Food Intolerance 101: How What You Eat Might Be Affecting Your Life
With more than three million cases per year in the United States alone, food intolerances are a very common issue. While there’s been a rise in awareness of this problem, many people live with the symptoms of food intolerance without ever having received a diagnosis. Fortunately, with new technology, such as the celebrity-endorsed pinnertest, and the help of a doctor, it is possible to determine which foods are causing discomfort and remove them your diet completely.
Symptoms of Food Intolerance
While food allergies affect the immune system and can cause severe reactions, intolerances often result in a wide range of less serious digestive issues. Common symptoms include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Itching
Most Common Food Intolerances
1. Dairy
Many people struggle to break down lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products, due to a shortage of lactase enzymes. This can be caused by drinking milk, eating ice cream, and consuming foods containing cheese.
2. Gluten
While some people have a more serious reaction to gluten and test positive for celiac disease, many other people experience symptoms of food intolerance when they eat gluten even if they test negative. Gluten is commonly found in wheat, barley, triticale, and rye products.
3. Corn
Similar to gluten, corn is present in many different types of food and can cause a lot of discomfort when consumed. Corn is also often found in several types of beauty products and medications.
4. Soy
While many people who struggle with lactose intolerance will turn to soy products as an alternative, many people are intolerant to soy itself. Examples of products that often contain soy include tofu, vegetable broth, soy milk, soy sauce, and edamame.
5. Eggs
Egg intolerance is very common among children and can even continue into adulthood. Some people are only intolerant to the egg white or yolk, but others have a hard time digesting both.