Unlike certain food allergies, food intolerances are not life-threatening. However, it can cause a lot of problems for the affected ones. Food sensitivities and intolerances are very common and seem to be on a rise. In fact, it has been estimated that up to 20 per cent of the world’s population may have food intolerances.

Food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy.

Some manifestations, however, may be very similar.

What’s more? If you frequently eat foods that you are intolerant to, you may face difficulties correlating the symptoms to a specific type of food.

These intolerances can take a toll on your digestive system, skin and respiratory system. These intolerances can be commonly diagnosed by elimination diets that are specifically designed to narrow down the offending foods or through the other testing methods.

Elimination diets help remove foods that are most commonly associated with intolerance for a prolonged period of time.

Yes, consider this a new type of diet that you can follow in case you find yourself intolerant to a certain type of food. Foods are then reintroduced one at a time while at the same time monitoring symptoms.

Dairy

Lactose is a sugar type found in dairy products. It is broken down in the body itself. Lactose intolerance is caused by the shortage of the lactase enzyme, which causes an inability to digest lactose and results in digestion problems.

Gluten

Gluten is the general name for proteins that are found in triticale, rye, barley and wheat. It is the most common factor for food intolerance.

Caffeine

Are you one of those people who loves the smell of coffee but it just does not suit you every time you drink it? You might be intolerant to something that is responsible for the bitterness of coffee- Caffeine.

Caffeine is a bitter chemical found in beverages like coffee, tea and energy drinks. It is a stimulant but is also a common cause of food intolerance.

Dairy, gluten and caffeine are by far the most common cause of food intolerance. Other than these the common food intolerances include intolerance to eggs, food colourings etc.

Eggs

Some people face difficulty digesting egg whites but are not necessarily allergic to eggs. Intolerance to eggs can manifest in a number of ways.

Food colourings

Food colourings like Yellow 5 and Red 40 have been shown to cause hypersensitive reactions in some people.

Food intolerances can hamper the whole experience one has with food. It is important to recognise the food that suits you and that does not and accordingly make changes to the diet.

Conclusion

Food sensitivities can be draining. But once you know what foods or ingredients you might be sensitive to, you can change your diet and lifestyle. Order the food of your choice and set up a dietary profile for yourself with Gaston. This blog is written by the Gaston team. Go, Gaston! Learn more at gogaston.io.