Food intolerance occurs when the digestive system struggles to break down certain foods, leading to discomfort like bloating, diarrhoea, or headaches. Unlike food allergies, it doesn’t involve the immune system. Common food intolerances include lactose, gluten, and certain food additives. A food intolerance test can help identify triggers. Management includes dietary adjustments, enzyme supplements, and avoiding problematic foods.
Food intolerance refers to the body’s inability to properly digest or process certain foods. Unlike allergies, which involve an immune system reaction, food intolerance typically results from enzyme deficiencies, chemical sensitivities, or digestive disorders.
Many people experience dietary intolerance without realising it, often mistaking symptoms for general stomach issues. The severity varies—some may only feel mild discomfort, while others experience significant digestive distress. The good news? Managing food intolerance is often as simple as identifying triggers and adjusting your diet accordingly.
Although they can cause similar discomfort, food allergies and intolerances are not the same:
Symptoms can appear within hours of eating the offending food, though some may take longer to develop. Common symptoms include:
Types of food intolerance can vary in severity, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe digestive distress.
Many intolerances stem from a lack of enzymes needed to break down certain food components. The most well-known example is milk intolerance, caused by lactase deficiency—the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products.
In some cases, the body mistakes certain foods for allergens, leading to symptoms similar to an allergy. This is common with food allergies and intolerances related to nuts, dairy, or wheat.
Some people react badly to artificial additives like sulphites (found in wine) or MSG (used in processed foods). These additives can cause digestive discomfort, headaches, or allergic-like reactions in sensitive individuals.
Even if you don’t have coeliac disease, gluten can still trigger bloating, fatigue, and digestive issues. Cutting back on gluten-containing foods is the most effective way to manage symptoms, though some people find supplements for gluten intolerance helpful.
If you often get headaches, hives, or digestive trouble after eating aged cheese, fermented foods, or drinking alcohol, histamine intolerance could be the culprit. This happens when the body struggles to break down histamine, leading to uncomfortable reactions.
An unhealthy gut can make food intolerance worse. Poor digestion, bloating, and discomfort are often linked to conditions like IBS. Strengthening gut health with probiotics, fibre-rich foods, and a balanced diet may help reduce food sensitivities.
If certain foods leave you feeling unwell, a food intolerance test can help pinpoint the culprits. Keeping a food diary is another useful way to track patterns and symptoms over time.
The best way to manage food intolerance is by adjusting your diet to avoid or limit trigger foods:
For some intolerances, enzyme supplements can help:
A healthy gut can make digestion easier. Adding probiotics (found in yoghurt and fermented foods) and prebiotics (like fibre-rich fruits and vegetables) can help balance gut bacteria and reduce symptoms.
Packaged foods often contain artificial additives, preservatives, and excess sugar, which can worsen food intolerance symptoms. Sticking to whole, fresh foods can make digestion smoother and reduce discomfort.
While many food intolerances can be managed at home, consult a doctor if you experience:
If you're in Bangalore, visit your nearest SPRSH Hospital for an intolerance test or consultation to rule out more serious conditions.
Food intolerance is common and can cause discomfort, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Identifying trigger foods, making dietary adjustments, and supporting gut health are key to reducing symptoms. While a food intolerance test can be helpful, listening to your body and making informed food choices is equally important.
If you're in Bangalore, visit your nearest SPRSH Hospital for an intolerance test or consultation to rule out more serious conditions.
The key is figuring out what triggers your symptoms. Keeping a food diary, improving gut health with probiotics, and making dietary changes can make a big difference. Some people also benefit from enzyme supplements to aid digestion.
If you're suddenly sensitive to multiple foods, it could be due to gut imbalances, stress, or an underlying digestive condition like IBS. A doctor or nutritionist can help identify the root cause and suggest solutions.
Bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhoea are the most noticeable symptoms. But fatigue, headaches, and even skin issues can also be linked to food intolerance. If you frequently feel unwell after eating, it’s worth investigating.
Copyright © 2025 SPARSH Hospital, A Unit of Shiva & Shiva Orthopaedic Hospital Pvt Ltd.
