Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Food Intolerance?Foods to EliminateDiagnosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a Food Intolerance?
Foods to Eliminate
Diagnosis
Food intolerance, also called food sensitivity, can lead to digestive symptoms such as bloating and nausea. While food intolerance may cause symptoms that are similar to afood allergy, the two are not the same.Food allergies could potentially be life-threatening; however, food sensitivity is not as serious. It can, however, cause unpleasant symptoms and interfere with your quality of life.This article lists the most common food intolerances and explains how these differ from a food allergy. It also explains how a food intolerance might be diagnosed and how to manage when you’re sensitive to certain foods.2:138 Surprising Sources of Common Food AllergensWhat Is a Food Intolerance?Food intolerance relates to a problem digesting certain foods. After eating a food you’re sensitive to, you may suffer gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.Identifying a food sensitivity requires careful observation of cause and effect and the process of elimination. You may have an intolerance for a group of foods such as those derived from cow’s milk. However, some people are intolerant to food additives, like artificial flavorings, dyes, and preservatives.How Long Food Takes to Digest and Leave the BodyFood Intolerances vs. Food AllergyWhile food sensitivity symptoms and food allergy symptoms can overlap, they are different conditions and happen for different reasons.With food allergies, your immune system reacts to foods or certain parts of foods that are allergens. When the body reacts to an allergen, it releases chemicals called histamines that can cause digestive, respiratory, and even skin symptoms.It can also cause a potentially fatal reaction known asanaphylaxis.Here are a few key differences between having a food intolerance and a food allergy.Food Allergy vs. Food IntoleranceFood Allergy SymptomsVomitingDiarrheaSkin rashesTrouble breathingSwellingItchingHivesAnaphylaxisFood Intolerance SymptomsBloatingGasAbdominal PainDiarrheaSource: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & ImmunologyWhat Are the Most Common Food Intolerances?If you don’t know which foods you can’t tolerate, start thinking about how often you eat foods that are likely to cause problems, especially the three most common foods related to intolerance: lactose-related foods, gluten, and eggs.What Are the Easiest Foods to Digest? What to Eat and Avoid
Food intolerance, also called food sensitivity, can lead to digestive symptoms such as bloating and nausea. While food intolerance may cause symptoms that are similar to afood allergy, the two are not the same.
Food allergies could potentially be life-threatening; however, food sensitivity is not as serious. It can, however, cause unpleasant symptoms and interfere with your quality of life.
This article lists the most common food intolerances and explains how these differ from a food allergy. It also explains how a food intolerance might be diagnosed and how to manage when you’re sensitive to certain foods.
2:138 Surprising Sources of Common Food Allergens
2:13
8 Surprising Sources of Common Food Allergens
Food intolerance relates to a problem digesting certain foods. After eating a food you’re sensitive to, you may suffer gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Identifying a food sensitivity requires careful observation of cause and effect and the process of elimination. You may have an intolerance for a group of foods such as those derived from cow’s milk. However, some people are intolerant to food additives, like artificial flavorings, dyes, and preservatives.
How Long Food Takes to Digest and Leave the Body
Food Intolerances vs. Food Allergy
While food sensitivity symptoms and food allergy symptoms can overlap, they are different conditions and happen for different reasons.
With food allergies, your immune system reacts to foods or certain parts of foods that are allergens. When the body reacts to an allergen, it releases chemicals called histamines that can cause digestive, respiratory, and even skin symptoms.It can also cause a potentially fatal reaction known asanaphylaxis.
Here are a few key differences between having a food intolerance and a food allergy.
Food Allergy vs. Food IntoleranceFood Allergy SymptomsVomitingDiarrheaSkin rashesTrouble breathingSwellingItchingHivesAnaphylaxisFood Intolerance SymptomsBloatingGasAbdominal PainDiarrheaSource: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Food Allergy SymptomsVomitingDiarrheaSkin rashesTrouble breathingSwellingItchingHivesAnaphylaxis
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Skin rashes
Trouble breathing
Swelling
Itching
Hives
Anaphylaxis
Food Intolerance SymptomsBloatingGasAbdominal PainDiarrhea
Bloating
Gas
Abdominal Pain
Source: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
What Are the Most Common Food Intolerances?
If you don’t know which foods you can’t tolerate, start thinking about how often you eat foods that are likely to cause problems, especially the three most common foods related to intolerance: lactose-related foods, gluten, and eggs.
What Are the Easiest Foods to Digest? What to Eat and Avoid
1Dairy ProductsJamie Grill / Getty ImagesThere are two primary reasons you may not be able to tolerate dairy products:Many people arelactose intolerant. This means that they lack enough lactase, adigestive enzymenecessary to digest the lactose sugar that’s present in dairy products.Research shows that others, who often think they have lactose intolerance, actually have problems with a protein in cow’s milk known as 1 beta-casein. If you have problems digesting this casein, you may experience inflammation within thedigestive system.Symptoms of Dairy IntoleranceHaving a food intolerance to dairy products can cause gastrointestinal and/or respiratory symptoms, as well as skin reactions.Foods to EliminateIf you eliminate dairy products to see if you have a food intolerance, you would not eat:MilkCheeseButterYogurtIce creamAny product derived from the milk of cowsAny product derived from the milk of goats and sheepWhile some people who cannot tolerate cow’s milk report no symptoms when they consume sheep or goat milk products, these milks do include lactose and casein. It’s possible that the makeup of the non-cow milk products is easier to digest, but this is not the case for all people with milk intolerance.
