People with hidden food intolerances or sensitivities have to deal with unpleasant and embarrassing physical symptoms that can be hard to pinpoint. The condition is difficult to diagnose, and many people struggle with confusion and fear without understanding the reason for their symptoms. Additionally, doctors and family members may brush off their concerns and leave the sufferer feeling invalidated and isolated.
Symptoms of Food Intolerance
Eating and enjoying food is one of life’s simple pleasures and we should feel fuelled and healthy when nourishing our body. However, frustratingly, people with food sensitivities often feel the opposite.
The debilitating symptoms of food intolerance can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Acid reflux
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Nausea
- Brain fog
- Acne
- Skin rash
- Eczema
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Puffiness and water retention
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Painful joints
- Congestion
- Excess mucus
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
Hidden Food Sensitivity May Prevent Weight Loss
If you’ve tried everything but are still struggling to lose weight, hidden food intolerances may be the reason.
Dr. Mark Hyman, the Functional Medicine Director at Cleveland Clinic, believes that hidden food intolerances could be the reason for weight gain. Inflammation from chronic exposure to food triggers can lead to weight gain that is difficult to shift. On top of this, it may cause water retention which can result in puffiness in the face, eyes, fingers, and abdomen.
Secondary Effects of Food Sensitivities
Food intolerances are frequently accompanied by digestive symptoms, like bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach pain, and intestinal irritation. If these symptoms are caused by insufficient digestion they can result in poor nutrient absorption. Additionally, chronic diarrhea can rapidly deplete the body of water and nutrients.
People with a dairy intolerance will typically have to avoid the food group entirely. Unfortunately, that means they will significantly reduce their intake of one of the most important minerals for good health – calcium.
Avoiding gluten grains and grain products containing wheat, barley, spelt and rye is important for people with gluten intolerance. However, without proper food substitutes and supplementation, this can result in a diet low in fiber and nutrients like Vitamin B1, B2, B3, folic acid and magnesium. These nutrients play a major role in energy production, so any deficiencies will make you feel even more fatigued and sluggish.
FODMAPs – an abbreviation for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols – are short-chain carbohydrates found in dairy products, sweeteners, as well as many fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains. Unfortunately, some people can’t tolerate these carbohydrates which results in uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation.
There is no doubt that a low-FODMAP diet does wonders for those struggling with an intolerance to these foods, but it comes with health consequences if followed long-term. The avoidance of FODMAPs restricts many nutrient-dense plant foods like broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, beetroot, cauliflower, garlic, apples, pears, peaches, beans, chickpeas and lentils. This also limits the intake of prebiotics, an important type of fiber that encourages the growth and proliferation of healthy gut bacteria.
One study found that even though a 21-day low-FODMAP diet reduced digestive symptoms, it also reduced the abundance of gut bacteria (1). This can create a vicious cycle whereby the low levels of good gut bacteria actually worsen digestive symptoms – the reason for avoiding these foods in the first place!
If you suspect you have a food intolerance, you should consult a doctor, qualified nutritionist or dietician. Your healthcare professional can help you to find the right food alternatives that will replace the nutrients missing from your diet, and provide you with nutrient supplements if needed.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25016597/