Food Intolerance - Types and Causes

Synopsis: Food intolerance is a digestive disorder in which certain foods are challenging for the body to break down, causing discomfort like gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Common types include lactose, gluten, fructose, salicylates, and histamine intolerance, as well as food poisoning. Causes range from enzyme deficiencies to genetic predisposition, gastrointestinal diseases, and sensitivity to food chemicals and additives. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance is not life-threatening but shares some symptoms. Testing is necessary to distinguish between intolerances and allergies, as only allergy tests can confirm an allergy diagnosis.

Written By: Suborna Fermi
Photo Credit: Ty Fujimura
Published: January 13, 2023