Food Intolerances and Allergies

Food Intolerance occurs when your body is not able to digest a particular food item whereas an allergic reaction happens to a certain kind of protein present in the food item. Food intolerances are not life-threatening but can cause problems in everyday consumption. There are majorly 3 types of intolerances namely, Lactose Intolerance, Gluten Intolerance, and Casein Intolerance. Food intolerances can be triggered by a lack of an enzyme or due to additives that the body is sensitive to. 

Most of us have heard about lactose intolerance which is caused due to the inability of the small intestine to produce lactose in appropriate amounts due to which the individual can not digest dairy products. This intolerance can develop over time or can be congenital or since birth. Individuals can go for alternative non-dairy products like soy milk, and almond milk, making cheese or butter at 

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The lesser-known facts

The other 2 types of intolerances to certain food items are lesser known. Facts state that around 20% of people have food intolerances which they are not aware of. Let us delve into these two: Gluten and Casein intolerance. 

Gluten can be found in wheat, barley, and other grains. Aversion to gluten can manifest in a lot of ways like feeling bloated, nauseous, anxious, or pain in the abdomen, etc. Food items like chapati, pasta, and even cosmetics contain gluten and can trigger these symptoms. Again, this can not be cured but alternatives can be adopted to prevent the unease. Individuals can choose to consume a diet which is gluten-free, low-fat, and high-fiber. 

Casein is a protein found in milk. Our body can erroneously identify it as a danger and try to fight it off and it can look like breathing problems, rashes, vomiting, severe pain, etc. This can develop into an allergic reaction, especially in infants and children. Infants who consume breast milk are found to be protected from this allergic reaction. All these intolerances can be diagnosed by a medical professional. 

Allergies are caused by an effect on the immune system and thus differ from intolerances. Allergies can be inherited, for example, Asthma,  and are on the rise these days. Most allergies start in infancy, particularly those to cow's milk. Our body can react to an allergy-causing item and can be life-threatening. Some of the most common triggers for an allergic reaction are peanuts, chocolate, milk, smoke, dust, etc. 

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Food allergies and intolerances are on the rise, partially due to health issues and partially due to unhealthy lifestyle practices and dietary practices. Although the reason behind allergies and intolerances is still under study, it can probably occur because of living conditions and the kind of food we consume from early on in our lives. 

We are an information-gathering blog. For all medical interventions, please consult a registered medical practitioner.