Everything you need to know about Food Intolerance Tests
A food intolerance is a difficulty in digesting certain foods.
The gut is a very sensitive – but a key – organ. A large share of the body's immune tissue is associated with the gut. Factors such as environmental exposures, antibiotics and diet are commonly discussed in relation to digestive symptoms, and a growing number of people report experiencing them.
Here are the main symptoms of food intolerance:
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Skin rashes or itching
- Headaches
- Joint pain
Ongoing digestive symptoms are sometimes reported alongside other conditions such as IBS or joint discomfort. The relationship is not fully understood, and food intolerance is not established as a cause of these conditions. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.
The most common food intolerances
Histamine intolerance
Biogenic Amines (aka histamine, tyramine and phenyl ethylamine) are chemicals that naturally occur in food – particularly wine and cheese. Although most people can tolerate these chemicals, if your digestive system is unable to break them down, it can trigger symptoms such as headaches, rashes, stuffy noses, or nausea.
Lactose intolerance
This refers to an inability to digest lactose (milk sugar) because of low levels of the enzyme lactase. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhoea, wind and abdominal pain or discomfort. It is important to note that lactose intolerance is not an allergy, so it is different to a milk allergy.
Gluten intolerance
This is an intolerance to gluten, which is different from coeliac disease (an autoimmune condition which causes damage to the lining of the gut). Symptoms are like that of coeliac disease, but there is no damage happening to the lining of the intestine.
This type of intolerance is relatively new to be recognized so there is still a bit of debate as to whether it is caused by gluten, or another protein found in wheat.
Caffeine intolerance
Many people find they are sensitive to caffeine which can cause urgent and loose poops, as well as stomach pain, especially in those with an increased sensitivity of the gut, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
FODMAPs intolerance
FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates which are fermented by our gut bacteria which produces gas, as well as several other beneficial compounds used all over the body. In those who have an increased sensitivity of the gut lining (such as those with IBS), this gas production can trigger symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, wind, diarrhoea or constipation.
FODMAPs intolerance
FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates which are fermented by our gut bacteria which produces gas, as well as several other beneficial compounds used all over the body. In those who have an increased sensitivity of the gut lining (such as those with IBS), this gas production can trigger symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, wind, diarrhoea or constipation.
The difference between food intolerance and food allergy
Food allergies involve a whole body immune IgE (immunoglobulin E) response and can cause severe, and even life-threatening symptoms such as rashes, hives and difficulty breathing. Food intolerances however do not involve the immune system and cause gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain. Intolerances are not life threatening.
A typical food allergy reaction
- Antibodies develop immediately following contact with the allergen and can be potentially life-threatening
- Tends to be limited to one or two foods per person – such as fish, eggs, nuts, and cow’s milk
A typical food intolerance reaction
- Symptoms develop gradually – perhaps following a couple of hours or even days
- On average, a few foods will cause problems, anything with a protein can be a trigger
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between food allergies and food intolerances.
If you suspect you have a food allergy, it’s important to speak with a Wellness advisor / Nutritionist / Doctor. To find out whether you have an allergy or an intolerance, the doctor will likely order diagnostic tests.
If you’re allergic to a food, your doctor will advise you on how to manage it. Your doctor may also refer you to a registered dietitian to help with managing your diet.
What does a Food Intolerance test result look like?
The food intolerance results are extensive, and can be up to 20 pages as over 200 different foods are typically tested. Here is a sample of how the report may look for you.
References
- Lomer, M. C. E. (2015). "Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance." Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 41(3), 262–275
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13041 - Tuck, C. J., Biesiekierski, J. R., Schmid-Grendelmeier, P., Pohl, D. (2019). "Food Intolerances." Nutrients, 11(7), 1684
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071684 - Atkinson, W., Sheldon, T. A., Shaath, N., Whorwell, P. J. (2004). "Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial." Gut, 53(10), 1459–1464
https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.2003.037697 - Stapel, S. O., Asero, R., Ballmer-Weber, B. K., et al. (2008). "Testing for IgG4 against foods is not recommended as a diagnostic tool: EAACI Task Force Report." Allergy, 63(7), 793–796
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01705.x - Turnbull, J. L., Adams, H. N., Gorard, D. A. (2015). "Review article: the diagnosis and management of food allergy and food intolerances." Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 41(1), 3–25
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.12984