“The most effective way of identifying an intolerance is through an elimination diet”
Allergy and intolerance: what’s the difference?
An allergy has an acute, almost immediate reaction, the worst of which is anaphylaxis. Food intolerance is less severe and more diffcult to diagnose. An intolerance usually occurs because the body is lacking an enzyme that’s needed to digest certain food. Symptoms include bloating, headaches and rashes. Skin-prick testing and blood tests are available but the most effective way of identifying one is through an elimination diet.
This trial-and-error approach involves monitoring symptoms when you eat. Once you identify the problem, you can remove it from your diet to see if symptoms are improved or not.
The main culprits
FRUCTOSE
This natural sugar is found in fruit, honey and some syrups. If you suspect a sensitivity to it, try to avoid sucrose (table sugar), fruit juices and sorbitol.
WHEAT
This common intolerance causes digestive upsets, such as bloating. You may need to eliminate flour-based products