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Dairy ProductsJamie Grill / Getty ImagesThere are two primary reasons you may not be able to tolerate dairy products:Many people arelactose intolerant. This means that they lack enough lactase, adigestive enzymenecessary to digest the lactose sugar that’s present in dairy products.Research shows that others, who often think they have lactose intolerance, actually have problems with a protein in cow’s milk known as 1 beta-casein. If you have problems digesting this casein, you may experience inflammation within thedigestive system.Symptoms of Dairy IntoleranceHaving a food intolerance to dairy products can cause gastrointestinal and/or respiratory symptoms, as well as skin reactions.Foods to EliminateIf you eliminate dairy products to see if you have a food intolerance, you would not eat:MilkCheeseButterYogurtIce creamAny product derived from the milk of cowsAny product derived from the milk of goats and sheepWhile some people who cannot tolerate cow’s milk report no symptoms when they consume sheep or goat milk products, these milks do include lactose and casein. It’s possible that the makeup of the non-cow milk products is easier to digest, but this is not the case for all people with milk intolerance.
Dairy Products
Jamie Grill / Getty Images
There are two primary reasons you may not be able to tolerate dairy products:
Symptoms of Dairy Intolerance
Having a food intolerance to dairy products can cause gastrointestinal and/or respiratory symptoms, as well as skin reactions.
If you eliminate dairy products to see if you have a food intolerance, you would not eat:
While some people who cannot tolerate cow’s milk report no symptoms when they consume sheep or goat milk products, these milks do include lactose and casein. It’s possible that the makeup of the non-cow milk products is easier to digest, but this is not the case for all people with milk intolerance.
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Gluten
rzdeb / E+ / Getty Images
However, you can have a gluten intolerance instead of a gluten allergy in which case your symptoms will be milder. Some people refer to the digestive symptoms they get from eating gluten as “gluten sensitivity.”
Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance
Some studies show thatgluten sensitivity might be the cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in some individuals, but the evidence is not completely clear.People with IBS experience a range of digestive symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
To find out if you have gluten intolerance, you can try following a gluten-free diet where you avoid foods made with certain grains.
Not all grains have gluten. Here are a few examples of grains that have gluten in them:
Gluten is a staple of bread, pasta, cereals, snack bars, and crackers, but it is also often found in sweets, beverages, condiments, sauces, and processed meats. If you’re trying to eliminate gluten, check food labels carefully.
Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity
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Eggs
Dave Bradley Photography / Getty Images
Eggs have the notorious distinction of being on the top list of allergy foods for children.Often, this allergy is outgrown, but adults may develop egg intolerance.
Symptoms of Egg Intolerance
If you have a food intolerance to eggs, you may have gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.
New or Ongoing Egg Allergy Symptoms
4Caffeined3sign / Getty ImagesThose with caffeine sensitivity may be able to have small amounts of coffee, tea, or other caffeinated foods or beverages. However, they may need to stick to very small servings to avoid symptoms such as jitteriness or headaches.The smaller you are or the less you weigh, the more sensitive you might be to caffeine.In addition to coffee and tea, it’s important to be aware of “hidden” sources of caffeine such as some herbal teas, sodas, energy drinks, and chocolate or hot chocolate. Keep in mind, too, that decaf coffee may have anywhere from 1 to 25 milligrams of caffeine.Symptoms of Caffeine IntoleranceIf you’re sensitive to caffeine, you will develop symptoms associated with excess caffeine intake:ShakinessInsomniaHeadachesDizzinessElevated heart rateDehydrationAnxiety
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Caffeined3sign / Getty ImagesThose with caffeine sensitivity may be able to have small amounts of coffee, tea, or other caffeinated foods or beverages. However, they may need to stick to very small servings to avoid symptoms such as jitteriness or headaches.The smaller you are or the less you weigh, the more sensitive you might be to caffeine.In addition to coffee and tea, it’s important to be aware of “hidden” sources of caffeine such as some herbal teas, sodas, energy drinks, and chocolate or hot chocolate. Keep in mind, too, that decaf coffee may have anywhere from 1 to 25 milligrams of caffeine.Symptoms of Caffeine IntoleranceIf you’re sensitive to caffeine, you will develop symptoms associated with excess caffeine intake:ShakinessInsomniaHeadachesDizzinessElevated heart rateDehydrationAnxiety
Caffeine
d3sign / Getty Images
Those with caffeine sensitivity may be able to have small amounts of coffee, tea, or other caffeinated foods or beverages. However, they may need to stick to very small servings to avoid symptoms such as jitteriness or headaches.
The smaller you are or the less you weigh, the more sensitive you might be to caffeine.
In addition to coffee and tea, it’s important to be aware of “hidden” sources of caffeine such as some herbal teas, sodas, energy drinks, and chocolate or hot chocolate. Keep in mind, too, that decaf coffee may have anywhere from 1 to 25 milligrams of caffeine.
