Food intolerances & healthy diets

The definition of food intolerance is when eating a particular type of food causes an adverse reaction in your body. It does include allergies but they are just one form of food intolerance.

It's not the same as disliking the taste of particular foods or finding them objectionable. Rather it is based on biochemical reactions within the body. Symptoms can include asthma, vomiting, eczema, fatigue and depression.

One type of food intolerance is caused by the lack of certain enzymes that the body needs to break down certain foods. For example, some people are lactase deficient. As lactase is needed to digest dairy products, they have difficulties after drinking milk or eating cheese, yoghurt, chocolate etc.

Another common problem is people who are gluten intolerant. Gluten is a protein found in wheat products and sufferers report that cutting gluten from their diet makes them feel much healthier. Certain food additives are also thought to produce adverse reactions in certain people.

Why some people react badly to particular foods is not entirely known. It is thought that our bodies produce certain antigens, which are a vital part of our ability to fight off infection and other harmful substances. However, allergies occur when the body has an immune reaction to what is essentially a harmless substance. They are often genetic and people who suffer from food allergies may be vulnerable to other allergic reactions, such as to house dust or pets. If you're allergic to certain foods, then eating them may result in your body releasing histamine. This in turn can lead to swelling, headaches, vomiting and diarrhoea. If you suspect your body may not deal with a type of food very well, try cutting it from your diet for a while to see if you feel better without it.