Taking on Food Intolerance
With Keri Glassman
Do you hear people throw around the term “ allergy ” like we used to throw around the word “ carb ?” Many people think they have allergies but really they have something very different .
They have an intolerance . There is a BIG difference . An allergy is an immune response and affects about 15 million Americans . An intolerance involves the digestion system .
Chances are , someone you know has a food intolerance , and that person just might be you ! Millions of Americans experience difficulties with
digestion that are tied to specific compounds like gluten , lactose , casein and phenols .
Gas , bloating , constipation ... these and other symptoms are often the result of incomplete digestion of our food . Our body uses enzymes , proteins that help break down foods , during digestion and this helps us absorb nutrients . Many individuals simply don ’ t have enough of certain enzymes to break down their meal properly . When food doesn ’ t get broken down sufficiently , it begins to ferment ( think being eaten by bacteria in the gut ). This may cause gas , bloating or cramping . We ’ ve all been there , right ?
Enzymes are your digestive tract ’ s best friends by breaking food down into liquid form so we can absorb and use the nutrients found in those foods . Different types of enzymes exist to break down different nutrients . For example , proteases break down proteins , lipases break down fat , and lactase breaks down lactose . Our digestive process begins with our saliva , which is rich with amylase that break down starch and carbohydrates . In the stomach , the enzyme pepsin begins to break down proteins into smaller chains of amino acids . Food is then released into the small intestine , where the pancreas releases enzymes such as lipase , amylase and trypsin , which breaks food down further . Food intolerances can come from deficiencies in the enzymes needed to break down certain nutrients in particular foods .
“ enzymes are your digestive tract ’ s best friends ”
While there are many foods that can lead to food intolerance , here are the most common .
Gluten : Gluten is a name for a protein found in wheat and gives elasticity to dough , helping it rise and keep its shape and gives the final product a chewy texture . Gluten is found in wheat , rye and barley . Digestive enzymes like DPP-IV can break down gluten to make it easier to digest . However , it is important to note that these products are not intended for individuals with celiac disease .
Dairy : Many individuals who are intolerant to dairy believe that lactose is to blame . Lactose is the form of sugar found in dairy and can be a problem for many . However , many other people also have digestive challenges associated with casein , a protein found in dairy .
Phenols : Phenols are compounds found in nearly all foods . Some foods contain a greater concentration of phenols , like nuts , berries , wine and chocolate . They can also be
processed foods in preservatives , artificial flavors and artificial colors . In our diet , polyphenols function as antioxidants to scavenge free radicals and protect us from inflammation , cancer , cardiovascular diseases , diabetes , osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases . Some individuals are sensitive to these compounds and must follow a diet low in phenols by eating raw , unprocessed foods and removing the skin and seeds from fruits and vegetables . In children with phenol sensitivity , symptoms include hyperactivity , headaches and insomnia . In adults , symptoms include chronic fatigue syndrome , constipation , and diarrhea . Some people find that using enzymes may help with symptoms .
Beans and Veggies : While raw , vegetarian and vegan diets can be incredibly beneficial , fiber can often be difficult to digest . A wide variety of enzymes are often used to break down complex carbohydrates like fiber . There are two types of dietary fiber - soluble and insoluble . Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel , which helps bulk up stool and move things along . Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water , is not digested , and acts like a broom to help move food out of the body . Cellulose , a common type of insoluble
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