Symptoms of Caffeine Intolerance
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you will develop symptoms associated with excess caffeine intake:
5SalicylatesDavid Sucsy/Getty ImagesSalicylates are naturally occurring chemicals found in many types of plants that are used to produce a variety of foods, beverages, and medications.Aspirin contains high amounts of salicylates and is the only source clearly associated with serious symptoms of intolerance.However, a wide range of plant-based foods and grains contain high levels.Symptoms of Salicylate IntoleranceNegative reactions are more common in children than adults, but both groups can have a sensitivity to salicylates. Symptoms are similar to allergic reactions: hives, fever, and sinus inflammation. However, you may also experience diarrhea or abdominal pain.Foods to EliminateThose with salicylate intolerance should not take aspirin. Coffee is also known to contain high levels and should be avoided. Other foods high in salicylates include the following:LentilsCauliflowerCeleryStrawberriesWatermelonBuckwheatCorn flourOatSoy flourBrown riceYeastCauses of a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache and How to Fix It
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SalicylatesDavid Sucsy/Getty ImagesSalicylates are naturally occurring chemicals found in many types of plants that are used to produce a variety of foods, beverages, and medications.Aspirin contains high amounts of salicylates and is the only source clearly associated with serious symptoms of intolerance.However, a wide range of plant-based foods and grains contain high levels.Symptoms of Salicylate IntoleranceNegative reactions are more common in children than adults, but both groups can have a sensitivity to salicylates. Symptoms are similar to allergic reactions: hives, fever, and sinus inflammation. However, you may also experience diarrhea or abdominal pain.Foods to EliminateThose with salicylate intolerance should not take aspirin. Coffee is also known to contain high levels and should be avoided. Other foods high in salicylates include the following:LentilsCauliflowerCeleryStrawberriesWatermelonBuckwheatCorn flourOatSoy flourBrown riceYeastCauses of a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache and How to Fix It
Salicylates
David Sucsy/Getty Images
Salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals found in many types of plants that are used to produce a variety of foods, beverages, and medications.
Aspirin contains high amounts of salicylates and is the only source clearly associated with serious symptoms of intolerance.However, a wide range of plant-based foods and grains contain high levels.
Symptoms of Salicylate Intolerance
Negative reactions are more common in children than adults, but both groups can have a sensitivity to salicylates. Symptoms are similar to allergic reactions: hives, fever, and sinus inflammation. However, you may also experience diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Those with salicylate intolerance should not take aspirin. Coffee is also known to contain high levels and should be avoided. Other foods high in salicylates include the following:
Causes of a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache and How to Fix It
6PeanutsMaximilian Stock Ltd. / Getty ImagesPeanuts are actually classified as legumes.Peanut allergiesare extremely common in children, with about 2.5% of children having been diagnosed.The majority of kids do not outgrow their allergy, which means that a large number of adults also suffer from peanut allergies.However, another fraction of the population suffers from peanut sensitivity. They may not be at risk of anaphylaxis, but they do display intolerance.Symptoms of Peanut IntoleranceIf you have peanut sensitivity, you may suffer digestive symptoms that differ from the response someone with an allergy would have.Stomach discomfort may be severe, but you’re not likely to need immediate medical attention.Foods to EliminateIn addition to avoiding peanuts, you should cut out foods made with them like peanut butter, candies, and baked goods.
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PeanutsMaximilian Stock Ltd. / Getty ImagesPeanuts are actually classified as legumes.Peanut allergiesare extremely common in children, with about 2.5% of children having been diagnosed.The majority of kids do not outgrow their allergy, which means that a large number of adults also suffer from peanut allergies.However, another fraction of the population suffers from peanut sensitivity. They may not be at risk of anaphylaxis, but they do display intolerance.Symptoms of Peanut IntoleranceIf you have peanut sensitivity, you may suffer digestive symptoms that differ from the response someone with an allergy would have.Stomach discomfort may be severe, but you’re not likely to need immediate medical attention.Foods to EliminateIn addition to avoiding peanuts, you should cut out foods made with them like peanut butter, candies, and baked goods.
Peanuts
Maximilian Stock Ltd. / Getty Images
Peanuts are actually classified as legumes.Peanut allergiesare extremely common in children, with about 2.5% of children having been diagnosed.The majority of kids do not outgrow their allergy, which means that a large number of adults also suffer from peanut allergies.
However, another fraction of the population suffers from peanut sensitivity. They may not be at risk of anaphylaxis, but they do display intolerance.
Symptoms of Peanut Intolerance
If you have peanut sensitivity, you may suffer digestive symptoms that differ from the response someone with an allergy would have.Stomach discomfort may be severe, but you’re not likely to need immediate medical attention.
In addition to avoiding peanuts, you should cut out foods made with them like peanut butter, candies, and baked goods.
