Food Intolerance

• The gut is the destination for all our ingested food, including our regular and exotic ones. Most of the time, it can cope with our food and all the additives because it is perfectly equipped to handle the digestion process. However, there are times when the body is unable to produce particular enzymes that may be needed to digest specific food items, for example, when the body does not have enough lactase enzyme to digest lactose, thereby leading to intolerance

• When this happens, the food does not break down to its safe components. These poorly digested items are unhealthy and they cause problems throughout the body. Since it takes time for this process to happen, the effects of food intolerance are often delayed until hours or days later, and it makes the identification of the offending food item difficult

• Intolerance can also be caused when the food item contains added chemicals that can confuse the body’s own chemical process

• Common intolerant food items include Lactose, Milk, Gluten, Eggs and Berries

 

The body systems that can be affected include:

• The mouth: Ulcers and swellings

• The gut: Cramps, nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhoea or constipation

• The skin: Rashes, swellings, itchiness and eczema

• Breathing: Asthma-like reactions, Cough and throat swellings

 

 

Food Allergy

• Particular proteins in some food items will sometimes irritate the immune system quite significantly. The immune system fights back and this leads to food allergy.

• The reaction is rapid and may start within minutes. It is usually more severe than the reactions to Food Intolerance. When severe, it may lead to life-threatening Anaphylactic reactions and urgent clinical care is indicated.

• The source of the offending protein could be from Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Cow's milk and Wheat

Look out for these signs:

• Hives, Itching and Rashes on the skin

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Wheezing

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue and lips

 

Important to note:

• Discuss with your regular caregiver and seek the advice of a Dietitian: 

  • Suggestions for you may include Skin-prick test, Patch testing, Blood tests and Elimination diets

• Avoid known offending food as much as you can: ask before accepting food offers

• Have a plan for allergic events: keep an EpiPen if you are able to