Everyone has their favorite dishes. But there are also those that we do not like at all. And the consumption of some people even causes a deterioration in their well-being! And often we do not think that this may be due not to taste preferences, but to the fact that our body, due to poorly studied characteristics, simply… rejects certain foods. Moreover, their use, even accidentally, can have serious consequences and harm health. The reason is food intolerance.
The website kp.ru learned what it is, how to identify it and how to avoid it from Svetlana Kanevskaya, a famous doctor, doctor of medical sciences, professor and specialist in integrative medicine (a new branch of health science that helps to overcome the disease even before it manifests itself, by triggering natural renewal mechanisms in our body).
“FOOD INTOLERANCE” IS NOT AN ALLERGY!
— Svetlana, please tell us what food intolerance is and what it is eaten with, in terms of its danger.
— In terms of nutrition, people today can afford a wide selection of a variety of products, try the cuisine of any country, without even going on a “gastrotour”. However, at the same time, we often forget: omnivorousness is fraught with problems, instead of enjoying food, you can harm your health, and treatment will require effort and time. Moreover, this can happen even when a person does not consume exotic dishes, but what is positioned as “healthy food”.
— You are gently leading to the fact that…
– This is food intolerance. This term is used to describe a wide range of adverse reactions to certain foods that cause clinical symptoms after consumption.
— Please explain, is food intolerance a type of allergy?
“In fact, it is sometimes confused or misnamed as a “food allergy.” In reality, food intolerance affects the digestive system, while food allergies affect the immune system. And unlike food allergies mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, food intolerances, with the exception of reactions to sulfites and benzoates, do not cause anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
– But some symptoms of both can be similar…
“And again, food allergies are different from food intolerances, which include metabolic conditions such as lactose intolerance (in milk and dairy products) or carbohydrate malabsorption (including fructose, polyols, and sucrose). It can cause pharmacological reactions (chemical sensitivities) to food components such as caffeine, monosodium glutamate, and other naturally occurring food chemicals (salicylates and amines), as well as toxic reactions such as food poisoning or mackerel toxin poisoning (a harmful substance that accumulates in fish if stored improperly – ed.).
— Food allergies are clear, but what can cause food intolerance?
– Research has shown that food intolerance symptoms occur due to adverse reactions to artificial preservatives such as sulfites (often used in nuts) and benzoates (often used in soft drinks). The same preservatives have been reported to trigger asthma, for example.
With food intolerance, instead of enjoying food, you can damage your health and treatment will require effort and time.
Photo: Valery ZVONAREV. Go to Photobank KP
WHAT FOODS CAUSE FOOD INTOLERANCE?
—Should we assume that food intolerance is not limited to these reasons?
— Our diet consists of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, microelements, vitamins and natural chemicals. These substances usually give food flavour and smell, but they can cause symptoms in some people. A variety of foods can trigger a negative reaction in the body – including foods you might not even think about! At risk are milk and dairy products (cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, yoghurt, ice cream), cereals containing gluten (wheat, barley, rye), nuts and seeds (peanuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds), seafood (fish, shrimp, crabs and crayfish, shellfish), vegetables and fruits (especially citrus fruits, but also tomatoes, strawberries and pineapples).
Another example: lactose intolerance (found in dairy products) can lead to bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea. This condition causes discomfort and reduces quality of life, but is not dangerous and does not develop into anaphylaxis (allergic shock – ed.).
Another example. Food additive: monosodium glutamate. Present in parmesan and other cheeses. And some people, when consuming monosodium glutamate, experience headaches, sweating, tachycardia and irregular heartbeat; after eating, nausea, chest pain, drowsiness and weakness may appear…
And we’re not just talking about food, but also about medicines. The salicylates contained in aspirin can cause hives. Finally, irritants such as caffeine and curry can cause stomach upset in some people. But, again, it’s important to understand: a reaction to these substances is not necessarily the result of an allergy! That’s why it’s so important to find out what we’re dealing with: is it a food intolerance?
– So, so that we don’t get confused, can you tell us the symptoms of food intolerance again?
– Stomach pain, bloating, gas/flatulence, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rashes, dermatitis, recurrent mouth ulcers, headaches, migraines, muscle and joint pain, and more. Unfortunately, food intolerance has no specific symptoms and can disguise itself as any other disease, making diagnosis difficult. If food intolerances are not treated properly, these symptoms can negatively affect your overall health!
