Food intolerance
You may be hypersensitive to certain foods. If it is not a food allergy, we call it a food intolerance. This is not an overreaction of the immune system.
The most common examples of a food intolerance are lactose (a sugar in dairy products) and gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley).
What are the symptoms?
The most frequent complaints are:
- diarrhea;
- abdominal cramps;
- bloated feeling;
- vomit.
Pseudo-allergy
With a pseudo-allergy, a special form of food intolerance, the same symptoms occur as with a true allergic reaction. But unlike an allergic reaction, no excess antibodies are produced.
The complaints can vary:
- skin rash;
- itch;
- swellings;
- palpitations;
- ...
Examples : some types of fish, certain added ingredients, colourants, preservatives, flavor enhancers (glutamates), antioxidants and fillers.
What is the cause?
With a food intolerance, the complaints are caused by poor digestion of certain ingredients. This is usually due to a deficiency in a substance that helps with digestion.
What can you do yourself?
Avoid foods to which you are hypersensitive. With a food intolerance, small amounts are often tolerated, unlike an allergy and a pseudo-allergy.
When should you see a doctor?
Ask your doctor or a dietitian for advice on replacing the eliminated foods in your diet in as balanced a way as possible.
Avoid foods to which you are hypersensitive.
Elise Rummens
Elise Rummens | prevention doctor CM
Elise is our family doctor. Her hobby horse when it comes to health is exercise. That's why you see her jumping, flying, diving, falling and getting up again on Tuesday evenings. Then she has her weekly parkour training.
Ask your doctor or dietitian for advice on replacing the deleted foods in as balanced a way as possible.
