Types of food intolerance

Lactose intolerance is an example of reduced enzyme activity: lactose is not fully broken down and may draw water into the bowel and produce gas. Other people react to naturally occurring compounds or additives, or to fermentable carbohydrates that are processed by gut bacteria. Symptoms often depend on the amount consumed and may include Bloating, abdominal discomfort or Diarrhoea.

Food intolerance is different from Food Allergy, which involves an immune response and can become an emergency. A symptom after eating does not identify the cause on its own; coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, infection and medication effects can overlap with intolerance symptoms.

Write down meals, portions, timing and symptoms for a short period. A clinician or dietitian may suggest a structured elimination followed by careful reintroduction, rather than permanent avoidance based on guesswork. Testing is useful only when matched to a specific concern; discuss Food Intolerance Testing before buying home panels. Nutrition Counselling can help protect fibre, calcium and other nutrients when a food group is limited.

Seek prompt medical care for blood in the stool, persistent vomiting, dehydration, unintentional weight loss, severe pain, fever or symptoms that wake you repeatedly. Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms after a food, because these suggest an allergic reaction rather than ordinary intolerance.

Which conditions should be excluded? Is a supervised elimination and reintroduction appropriate? How can I meet my nutritional needs while testing a suspected food?