food intolerance information

Food Intolerances

* Food intolerance and food allergy are often perceived as the same condition, which they aren't. However, there is a great deal of confusion and controversy over these two conditions!

* Food allergy is a reaction of the body's immune system to a specific food resulting in the release of histamine, which can cause itchy skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea or even asthma. Severe food allergy can be of rapid onset and even be life threatening. Antihistamines will control allergies but will not affect food intolerance. * Intolerance is also an adverse reaction to a specific food or ingredient, but histamine is not released so classical allergy symptoms aren't present. The commonest symptoms of food intolerance are diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and bloating. Some cases result from unknown irritants, toxins or food additives. Foods such as onions, peppers and fried food can cause intolerance.
* One major cause of intolerance is absence of a vital enzyme needed to fully digest specific foods. The most common item to which people are intolerant is the sugar found in milk called lactose. About 70% of the world's population suffer from some degree of lactose intolerance. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating and excess wind. Dairy products such as hard cheeses, yoghurt and sour cream have low lactose levels and are better tolerated.
* Other foods causing intolerance are wheat, barley and rye products which all contain gluten. This condition is called Coeliac Disease and is one cause of babies failing to grow normally, especially between 6 and 18 months. Many gluten free foods are available on NHS prescription. * Foods that commonly cause allergies and intolerance include eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, nuts, wheat, cheese, yeast, chocolate and strawberries. Food colourants and dyes, such as the orange colourant tartrazine (E102) can also be culprits, so read food labels carefully. Labels showing the presence of sulphites (sulfites) or salicylates may indicate foods more likely to cause intolerance or allergy in susceptable individuals.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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