7AminesBacon-Wrapped Sausage.© George Crudo / Getty ImagesVasoactive amines, or amines for short, are substances produced when proteins in food start to break down, which occurs during fermentation, storage, or decay. The most common type of amine related to food intolerance is histamine, which we often associate with allergic reactions but plays a different role in amine food intolerance.Symptoms of Amine IntoleranceReactions to amines differ from person to person, but sensitivity might include symptoms such as these:Itchy skinSkin flushingHeadachesHivesStomach crampsDiarrheaLow blood pressureProblems breathingFoods to EliminateAmines are common in the following foods and should be avoided:Cured meat, especially porkProcessed seafood and poultryBlue cheese, parmesan, cheddar, and other hard cheesesOranges, bananas, pineapples, grapes, strawberriesPickled cabbageFermented soy productsTomatoes, spinachPeanutsFresh fruit juices and smoothiesBeer and wineGreen tea
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AminesBacon-Wrapped Sausage.© George Crudo / Getty ImagesVasoactive amines, or amines for short, are substances produced when proteins in food start to break down, which occurs during fermentation, storage, or decay. The most common type of amine related to food intolerance is histamine, which we often associate with allergic reactions but plays a different role in amine food intolerance.Symptoms of Amine IntoleranceReactions to amines differ from person to person, but sensitivity might include symptoms such as these:Itchy skinSkin flushingHeadachesHivesStomach crampsDiarrheaLow blood pressureProblems breathingFoods to EliminateAmines are common in the following foods and should be avoided:Cured meat, especially porkProcessed seafood and poultryBlue cheese, parmesan, cheddar, and other hard cheesesOranges, bananas, pineapples, grapes, strawberriesPickled cabbageFermented soy productsTomatoes, spinachPeanutsFresh fruit juices and smoothiesBeer and wineGreen tea
Amines
Bacon-Wrapped Sausage.© George Crudo / Getty Images
Vasoactive amines, or amines for short, are substances produced when proteins in food start to break down, which occurs during fermentation, storage, or decay. The most common type of amine related to food intolerance is histamine, which we often associate with allergic reactions but plays a different role in amine food intolerance.
Symptoms of Amine Intolerance
Reactions to amines differ from person to person, but sensitivity might include symptoms such as these:
Amines are common in the following foods and should be avoided:
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High-FODMAP Foods
Diana Miller Cultura / Getty Images
FODMAPsare a type of carbohydrate that are fermentable, osmotic, and poorly absorbed. Some people are not able to tolerate foods that are high in FODMAPs.
Symptoms of FODMAP Intolerance
High-FODMAP foods can cause digestive symptoms for some people. Research studies have found that following alow-FODMAP dietreduces IBS symptoms in approximately 76% of IBS patients.
The Different FODMAP Types for IBS Symptoms
9CornMax Oppenheim / Getty ImagesCornis an ingredient in a variety of foods. If you have corn intolerance, you may not be able to digest corn or have digestive upset when you eat foods made with corn.Symptoms of Corn IntoleranceIn research studies, corn has shown up as one of the top foods to contribute to IBS symptoms, like bowel changes, abdominal pain, and bloating.Foods to EliminateWhile it can be easy to avoid corn on the cob, canned corn, and popcorn, corn is in a lot of other foods in less obvious ways. You’ll need to read labels carefully and avoid foods that are made with corn products.For example, many processed foods are made with high fructose corn syrup, corn oil, corn starch or dextrose.
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CornMax Oppenheim / Getty ImagesCornis an ingredient in a variety of foods. If you have corn intolerance, you may not be able to digest corn or have digestive upset when you eat foods made with corn.Symptoms of Corn IntoleranceIn research studies, corn has shown up as one of the top foods to contribute to IBS symptoms, like bowel changes, abdominal pain, and bloating.Foods to EliminateWhile it can be easy to avoid corn on the cob, canned corn, and popcorn, corn is in a lot of other foods in less obvious ways. You’ll need to read labels carefully and avoid foods that are made with corn products.For example, many processed foods are made with high fructose corn syrup, corn oil, corn starch or dextrose.
Corn
Max Oppenheim / Getty Images
Cornis an ingredient in a variety of foods. If you have corn intolerance, you may not be able to digest corn or have digestive upset when you eat foods made with corn.
Symptoms of Corn Intolerance
In research studies, corn has shown up as one of the top foods to contribute to IBS symptoms, like bowel changes, abdominal pain, and bloating.
While it can be easy to avoid corn on the cob, canned corn, and popcorn, corn is in a lot of other foods in less obvious ways. You’ll need to read labels carefully and avoid foods that are made with corn products.
For example, many processed foods are made with high fructose corn syrup, corn oil, corn starch or dextrose.
10SoyMache Seibel, MDSoy is a popular ingredient in many recipes and can also be enjoyed on its own in the form of edamame or tofu.Soy is on the list of top allergens for children, but you can also have a food intolerance to soy.Symptoms of Soy IntoleranceAnecdotally, many adults attribute their gastrointestinal IBS symptoms to eating soy-based products.Foods to AvoidLike corn, soy and its derivatives are now found in many food products. If you’re eliminating soy from your diet to find out if you have a food intolerance, you should avoid:TofuEdamameSoy sauceTeriyaki sauceMisoTamariTempehTextured vegetable proteinYou must carefully read food labels to see if they contain soy or soy ingredients. Many protein bars, frozen desserts, pasta, cereals, and meat substitutes are made with soy (for example, as soy protein).
