Food intolerances differ from food allergies in that food allergies result from an IgE, or antibody released by the immune system, that’s responsible for secreting histamines when you eat a food you have had previously that you are allergic to. Food intolerances do not produce these antibodies. Food intolerances are also referred to as food sensitivity.

There are two tests that you can do at home, are not expensive and are fairly easy. However, both of these tests can be time consuming. The first test is a food log. This test is simple. You write down everything you eat and drink for a period of time. In addition to what you are eating, you need to keep track of when you are experiencing symptoms. This test aids the physician in determining what foods may be affecting you. The second is an elimination diet. In the elimination diet you are first restricted to foods your physician feels are not likely the culprits of your intolerance. Over time you add foods, one at a time, and keep track of whether or not you experience any adverse reactions. 

A person who suspects lactose intolerance will have gas, bloating, diarrhea, rumbling in the stomach, abdominal pain and sometimes foamy stool every time they consume foods containing lactose. Lactose is found in all dairy products, unless they specify they are lactose free. If an infant is suspected of lactose intolerance because they are excessively gassy, crying all the time, have diarrhea stools and “spit up” excessively, they may be placed on a soy based infant formula.

The symptoms of fructose intolerance can vary from very mild to very severe. If one of your parents has a fructose intolerance, you are at risk to have it as well. Some symptoms of fructose intolerance include weight loss in babies, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood sugar and liver failure. 

Alcohol intolerance occurs when the body is lacking the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme which is responsible for breaking down alcohol into acetic acid, or vinegar. The body cannot digest alcohol but it can use the vinegar for energy. Symptoms for alcohol intolerance are common in approximately half of all oriental individuals as they lack the ALDH enzyme. Symptoms include nasal congestion and skin flushing within minutes of consuming an alcoholic beverage. Other symptoms include heart palpitations (heart beating fast), hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (fast heart rate), abdominal discomfort, feeling hot and headache. 

If you have been diagnosed with food intolerance or suspect you have one, you should discuss your concerns with your physician. It’s important to determine the cause of your intolerance because some intolerances can be life threatening.