and the individual's tolerance level.

Sulfite intolerance can be caused by an enzyme deficiency that impairs the body's ability to break down and eliminate sulfites. It can also be triggered by underlying health conditions such as asthma or allergies. In some cases, consuming high amounts of sulfite-containing foods or beverages can also trigger symptoms of sulfite intolerance.

8. FODMAPs

FODMAP intolerance is a type of food intolerance that affects the digestion and absorption of certain types of carbohydrates called FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols). FODMAPs are found in a variety of foods, including wheat, dairy products, some fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

When someone with FODMAP intolerance consumes foods high in FODMAPs, the undigested carbohydrates pass into the large intestine, where they are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas and other byproducts that can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. FODMAP intolerance is not an allergy or immune response, but rather a non-allergic and non-immune response to certain types of carbohydrates.

FODMAP intolerance can be caused by a range of factors, including small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), an imbalance of gut bacteria, and a genetic predisposition to FODMAP intolerance. Stress and anxiety can also worsen symptoms of FODMAP intolerance.

9. Amines

Amines intolerance is a type of food intolerance that occurs when the body has difficulty digesting and metabolizing amines, which are naturally occurring compounds found in some foods. Amines can be produced by the breakdown of proteins in food, as well as through fermentation and aging processes.

When someone with amines intolerance consumes foods high in amines, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods, the body may have trouble breaking down and metabolizing these compounds, leading to a buildup in the body. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, migraines, flushing, sweating, palpitations, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

There are several factors that can contribute to amines intolerance, including genetics, liver dysfunction, and an imbalance of gut bacteria. Some medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also increase the risk of amine intolerance.

What are the common symptoms of a food intolerance?

Food intolerance is the inability to tolerate certain foods by your intestines due to sensitivity. Uncomfortable symptoms could appear after consuming these items. Intolerances are non-allergic and non-immune reactions unlike food allergies, which are immune reactions to specific food proteins. Here are common symptoms of food intolerance:

• Gastrointestinal issues: bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation
• Headaches or migraines
• Skin rashes, hives, eczema
• Nasal congestion, runny nose
• Fatigue, lethargy, weakness
• Irritability, anxiety, depression
• Joint pain, muscle pain

One example of food intolerance is lactose intolerance, which occurs when the body has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Some common symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, nausea, headaches or migraines. 

It's important to note that the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the individual's sensitivity and the amount of food consumed.

Can lactose intolerance cause Headaches?

Yes, lactose intolerance can cause headaches. Lactose intolerance is a type of food intolerance that occurs when the body has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. One of the common symptoms of lactose intolerance is headaches or migraines.

There are several potential mechanisms by which lactose intolerance can cause headaches. One is related to the release of histamine, a chemical that is involved in the immune response and can cause inflammation. When lactose is not properly digested, it can lead to an increase in histamine levels, which can trigger headaches in some people.

Lactose intolerance migraines have another potential mechanism is related to the gut-brain axis, which is the communication pathway between the digestive system and the central nervous system. When lactose is not properly digested, it can lead to changes in the gut microbiome and the production of certain metabolites that can affect the brain and contribute to headaches.

It's important to note that the relationship between lactose intolerance and headaches is not well understood and may vary depending on the individual. If you experience headaches or other symptoms of food intolerance after consuming lactose-containing foods, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to know if you have food intolerance?

Food intolerance refers to difficulty in digesting certain foods or absorbing certain nutrients, leading to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. If you suspect that you may have a food intolerance, there are several steps you can take to identify the culprit food and confirm your suspicion. Here are some instructions to follow:

1. Keep a food diary: Start by keeping a detailed record of what you eat and any symptoms you experience. Note down the time of day, the type of food, and the severity and duration of your symptoms. This can help you identify patterns and potential trigger foods.
2. Eliminate suspected foods: Once you have identified potential trigger foods from your food diary, eliminate them from your diet for a period of time. This can be done through an elimination diet or by avoiding the suspected food altogether. Be sure to eliminate only one food at a time so that you can accurately identify the culprit food.
3. Reintroduce the eliminated food: After a period of time, typically two to four weeks, reintroduce the eliminated food into your diet and monitor your symptoms. If symptoms return, it is likely that the eliminated food is the culprit.
4. Consult with a healthcare professional: If you are still unsure about the cause of your symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional who can help you identify the root cause and provide appropriate treatment.

It's important to note that food intolerance can be complex and difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can be delayed and vary in severity. Keeping a food diary and working with a healthcare professional can help you identify trigger foods and manage your symptoms effectively.

Can a blood test help know if you have food intolerance?

Blood tests are not a reliable method for diagnosing food intolerance. Unlike allergies, which can be detected through blood tests that measure levels of IgE antibodies, there are no specific biomarkers for food intolerance. Blood tests can be used to detect specific IgE antibodies associated with food allergies, but they are generally not reliable for diagnosing food intolerances. This is because food intolerances are not typically associated with IgE antibodies, which means that blood tests for IgE antibodies will not detect food intolerances. Instead, diagnosing food intolerances usually involves a process of elimination and careful tracking of symptoms in response to different foods. In some cases, a breath test, stool sample, or other specialized tests help diagnose certain types of food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance. However, these tests are not always necessary and may not be able to detect all types of food intolerances.

Conclusion:

Food intolerance is a non-allergic reaction to certain foods that can cause a range of symptoms such as digestive issues, skin problems, headaches, and more. Unlike food allergies, which can be life-threatening, food intolerances are generally less severe but can still greatly impact an individual's quality of life. There are many different types of food intolerance caused due to gluten, caffeine, dairy, FODMAPs, and Amines.  It's important to identify any food intolerances in order to avoid triggering symptoms and improve overall health and well-being.