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SoyMache Seibel, MDSoy is a popular ingredient in many recipes and can also be enjoyed on its own in the form of edamame or tofu.Soy is on the list of top allergens for children, but you can also have a food intolerance to soy.Symptoms of Soy IntoleranceAnecdotally, many adults attribute their gastrointestinal IBS symptoms to eating soy-based products.Foods to AvoidLike corn, soy and its derivatives are now found in many food products. If you’re eliminating soy from your diet to find out if you have a food intolerance, you should avoid:TofuEdamameSoy sauceTeriyaki sauceMisoTamariTempehTextured vegetable proteinYou must carefully read food labels to see if they contain soy or soy ingredients. Many protein bars, frozen desserts, pasta, cereals, and meat substitutes are made with soy (for example, as soy protein).
Soy
Mache Seibel, MD
Soy is a popular ingredient in many recipes and can also be enjoyed on its own in the form of edamame or tofu.
Soy is on the list of top allergens for children, but you can also have a food intolerance to soy.
Symptoms of Soy Intolerance
Anecdotally, many adults attribute their gastrointestinal IBS symptoms to eating soy-based products.
Foods to Avoid
Like corn, soy and its derivatives are now found in many food products. If you’re eliminating soy from your diet to find out if you have a food intolerance, you should avoid:
You must carefully read food labels to see if they contain soy or soy ingredients. Many protein bars, frozen desserts, pasta, cereals, and meat substitutes are made with soy (for example, as soy protein).
11Beef, Pork, and LambKatrina Wittkamp / Getty ImagesSome people are intolerant to animal meats.Food intolerance to meat might be linked to the way the livestock is reared.Conventionally raised livestock are given corn and soy as primary feed sources, as opposed to grazing on grasses in a pasture. These animals are also given hormones and antibiotics, all of which have the potential to affect the meat that you’re eating.Symptoms of Meat IntoleranceIf you don’t tolerate certain kinds of meat, you might have indigestion, nausea, and bloating when you eat them.What to EliminateIf you think that you are intolerant to meat, try looking for pasture-raised animals and do a food challenge with meats, paying attention to the way the animals were raised and fed.
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Beef, Pork, and LambKatrina Wittkamp / Getty ImagesSome people are intolerant to animal meats.Food intolerance to meat might be linked to the way the livestock is reared.Conventionally raised livestock are given corn and soy as primary feed sources, as opposed to grazing on grasses in a pasture. These animals are also given hormones and antibiotics, all of which have the potential to affect the meat that you’re eating.Symptoms of Meat IntoleranceIf you don’t tolerate certain kinds of meat, you might have indigestion, nausea, and bloating when you eat them.What to EliminateIf you think that you are intolerant to meat, try looking for pasture-raised animals and do a food challenge with meats, paying attention to the way the animals were raised and fed.
Beef, Pork, and Lamb
Katrina Wittkamp / Getty Images
Some people are intolerant to animal meats.Food intolerance to meat might be linked to the way the livestock is reared.
Conventionally raised livestock are given corn and soy as primary feed sources, as opposed to grazing on grasses in a pasture. These animals are also given hormones and antibiotics, all of which have the potential to affect the meat that you’re eating.
Symptoms of Meat Intolerance
If you don’t tolerate certain kinds of meat, you might have indigestion, nausea, and bloating when you eat them.
What to Eliminate
If you think that you are intolerant to meat, try looking for pasture-raised animals and do a food challenge with meats, paying attention to the way the animals were raised and fed.
12Additional Common Food IntolerancesSome people are intolerant to certain ingredients in a food product rather than the food itself. Preservatives, dyes, or other ingredients may be behind their symptoms. The most common food additive intolerances are food coloring, sodium benzoate, and sulfite in addition to the following.Aspartame:Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a sugarsubstitute. While research is conflicting, some studies have reported depression and irritability in people with a sensitivity to aspartame.Yeast:Symptoms are typically limited to the digestive system for people with a yeast intolerance. They are generally less severe than those of a yeast allergy.Sugar alcohols:These are often used as zero calorie alternativesto sugar. Some people can experience major digestive issues, includingbloating and diarrhea.
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Additional Common Food IntolerancesSome people are intolerant to certain ingredients in a food product rather than the food itself. Preservatives, dyes, or other ingredients may be behind their symptoms. The most common food additive intolerances are food coloring, sodium benzoate, and sulfite in addition to the following.Aspartame:Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a sugarsubstitute. While research is conflicting, some studies have reported depression and irritability in people with a sensitivity to aspartame.Yeast:Symptoms are typically limited to the digestive system for people with a yeast intolerance. They are generally less severe than those of a yeast allergy.Sugar alcohols:These are often used as zero calorie alternativesto sugar. Some people can experience major digestive issues, includingbloating and diarrhea.
Additional Common Food Intolerances
Some people are intolerant to certain ingredients in a food product rather than the food itself. Preservatives, dyes, or other ingredients may be behind their symptoms. The most common food additive intolerances are food coloring, sodium benzoate, and sulfite in addition to the following.
Aspartame:Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a sugarsubstitute. While research is conflicting, some studies have reported depression and irritability in people with a sensitivity to aspartame.
