Do you get stomach upset when you eat certain foods? Let's talk about Food Intolerance!

We've all had this experience at some point. A few hours after eating a favorite food, maybe a milk tea or an ice cream, we start to feel something strange in our stomach. It feels like we've had a full stomach, our stomach hurts, and sometimes we have to run to the bathroom. Many people think at this point, "Oh, I'm allergic to this food." But did you know, it's not always an allergy. This could be due to a condition called 'Food Intolerance', which many people don't know about, but is very common. Let's talk about it simply today.

What exactly is food intolerance?

Simply put, Food Intolerance is when your digestive system has difficulty digesting, or breaking down, a certain food. Another name for this is 'Food Sensitivity'.

Think of it this way: our stomach is like a factory. The food we eat is the raw material. There are special enzymes in our stomach to convert these raw materials into nutrition. It's like a machine. Now, if the machine (enzyme) needed to digest a certain food is not in your stomach or there is a very small amount of it, that food will not be digested properly and will cause various stomach problems. That's what Food Intolerance is.

Are Food Intolerance and Food Allergy the same thing? Yes, definitely!

This is where many people get confused. There is a big difference between the two. A food intolerance can be uncomfortable, but it is not life-threatening. However, a food allergy is something that can sometimes be severe enough to require emergency treatment.

Let's look at this table to easily understand this difference.

What are the most common types of food intolerances we see in Sri Lanka?

There are several types of food intolerance that are common in Sri Lanka as well as around the world.

1. Lactose Intolerance

This is the most common type. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. Our body needs an enzyme called 'lactase' to digest this lactose. People who are lactose intolerant produce very little or no lactase in their bodies. So, when they consume things like cow's milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream, they experience stomach problems.

2. Histamine Intolerance

Histamine is a chemical that is naturally found in some foods. For example, cheese, pineapple, bananas, avocados, chocolate, and red wine contain histamine. Normally, our bodies have an enzyme (`diamine oxidase`) that can break down this histamine. However, people who are deficient in this enzyme may experience symptoms such as headaches and skin problems when they eat foods containing histamine.

3. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat and barley. That means that many things we eat, such as bread, bread-based foods, cakes, and biscuits, contain gluten. Some people have difficulty digesting this gluten.

Why do we have this kind of food intolerance?

Most of the time, the main reason for this is, as we discussed earlier, that the body does not produce enough of an enzyme needed to digest certain foods. The exact reason why this happens to some people has not been found. It may be genetic.

In addition, some digestive system conditions also increase the risk of food intolerance.

• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

What are the symptoms of a food intolerance?

If you can't tolerate a certain food, you may experience one or more of these symptoms within a few hours of eating it:

• Stomach pain or stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Gas and bloating
• Headaches or migraines
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

How do you know for sure if this is a food intolerance?

This can be a bit complicated to diagnose because it can't be easily diagnosed with a blood test like a food allergy.

• For lactose: You can take a hydrogen breath test to see if you are lactose intolerant. This involves drinking a liquid containing lactose and then breathing into a device like a balloon every 30 minutes for several hours. If you are lactose intolerant, the hydrogen levels in your breath will increase.

• For other types: There are no specific tests for things like gluten or histamine, so doctors usually recommend two methods.

1. Keep a Food Diary: Write down everything you eat and drink throughout the day, as well as any symptoms you experience over time. After doing this for about two weeks, you'll start to see a pattern. You'll start to notice things like, "Oh... I always feel full after eating bread."

2. Elimination Diet: This is something that should be done under the advice of a doctor. This involves completely eliminating the food you suspect (e.g., dairy) for 2-6 weeks. If your symptoms disappear during that time, you can then reintroduce that food. If your symptoms reappear, you may have an intolerance to that food.

How to live with a food intolerance?

The good news is that this is something that can be managed. The key is to identify the foods that cause you problems and avoid or limit them.

• Dietary restriction: Most people don't need to completely eliminate the offending food. Small amounts may not cause significant symptoms. For example, someone who has trouble swallowing a glass of milk may not have as much trouble swallowing a cup of milk tea.
• Alternatives: There are now 'lactose-free' milk and dairy products on the market for those who are lactose intolerant.
• Enzyme supplements: There are also pills that contain lactase enzymes available from pharmacies. When taken before eating dairy, these pills help digest lactose.
• Treating Symptoms: When symptoms occur, you can use things like antacids for heartburn or antidiarrheals. However, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.

When should we definitely see a doctor?

Although a food intolerance is usually not dangerous, in some cases it is essential to seek medical advice. If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.

Food Intolerance Sinhala, Digestive Problems, Stomach Ache, Lactose, Gluten, Food Allergy Difference, Food Allergic