Tell your doctor about your symptoms. While a food allergy can cause some of the same symptoms an intolerance or sensitivity, other symptoms include: rash, hives, itchy skin, shortness of breath, chest pain, or even a sudden drop in blood pressure. A food allergy usually comes on suddenly after exposure and can be life-threatening. [1] X Research source Never start a restrictive or elimination diet prior to talking to your doctor or a allergy certified registered dietitian. Do not eat any foods that you think could cause life threatening allergic responses unless under the care of a physician. If symptoms do not resolve after eliminating the suspected offending food, go back to the doctor for further evaluation.
It might be wise to do your journal by hand. Start with a notebook and jot down everything you consume (including any supplements or medications) and symptoms you experience. Many food journaling apps are not detailed enough for what you should be tracking. Make sure to note the time you ate and the time you experience symptoms (if at all). Typical food sensitivities symptoms may include: nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, fatigue, rashes, and gas. [2] X Expert Source Katie Marks-Cogan, MDBoard Certified Pediatric & Adult Allergist Expert Interview. 9 December 2019. Also include the serving size of the foods you consume. For example, some individuals have an extreme lactose intolerance (meaning they cannot tolerate any lactose), but others may have a mild lactose intolerance (and can tolerate small doses of lactose). By logging how much you eat, you can gauge the amount of your body will tolerate without adverse symptoms.
Continuing with a regular, non-restrictive diet may not be comfortable, but producing symptoms will help point the finger at the suspected food. Only upon elimination of the food and resolution of symptoms will you have an accurate answer. You may only have one symptom or you may experience multiple symptoms. They usually begin between 30 minutes and two hours after the food is consumed. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Typical symptoms of food sensitivities include: bloating, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea and/or nausea. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If your symptoms are life threatening, do not consume any food you suspect will trigger symptoms. You can perform oral food challenges in the care of a doctor in a safe and controlled environment.
Milk and milk products contain the sugar lactose. Foods that are mainly dairy or have been made with dairy will contain lactose in varying amounts. Check ingredient lists on all products. Some lesser known dairy products that contain lactose are whey, caseinate, malted milk, milk derivative and milk solids. The lesser known dairy products are usually used as an ingredient in another type of food. Avoid antacids. Many antacids contain lactose and will make the symptoms worse. Discuss medication options for other alternatives to acid reducers with your doctor if you feel it is necessary. If symptoms continue after two weeks of a lactose-free diet, you most likely have a different food sensitivity. Dairy and other lactose containing products can be added back into the diet. If you add lactose back to your diet and your symptoms worsen, you may have dual sensitivities and lactose is only part of the problem. Continue to keep lactose out of your diet.
Wheat and wheat products contain gluten. Also, other grains, such as barley and rye contain gluten. Gluten is in a wide range of foods and can be very hard to avoid. It is found in most breads, beer, other baked goods and pasta. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Read ingredient labels on all products. Gluten may be added to foods for its functional properties, and may be on the ingredient statement as vital wheat gluten, wheat gluten or just gluten. Also, malt contains gluten and is often added as a flavoring to many processed foods (like soy sauce). Some other lesser known ingredients containing gluten are Atta flour, bulgur, couscous, farina, graham, wheat bran, wheat germ, wheat starch, triticale and matzoh. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If symptoms continue after two weeks of a gluten-free diet, you most likely have a different food sensitivity. Gluten containing products can be added back into the diet. If you add gluten back to your diet and your symptoms worsen, you may have dual sensitivities and gluten is only part of the problem. Continue to keep gluten out of your diet.
The blood lactose tolerance test will measure how well your body digests lactose. It is done by drinking a lactose solution and then having several blood samples drawn over a period of time. This test is mainly used for adults. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The hydrogen breath test measures amount of hydrogen during respiration. The more hydrogen that is breathed out, the better the body is digesting the lactose. This test is non-invasive and used for adults. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Stool acidity test. The stool acidity test measures the acidity of stool after consumption of lactose. The more acidic the stool, the less the body is able to digest lactose. This test is mainly used for children.
Cutting out or eliminating the offending food is one of the only ways to deal with sensitivities. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source However, an overly restrictive diet may not provide your body with the recommended amount of a variety of essential nutrients. Review your medical history, thoughts on what your offending foods are and your food and symptom journal with your dietitian. They are nutrition experts and will be able to provide you with a meal plan and food substitutes that will not cause a reaction.
Food and symptom journals are also incredibly helpful to allergists, dietitians and other health professionals. They may see patterns or trends in your journal that you do not. If you have a flare up of symptoms again, you’ll be able to return to your journal to see what the offending food was and how to replace that or avoid it in the future.
Lactose containing foods are generally high in calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. You can get these nutrients from other foods like: broccoli, canned salmon, fortified juices, pinto beans and spinach. There are many lactose free and lactose reduced milks, yogurt and cheese. These types of products may not be easy to find and have a slightly different taste than the original, but work great as substitutes. All vegan products, like vegan cheese, will also not contain any lactose. These are a safe bet when purchasing dairy alternatives. Take a lactase enzyme supplement. These are pills that can be taken before the consumption of lactose to help digest the lactose. They are sold at most pharmacies and health food stores. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The biggest and most common source of gluten is wheat (followed by barley and rye). Common nutrients found in these grains are folate, thiamin, riboflavin and other B vitamins. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Fortunately other food groups contain many of these vitamins - like protein foods. In addition, consuming other grains that do not contain gluten and have a variety of B vitamins include: quinoa, teff, amaranth, rice, corn and buckwheat. Currently there are many specialty pre-packaged foods that are gluten free. Anything from pasta, muffins, breads, baking mixes, waffles, pancakes, etc. These can be found at most grocery stores. There is no medication or supplement that can prevent or lessen symptoms from a gluten sensitivity.
There are a variety of over-the-counter vitamins and minerals that can help you replace nutrients in foods you are avoiding. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Note, it’s not ideal or recommended to rely solely on supplements for your nutrition. The best source of nutrients is from consuming foods. Always talk to your doctor prior to starting any vitamin/mineral supplement to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for you.