Yeast:Symptoms are typically limited to the digestive system for people with a yeast intolerance. They are generally less severe than those of a yeast allergy.
Sugar alcohols:These are often used as zero calorie alternativesto sugar. Some people can experience major digestive issues, includingbloating and diarrhea.
How Is a Food Intolerance Diagnosed?Food allergies are diagnosed with blood tests that measure IgE antibodies, which are produced due to the body’s immune response to certain foods.However, there are no tests that can diagnose a food intolerance.Your healthcare provider might start with blood tests or even skin tests to rule out food allergies or environmental allergies as causes of your symptoms. If these come back normal, the next step is to use a food elimination diet to identify if you have a food intolerance.Food Elimination DietWith anelimination diet, you remove a food from your diet completely for two weeks. If you notice that your symptoms ease, slowly reintroduce the food. If you begin to notice the sensitivity symptoms again, go back to step one and eliminate the food for two weeks and test reintroducing it again to confirm whether there seems to be a connection.Based on your symptoms, you might not be able to tell the difference between food intolerance and a food allergy.You should work with your healthcare provider to do an elimination diet. It can cannot be difficult to tell the difference between food allergy symptoms and food intolerance symptoms, and if you’re suffering from an allergy, you need to be more cautious about re-introducing the trigger food.You should not follow an elimination diet for a long period of time. It should be done under the direction of a registered dietician or other healthcare provider who can help you identify the specific food or additive causing symptoms and then prepare an individualized eating plan.Throughout the period of testing a specific food, track what you eat as long as pay close attention to other factors such as weather (humidity may be related to an increased rate of GI infections), mood, exercise, and menstrual cycles, all of which can affect your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and impact symptoms.Keeping afood diaryis key to successfully tracking your food intake and pinpointing problemsSummaryFood intolerances are not the same as food allergies although they can have similar symptoms.A person with a food intolerance gets digestive symptoms like gas and bloating when they eat a particular food. People with an allergy have an immune response to allergens in specific foods, and they can develop serious symptoms like trouble breathing, rashes, and even anaphylaxis.While food intolerances can be difficult to identify, they are rarely life-threatening. The best way to find out if you are intolerant to a food or an ingredient in a food product is to do an elimination diet under the guidance of your provider.The Best At-Home Food Sensitivity Tests
How Is a Food Intolerance Diagnosed?
Food allergies are diagnosed with blood tests that measure IgE antibodies, which are produced due to the body’s immune response to certain foods.However, there are no tests that can diagnose a food intolerance.
Your healthcare provider might start with blood tests or even skin tests to rule out food allergies or environmental allergies as causes of your symptoms. If these come back normal, the next step is to use a food elimination diet to identify if you have a food intolerance.
Food Elimination Diet
With anelimination diet, you remove a food from your diet completely for two weeks. If you notice that your symptoms ease, slowly reintroduce the food. If you begin to notice the sensitivity symptoms again, go back to step one and eliminate the food for two weeks and test reintroducing it again to confirm whether there seems to be a connection.
Based on your symptoms, you might not be able to tell the difference between food intolerance and a food allergy.
You should work with your healthcare provider to do an elimination diet. It can cannot be difficult to tell the difference between food allergy symptoms and food intolerance symptoms, and if you’re suffering from an allergy, you need to be more cautious about re-introducing the trigger food.
You should not follow an elimination diet for a long period of time. It should be done under the direction of a registered dietician or other healthcare provider who can help you identify the specific food or additive causing symptoms and then prepare an individualized eating plan.
Throughout the period of testing a specific food, track what you eat as long as pay close attention to other factors such as weather (humidity may be related to an increased rate of GI infections), mood, exercise, and menstrual cycles, all of which can affect your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and impact symptoms.
Keeping afood diaryis key to successfully tracking your food intake and pinpointing problems
Summary
Food intolerances are not the same as food allergies although they can have similar symptoms.
A person with a food intolerance gets digestive symptoms like gas and bloating when they eat a particular food. People with an allergy have an immune response to allergens in specific foods, and they can develop serious symptoms like trouble breathing, rashes, and even anaphylaxis.
While food intolerances can be difficult to identify, they are rarely life-threatening. The best way to find out if you are intolerant to a food or an ingredient in a food product is to do an elimination diet under the guidance of your provider.
