Food intolerances: diagnosis and management

Food intolerances: diagnosis and management

Food intolerances: diagnosis and management

Food intolerances are common complaints that affect many people. These intolerances can be triggered by various factors and have different symptoms. In this article we will look at the diagnosis and management of food intolerances.

Introduction to food intolerances

Food intolerances occur when the body cannot properly process certain ingredients in food. This leads to a range of unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or skin problems such as rashes.

Unlike food allergies, in which the body's immune system reacts overly sensitively to certain allergens, food intolerances are usually due to enzymatic disorders in the digestive system or other abnormal reactions of the body to certain components of food.

There are different types of food intolerances:

1. Lactose intolerance
2. Gluten intolerance (celiac disease)
3. Histamine intolerance
4. Fructose malabsorption

In the following sections we will look at each of these aspects in more detail and find ways to facilitate the diagnosis and management of each type of intolerance.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is one of the most common forms of food intolerance. It occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down milk sugar (lactose).

Symptoms

Symptoms of lactose intolerance can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. These usually appear within a few hours of eating foods containing lactose.

diagnosis

To diagnose lactose intolerance, a breath test may be performed. This test measures the concentration of hydrogen gas in the breath after drinking a liquid with a high concentration of lactose.

Another method of diagnosis is genetic testing, which examines certain genetic variants that are associated with lactose intolerance.

management

Treatment and management of lactose intolerance primarily involves avoiding or reducing consumption of foods containing lactose. Fortunately, there are many alternative products on the market such as dairy-free milks and lactose-reduced foods.

In addition, enzymatic nutritional supplements can also be taken which contain the missing enzyme lactase and could therefore help break down milk sugar.

Gluten intolerance (celiac disease)

Gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, is an autoimmune disease in which the protein gluten triggers an inflammatory response in the intestinal lining.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gluten intolerance vary from person to person. The most common include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and bloating. However, other symptoms such as fatigue or skin rashes can also occur.

diagnosis

To diagnose gluten intolerance, a doctor may perform various tests. Most often, an antibody blood test is started to test for specific levels of antibodies in the blood. Final confirmation is then provided by a small intestinal biopsy.

management

The only effective treatment for people with gluten intolerance is to completely eliminate gluten-containing foods from the diet. This means avoiding wheat, barley and rye products as well as all foods or substitute products made with them.

Histamine intolerance

Histamine intolerance is a fairly complex form of food intolerance and occurs due to the deficiency of diamine oxidase (DAO) - an enzyme. Histamine itself is naturally present in many foods and plays a role in our body's immune system.

Symptoms

Symptoms of histamine intolerance include headaches, runny nose, itching, diarrhea and skin redness. However, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.

diagnosis

Diagnosing histamine intolerance often involves a thorough medical history and a food diary. A blood test for DAO activity or a challenge test may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

management

Management of histamine intolerance involves removing or severely limiting foods containing histamine from the diet. This includes foods like cheese, fermented products (like wine or beer), certain fruits, and many preserved meat and fish products.

Fructose malabsorption

Fructose malabsorption is an intolerance to fructose and is caused by an enzyme deficiency - the so-called GLUT5 transporter.

Symptoms

Symptoms of fructose malabsorption can include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. However, the type of symptoms may vary from person to person.

diagnosis

For diagnostic confirmation of fructose malabsorption, an H2 breath test can be performed. But the evaluation of a nutritional record in combination with changes in the symptoms can also provide relevant information for the diagnosis.

management

Management of fructose malabsorption involves eliminating or reducing fructose-containing foods in the diet. This includes fruits, juices, soft drinks and many sweets or processed foods.

FAQs

1. Can I diagnose food intolerances myself?
It is important to emphasize that self-diagnosis is not recommended. If you suspect a food intolerance, you should always consult a doctor to ensure a proper diagnosis.

2. Are there medications to treat food intolerances?
Depending on the type of intolerance, medication may be used to relieve symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea. However, the causal therapy for food intolerances usually consists of avoiding the triggering foods.

3. How can you cope better with food intolerance in everyday life?
Conscious food selection along with good nutritional management are important aspects for people with food intolerance or malabsorption.

Final words
Food intolerances can have a significant impact on life and lead to recurring symptoms. A correct diagnosis by a specialist and individual nutritional management are crucial for alleviating symptoms and ensuring the well-being of those affected. By eliminating or reducing trigger foods, people with food intolerances can lead comfortable and healthy lives.