— So, any product, if I am intolerant to it, threatens to become poison?
— It is not fatal, of course, but the quality of life will decrease significantly. The most dangerous are the complications of food intolerance! They can be very diverse and affect not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also manifest themselves in the form of severe systemic reactions, such as angioedema and urticaria, up to attacks of bronchial asthma, exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and the development of autoimmune diseases.
HOW TO DETECT FOOD INTOLERANCE?
“What you’re telling me really makes me shudder.” Is it true that food intolerances can also be difficult to diagnose?
– Yes. In addition, certain substances in food and the amount (dose) of food consumed can increase the frequency and severity of symptoms. The best solution would be to consult a doctor first, because only a specialist has the right to diagnose any disease (including, for example, migraines, hives, irritable bowel syndrome and other disorders we are talking about). The doctor will be able to detect other diseases that may be causing the symptoms; determine whether diet or other factors play a role, i.e. identify specific triggers that should be avoided.
—What should be the basis for diagnosing adverse reactions to the food products you are talking about?
— About the clinical picture and keeping a food diary. The full answer comes from laboratory tests and monitoring the response to nutrient elimination. It is important to remember that skin tests or blood tests for allergen-specific immunoglobulins (IgE) are negative for food intolerance. However, they are useful in ruling out a true allergic reaction. A comprehensive diagnosis is also necessary to exclude any other disease: the symptoms of food intolerance are non-specific and it is extremely difficult to distinguish it from other diseases.
—What advice would you give as an expert?
— Today, the Food Xplorer (FOX) test system, developed by the Austrian company MacroArray Diagnostics, is used to assist physicians. It is a kind of “gold standard” in the diagnosis of food intolerance. The test is based on the determination of immunoglobulin G antibodies against certain food antigens. After all, as I already said, one of the mechanisms of food intolerance is delayed-type allergic reactions to foods associated with class G antibodies (IgG). This is one of the most accurate technologies for performing detailed blood tests to detect possible food intolerances.
WHAT IS THE FOX TEST AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
— How effective is this testing method?
— The food intolerance test uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyse a blood sample. It looks for possible food-specific IgG antibodies in the patient’s blood. With the test, you can determine the level of IgG for various foods and thus identify those that a given person cannot tolerate. Food Xplorer can identify 286 common food triggers. This extensive list tests meats, poultry, fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, dairy, eggs, spices, thickeners and preservatives… Unlike other tests, FOX also includes tests for food intolerances to so-called superfoods (nutrient-dense foods) and other trendy menu items: chia seeds, turmeric, spirulina, chlorella – everything that is now associated with a healthy diet.
– And then what?
— Based on the test results, you will be given a report with personalized results. The products are divided into three groups: “not increased”, “increased” and “very increased” according to the degree of risk. All this is simply necessary to make the right changes in your diet!
— The main question: Is food intolerance a life sentence? Or can it be cured?
— If the necessary enzyme is missing in the body due to a genetic mutation, the intolerance will remain in the person for life and, unfortunately, cannot be cured. But if the problem is not related to heredity, there is a chance that everything can be solved! The easiest way to treat food intolerance is to eliminate harmful foods from the diet. After 6 months of this elimination diet, I recommend repeating the FOX test. If the product has left the “red” zone, you can try taking it in small quantities and watch for symptoms. If unpleasant symptoms return, the product should be discontinued forever. And if the symptoms have not returned, it is possible to use it, but in small quantities and not every day.
But, I repeat, all this should be done only in collaboration with a specialist, based on the diagnosis using the FOX test. It is a concept that combines sophisticated and reliable blood tests with post-test guidance based on artificial intelligence. Together with the test results, you will receive an individual nutrition concept – the basis for a healthier life!
— So, in the end, the quality of life can improve?
“Test results and personalized nutritional recommendations will help you find foods that are good for you and, conversely, identify your individual “negative triggers.” By eliminating problematic foods from your diet, you will be able to reduce or even stop inflammatory processes and then regain your health. By getting rid of these artificial “enemies,” your body will be able to use all its capabilities to fight real enemies, such as viruses and bacterial infections. This is especially important on the eve of the upcoming flu season and other acute respiratory viral infections.
