Food Intolerances
Specialized medical information from Dr. de María Pallarés
Digestive System Specialist
What are Food Intolerances?
Food intolerances are adverse reactions of the organism to certain foods or food components, which occur due to the digestive system's inability to properly process certain substances. Unlike food allergies, they do not involve the immune system and usually manifest gradually.
Intolerances are more common than we think and can significantly affect quality of life if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Differences with Food Allergies
Intolerances
- • Do not involve the immune system
- • Gradual and dose-dependent symptoms
- • Mainly digestive
- • Not potentially life-threatening
Allergies
- • Immune system response
- • Immediate reaction
- • Systemic symptoms
- • Can be severe or fatal
Main Symptoms
Food intolerances can manifest with various symptoms, mainly digestive:
Abdominal pain
Gas and bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Fatigue
Nausea
Headache
Most Common Intolerances
Lactose Intolerance
Deficiency of the lactase enzyme that prevents digesting milk sugar. It's the most common in adults.
Fructose Intolerance
Difficulty absorbing fructose in the small intestine, present in fruits and some sweeteners.
Histamine Intolerance
Deficit of the DAO enzyme that degrades histamine present in fermented foods, fish and others.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Reaction to gluten without being celiac disease or wheat allergy.
Important: 200 Food Tests
200 food diagnostic tests unfortunately lack clinical utility and their use is discouraged by multiple international scientific societies.
No scientific validity: There is no evidence supporting their diagnostic effectiveness.
Can be harmful: They lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and nutritional deficits.
Unreliable results: They generate false positives that confuse the patient.
Proper Medical Diagnosis
The correct diagnosis of food intolerances requires a specialized medical approach:
Detailed Clinical History
Analysis of symptoms and dietary patterns.
Hydrogen Breath Tests
Validated tests for lactose and fructose.
Elimination Diets
Supervised by digestive system specialist.
Challenge Tests
Controlled reintroduction of foods.
Treatment and Management
Treatment of food intolerances is based on:
Dietary Modification
Elimination or reduction of problematic foods according to each patient's degree of intolerance.
Enzyme Supplementation
In cases like lactose intolerance, lactase supplements can be used.
Medical Follow-up
Periodic monitoring to ensure adequate nutrition and adjust treatment.
Do You Suspect You Have a Food Intolerance?
Don't self-diagnose. A digestive system specialist can help you correctly identify your problem and establish the appropriate treatment.
Book Your Online Appointment NowRelated Conditions
If you have persistent digestive symptoms, they could also be related to: