You can have a sensitivity to almost any food; however, there are a few food items that commonly cause individuals problems. Let’s take a look at the top seven foods that people have a sensitivity to.
Dairy – Dairy products contain a sugar called lactose. Lactase is an enzyme created by the body to break down dairy products. If your body does not create ample amounts of lactase, digestive disturbances, including abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea can occur. Avoiding dairy products is best; however, a digestive enzyme that contains lactase can help reduce symptoms.
Gluten – Gluten is a protein found in certain grains like wheat, rye, and barley. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes a number of digestive issues. The only way to manage a gluten sensitivity is to complete avoidance. If you have a gluten sensitivity and ingest gluten, you may experience abdominal discomfort, anemia, bloating, anxiety, depression, diarrhea, constipation, joint pain, headaches, skin rash, and fatigue. Gluten can be found in bread, cereals, pasta, baked goods, sauces, gravies, dressings, beer, and crackers, so it is vital that you read ingredients carefully.
Eggs – Individuals who have an egg food intolerance can experience symptoms such as abdominal bloating, cramping, flatulence, diarrhea, and nausea. Some individuals experience headaches and mental fog as well. Individuals can have a sensitivity to the egg yolk, the egg white, or the entire egg. If you are intolerant to eggs, it can be challenging to cook certain foods. Learning effective substitutions for eggs like applesauce, bananas, and plant-based eggs is vital.
Peanuts and Tree Nuts – When you have a nut intolerance, the body may activate an immune response when particular nuts are consumed. An intolerance to tree nuts or peanuts can cause stomach pain/cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, itchy skin, eczema, fatigue, and a runny nose.
Caffeine – Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in a variety of foods and beverages, including chocolate, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and sodas. Certain individuals cannot properly metabolize caffeine and even a small amount can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. Caffeine intolerance can cause anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, jitters, and nervousness.
Soy – Soybeans and soy products are rich in nutrients and offer a great source of fiber; however, many individuals have a soy intolerance. This legume can be used to create numerous foods, including tofu, soy milk, tempeh, ben paste, and soy sauce. It can also be used as a meat substitute or a dairy substitute labeled TVP (textured vegetable protein). Soy flour is also used in a variety of condiments and processed foods, so it is important to read labels if you have a soy sensitivity. Soy sensitivities cause bloating, gas, tiredness, diarrhea, and nausea.
Seafood – Do you avoid seafood because you got sick on it in the past? If so, you may have thought you ate bad seafood or undercooked seafood. If you have eaten seafood and experienced diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea, it may have been a seafood intolerance. Seafood intolerances can be divided into three possible categories – crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crab, etc.), mollusks (oysters, scallops, clams, etc.), and finish (salmon, snapper, tuna, etc.