The Best At-Home Food Sensitivity Tests
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance defined.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food allergy symptoms & diagnosis.University of Chicago Medical Center.Food allergy or food intolerance? A Q&A for parents.Di costanzo M, Berni canani R.Lactose Intolerance: Common Misunderstandings.Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73 Suppl 4:30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669Pal S, Woodford K, Kukuljan S, Ho S.Milk Intolerance, Beta-Casein and Lactose.Nutrients. 2015;7(9):7285-7297. Published 2015 Aug 31. doi:10.3390/nu7095339Barbaro MR, Cremon C, Stanghellini V, Barbara G.Recent advances in understanding non-celiac gluten sensitivity.F1000Res. 2018;7. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.15849.1Rej A, Sanders DS.Gluten-free diet and its ‘cousins’ in irritable bowel syndrome.Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1727. doi:10.3390/nu10111727Samady W, Warren C, Wang J, Das R, Gupta RS.Egg Allergy in US Children.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(9):3066-3073.e6. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.058European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation.Egg intolerance.Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital.Caffeine.MedlinePlus.Caffeine.Diet vs. Disease.What are Salicylates?Kęszycka PK, Szkop M, Gajewska D.Overall Content of Salicylic Acid and Salicylates in Food Available on the European Market.J Agric Food Chem. 2017;65(50):11085-11091. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04313American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Peanut Allergy.Skypala IJ, Williams M, Reeves L, Meyer R, Venter C.Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: a review of the evidence.Clin Transl Allergy. 2015;5:34. Published 2015 Oct 13. doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0078-3Harvard Health Publishing.Try a FORMAPs diet to manage irritable bowel syndrome.University of Iowa.Uses of corn.Wilson JM, Platts-mills TAE.Meat allergy and allergens.Mol Immunol.2018;100:107-112. doi:10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.018Lindseth, Glenda N., et al.Neurobehavioral effects of aspartame consumption.Res Nurs Health 2014 Jun;37(3):185-93. doi: 10.1002/nur.21595.Cuomo B, Indirli GC, Bianchi A, et al.Specific IgE and skin prick tests to diagnose allergy to fresh and baked cow’s milk according to age: a systematic review.Ital J Pediatr.2017;43(1):93. doi:10.1186/s13052-017-0410-8Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.What is an Elimination Diet?Ghazani, M, et al.Temperature Variability and Gastrointestinal Infections: A Review of Impacts and Future Perspectives. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Apr; 15(4): 766. 2018 Apr 16. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040766Additional ReadingHeizer W, Southern S, & McGovern S.The Role of Diet in Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults: A Narrative Review.The Journal of the American Dietetic Association. July 2009;109(7):1204-14. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2009.04.012.Mullin GE, Swift KM.The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health. New York, NY: Rodale; 2011.Shepherd S, Gibson P.The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet. New York, NY: The Experiment; 2013.
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance defined.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food allergy symptoms & diagnosis.University of Chicago Medical Center.Food allergy or food intolerance? A Q&A for parents.Di costanzo M, Berni canani R.Lactose Intolerance: Common Misunderstandings.Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73 Suppl 4:30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669Pal S, Woodford K, Kukuljan S, Ho S.Milk Intolerance, Beta-Casein and Lactose.Nutrients. 2015;7(9):7285-7297. Published 2015 Aug 31. doi:10.3390/nu7095339Barbaro MR, Cremon C, Stanghellini V, Barbara G.Recent advances in understanding non-celiac gluten sensitivity.F1000Res. 2018;7. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.15849.1Rej A, Sanders DS.Gluten-free diet and its ‘cousins’ in irritable bowel syndrome.Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1727. doi:10.3390/nu10111727Samady W, Warren C, Wang J, Das R, Gupta RS.Egg Allergy in US Children.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(9):3066-3073.e6. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.058European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation.Egg intolerance.Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital.Caffeine.MedlinePlus.Caffeine.Diet vs. Disease.What are Salicylates?Kęszycka PK, Szkop M, Gajewska D.Overall Content of Salicylic Acid and Salicylates in Food Available on the European Market.J Agric Food Chem. 2017;65(50):11085-11091. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04313American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Peanut Allergy.Skypala IJ, Williams M, Reeves L, Meyer R, Venter C.Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: a review of the evidence.Clin Transl Allergy. 2015;5:34. Published 2015 Oct 13. doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0078-3Harvard Health Publishing.Try a FORMAPs diet to manage irritable bowel syndrome.University of Iowa.Uses of corn.Wilson JM, Platts-mills TAE.Meat allergy and allergens.Mol Immunol.2018;100:107-112. doi:10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.018Lindseth, Glenda N., et al.Neurobehavioral effects of aspartame consumption.Res Nurs Health 2014 Jun;37(3):185-93. doi: 10.1002/nur.21595.Cuomo B, Indirli GC, Bianchi A, et al.Specific IgE and skin prick tests to diagnose allergy to fresh and baked cow’s milk according to age: a systematic review.Ital J Pediatr.2017;43(1):93. doi:10.1186/s13052-017-0410-8Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.What is an Elimination Diet?Ghazani, M, et al.Temperature Variability and Gastrointestinal Infections: A Review of Impacts and Future Perspectives. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Apr; 15(4): 766. 2018 Apr 16. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040766Additional ReadingHeizer W, Southern S, & McGovern S.The Role of Diet in Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults: A Narrative Review.The Journal of the American Dietetic Association. July 2009;109(7):1204-14. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2009.04.012.Mullin GE, Swift KM.The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health. New York, NY: Rodale; 2011.Shepherd S, Gibson P.The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet. New York, NY: The Experiment; 2013.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance defined.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food allergy symptoms & diagnosis.University of Chicago Medical Center.Food allergy or food intolerance? A Q&A for parents.Di costanzo M, Berni canani R.Lactose Intolerance: Common Misunderstandings.Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73 Suppl 4:30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669Pal S, Woodford K, Kukuljan S, Ho S.Milk Intolerance, Beta-Casein and Lactose.Nutrients. 2015;7(9):7285-7297. Published 2015 Aug 31. doi:10.3390/nu7095339Barbaro MR, Cremon C, Stanghellini V, Barbara G.Recent advances in understanding non-celiac gluten sensitivity.F1000Res. 2018;7. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.15849.1Rej A, Sanders DS.Gluten-free diet and its ‘cousins’ in irritable bowel syndrome.Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1727. doi:10.3390/nu10111727Samady W, Warren C, Wang J, Das R, Gupta RS.Egg Allergy in US Children.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(9):3066-3073.e6. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.058European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation.Egg intolerance.Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital.Caffeine.MedlinePlus.Caffeine.Diet vs. Disease.What are Salicylates?Kęszycka PK, Szkop M, Gajewska D.Overall Content of Salicylic Acid and Salicylates in Food Available on the European Market.J Agric Food Chem. 2017;65(50):11085-11091. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04313American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Peanut Allergy.Skypala IJ, Williams M, Reeves L, Meyer R, Venter C.Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: a review of the evidence.Clin Transl Allergy. 2015;5:34. Published 2015 Oct 13. doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0078-3Harvard Health Publishing.Try a FORMAPs diet to manage irritable bowel syndrome.University of Iowa.Uses of corn.Wilson JM, Platts-mills TAE.Meat allergy and allergens.Mol Immunol.2018;100:107-112. doi:10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.018Lindseth, Glenda N., et al.Neurobehavioral effects of aspartame consumption.Res Nurs Health 2014 Jun;37(3):185-93. doi: 10.1002/nur.21595.Cuomo B, Indirli GC, Bianchi A, et al.Specific IgE and skin prick tests to diagnose allergy to fresh and baked cow’s milk according to age: a systematic review.Ital J Pediatr.2017;43(1):93. doi:10.1186/s13052-017-0410-8Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.What is an Elimination Diet?Ghazani, M, et al.Temperature Variability and Gastrointestinal Infections: A Review of Impacts and Future Perspectives. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Apr; 15(4): 766. 2018 Apr 16. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040766
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance defined.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food allergy symptoms & diagnosis.
University of Chicago Medical Center.Food allergy or food intolerance? A Q&A for parents.
Di costanzo M, Berni canani R.Lactose Intolerance: Common Misunderstandings.Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73 Suppl 4:30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669
Pal S, Woodford K, Kukuljan S, Ho S.Milk Intolerance, Beta-Casein and Lactose.Nutrients. 2015;7(9):7285-7297. Published 2015 Aug 31. doi:10.3390/nu7095339
Barbaro MR, Cremon C, Stanghellini V, Barbara G.Recent advances in understanding non-celiac gluten sensitivity.F1000Res. 2018;7. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.15849.1
Rej A, Sanders DS.Gluten-free diet and its ‘cousins’ in irritable bowel syndrome.Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1727. doi:10.3390/nu10111727
Samady W, Warren C, Wang J, Das R, Gupta RS.Egg Allergy in US Children.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(9):3066-3073.e6. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.058
European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation.Egg intolerance.
Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital.Caffeine.
MedlinePlus.Caffeine.
Diet vs. Disease.What are Salicylates?
Kęszycka PK, Szkop M, Gajewska D.Overall Content of Salicylic Acid and Salicylates in Food Available on the European Market.J Agric Food Chem. 2017;65(50):11085-11091. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04313
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Peanut Allergy.
Skypala IJ, Williams M, Reeves L, Meyer R, Venter C.Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: a review of the evidence.Clin Transl Allergy. 2015;5:34. Published 2015 Oct 13. doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0078-3
Harvard Health Publishing.Try a FORMAPs diet to manage irritable bowel syndrome.
University of Iowa.Uses of corn.
Wilson JM, Platts-mills TAE.Meat allergy and allergens.Mol Immunol.2018;100:107-112. doi:10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.018
Lindseth, Glenda N., et al.Neurobehavioral effects of aspartame consumption.Res Nurs Health 2014 Jun;37(3):185-93. doi: 10.1002/nur.21595.
Cuomo B, Indirli GC, Bianchi A, et al.Specific IgE and skin prick tests to diagnose allergy to fresh and baked cow’s milk according to age: a systematic review.Ital J Pediatr.2017;43(1):93. doi:10.1186/s13052-017-0410-8
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.What is an Elimination Diet?
Ghazani, M, et al.Temperature Variability and Gastrointestinal Infections: A Review of Impacts and Future Perspectives. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Apr; 15(4): 766. 2018 Apr 16. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040766
Heizer W, Southern S, & McGovern S.The Role of Diet in Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults: A Narrative Review.The Journal of the American Dietetic Association. July 2009;109(7):1204-14. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2009.04.012.Mullin GE, Swift KM.The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health. New York, NY: Rodale; 2011.Shepherd S, Gibson P.The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet. New York, NY: The Experiment; 2013.
Heizer W, Southern S, & McGovern S.The Role of Diet in Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults: A Narrative Review.The Journal of the American Dietetic Association. July 2009;109(7):1204-14. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2009.04.012.
Mullin GE, Swift KM.The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health. New York, NY: Rodale; 2011.
Shepherd S, Gibson P.The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet. New York, NY: The Experiment; 2013.
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