Food intolerance is one of the most frequently discussed, yet often misunderstood, health issues of our time. Many people experience unpleasant symptoms after eating – bloating, diarrhoea, headaches – and suspect they may have some sort of food sensitivity. However, it is important to clarify that food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy, and a diagnosis requires precise medical tests. The Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre In this article, experts help to clarify the terminology, outline the most common intolerances and describe modern diagnostic methods.
Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy: What’s the Difference?
The most significant difference lies in the extent to which the immune system is affected and the speed at which symptoms appear.
- Food allergy: A severe, excessive reaction by the immune system to an otherwise harmless food protein. Symptoms (hives, choking, facial swelling, anaphylactic shock) usually occur immediately or within minutes of eating, even after consuming a minimal amount of food.
- Food intolerance: A problem with the digestive system. For some reason (usually due to an enzyme deficiency), the body is unable to break down a particular nutrient. Symptoms appear more slowly, often hours later, and depend on the amount of food consumed. Although intolerance is unpleasant, unlike an allergy, it is not immediately life-threatening.
The most common food intolerances
1. Lactose intolerance (sensitivity to milk sugar)
This is the most common form, caused by a lack of or reduced activity of the lactase enzyme. When undigested milk sugar reaches the large intestine, it begins to ferment, causing gas and watery diarrhoea.
2. Fructose malabsorption (impaired absorption of fruit sugar)
In such cases, the absorption of fructose is impaired in the small intestine. The symptoms are similar to those of lactose intolerance: severe bloating, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea occur after consuming fruit, fruit juices or sweeteners with a high fructose content.
3. Histamine intolerance
In this case, the body has low levels of the enzyme DAO (diamine oxidase), which is responsible for breaking down histamine. As many foods (mature cheeses, red wine, sauerkraut, smoked meats) contain histamine, the symptoms can vary widely: skin rashes, headaches, a runny nose, bloating or even palpitations.
4. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)
There are patients in whom both coeliac disease (autoimmune gluten sensitivity) and wheat allergy have been ruled out, yet who still experience symptoms when consuming gluten-containing cereals. This is a relatively new diagnostic category which requires thorough investigation.
Symptoms of food intolerance
Due to the wide variety of symptoms, diagnosis is often difficult. The most common complaints are:
- Abdominal bloating and increased gas production.
- Diarrhoea or loose stools (often immediately after a meal).
- Abdominal cramps and pain.
- Nausea, feeling of fullness.
- Non-gastrointestinal symptoms: headaches, migraines, chronic fatigue, joint pain, skin problems (eczema, spots).
How can food intolerance be diagnosed?
Instead of self-diagnosis and unnecessarily strict diets, the At Endomedix We carry out scientifically based studies:
- Consultation with a specialist and food diary: The first step is to analyse the links between the symptoms and diet.
- H₂ breath tests: This is the „gold standard” for detecting lactose and fructose intolerance, as well as SIBO. It is a simple, painless and quick test.
- Measurement of DAO enzyme levels: The activity of the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of histamine can be determined by means of a blood test.
- IgG-based food intolerance tests: In cases where the underlying cause is unclear, we can analyse the immune response (IgG antibodies) to as many as 200+ different foods from a single blood sample.
- Coeliac disease screening: It is important to rule out a severe autoimmune process by means of blood tests (antibodies) and, if necessary, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Treatment: A personalised solution
Managing an intolerance does not necessarily mean permanently and completely cutting out that particular food:
- Dietary advice: Our dietitian will help you put together a diet that alleviates your symptoms without leading to nutrient deficiencies.
- Enchymosis: In cases of lactose intolerance, lactase tablets can help you enjoy your food, whilst DAO enzyme supplements can do the same for those with histamine sensitivity.
- Gradualness: Often, the aim is to determine an individual’s tolerance level – in other words, to find out how much the body can still process without experiencing any symptoms.
When to consult a specialist: Maintaining liver health is a complex task, in which prevention plays a key role. However, if you experience any symptoms or are in a high-risk group, do not hesitate to consult a specialist. The Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre is equipped with modern diagnostic tools and staffed by highly qualified specialists to provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan. Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent serious, irreversible liver damage and significantly improve your quality of life. Don’t let misconceptions influence your healthcare decisions! Get your information from reliable sources and take the first step towards a healthy liver today!
