by Kyriakos Yiannoukas*
Food intolerance is when you have difficulty digesting certain foods or ingredients in food in contrast to allergies, which trigger an immediate immune response, food intolerance typically causes milder symptoms, which, however, can be particularly bothersome for those who experience them. Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are just a few of the symptoms that food intolerance can cause, and these vary depending on the type of intolerance each individual experiences.
There are many types of food intolerance (caffeine, fructose, histamine, food additives, etc.), with the most common ones being:
- lactose intolerance: People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk.
- gluten intolerance: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and some individuals have difficulty digesting it.
It is important to note that the manifestation of symptoms does not depend on the amount of food consumed by an individual. Even a small amount can trigger reactions and symptoms, which, however, do not manifest immediately. This is why, without the necessary laboratory tests, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause. Various scientific studies link food intolerance to certain chronic conditions, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and others. Particularly, celiac disease is one of the most common diseases in Europe with a genetic predisposition, caused by gluten intolerance. It leads to inflammation that, if not diagnosed for a long period, can cause serious, long-term health consequences, increasing the risk of developing severe diseases, such as colorectal cancer.
Proper and Effective Diagnosis
In recent years, a new tool has been added to the scientific arsenal for the easy, quick, and effective diagnosis of food intolerances. This is the FOX – Food Xplorer test starting with a simple blood sample. The test checks a panel of286 antigens from 13 food groups(milk and eggs, meat, fish and seafood, cereals, seeds, nuts, legumes, fruits, vegetables, spices, mushrooms, coffee and tea, etc.).
After evaluating the test results, the doctor provides the patient with the necessary instructions for managing the diet, therefore preventing conditions that may arise as a result of intolerance to specific foods. It is also recommended to undergo a follow-up blood test after starting the diet, to monitor the results following the "treatment."
*President of Yiannoukas Medical Laboratories of BIOIATRIKI Healthcare Group in Cyprus
