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Food & Chemical Intolerances *

Food intolerances can occur at any age and arise as a result of ingestion of an ingredient that a person is sensitive to. Symptoms usually include abdominal bloating, diarrhoea, headaches, weakness and fatigue.

1. Gluten / Wheat
2. Dairy
3. Sugar
4. Amines (inc. MSG)
5. Salicylates

  1. Gluten is present in wheat, rye, oats and barley. Gluten, when consumed in the presence of abnormal gut bacteria in the small intestine, may contribute to damage to the intestinal lining, potentially resulting in compromised nutrient absorption. Strict life-long avoidance of gluten is required by people who have Coeliac disease.

  2. Lactose intolerance is the most common of food sensitivities. When people are deficient in the enzyme LACTASE, they are unable to digest lactose-containing foods, such as milk. Dairy products are a good source of calcium and protein. Therefore, these nutrients need to be supplemented by other foods in the diet.

  3. A high refined carbohydrate diet (e.g. white bread, refined cane sugar) can lead to symptoms of intolerance. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the amount of total sugar consumed. Other sugar intolerances arise as a result of lacking specific enzymes required to metabolise the specific sugar, for example, fructose.

  4. Low levels of salicylates and amines from different foods can build up to cause an adverse reaction. Foods that have high amine content include chocolate, cheese, wine and fish products.

  5. Foods that have a high salicylate content include dried fruits, tomato products, vegemite and almonds.


DIETARY SUGGESTIONS

  1. Because people with Coeliac disease are often deficient in zinc, fibre, iron, thiamine, folate and vitamin B12, it is necessary to include rice, legumes, lean meats, green leafy vegetables and eggs as part of a regular diet.

  2. The lactose in cheese, yoghurt and buttermilk has already been broken down and may be better tolerated for those with lactose intolerance.

  3. Consume lactose reduced milk, calcium fortified soy or rice drinks. Brands include Dairy Farmers, So Natural and Australia’s Own.

  4. Consume wholegrain carbohydrates, such as multi-grain breads and cereals, instead of refined products.

  5. The natural chemical content of fruits change as they ripen: salicylate levels decrease as the food ripens, whereas amines increase with ripening.

  6. It is important to read food labels carefully and to know the codes for food additives.

  7. Watch out for food additive 621 (MSG) if you are sensitive.

  8. Avoid food products containing artificial colours & food additives such as benzaldehyde, eucalyptol, and BHT-BHA.

  9. Reduced the intake of refined carbohydrates such as white flour, bread and sugar.

  10. See a qualified wholistic health professional trained in nutritional and environmental (integrative) medicine who can comprehensively evaluate your symptoms and who can develop an individualised, strategic intervention plan.

Editor's note:

  1. Digestive Enzymes: A full spectrum digestive enzyme supplement might be helpful in solving the food intolerance.

  2. Observe periodical detox and fast is proven to be very effective.

* The above information is provided by the Freedom Foods Company.