Do you have a food intolerance? Watch for these red flags

 Could you be suffering from a food intolerance? Believe it or not, sensitivity to certain ingredients is quite common. Experts now believe that more than 20 per cent of the population in developed countries suffers from some form of food intolerance. What’s more, not everyone is even aware of their condition. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the science-backed red flags you need to watch out for.

Itchy rash

Are you feeling an itch that you’ve just got to scratch? Rashes and itchiness are common symptoms for a variety of food intolerances. In general, people find that this symptom occurs just a few hours after eating the offending food. Thinking about the last thing you ate could help you identify the problem.

Tummy pain

There are few things worse than feeling that irritating pang of stomach pain. When you’re intolerant to a certain food group, you may find that your tummy starts to hurt after meals. This symptom is related to lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. It’s worth seeking medical advice about what to do next.

Bloating

Of course, when you’ve overeaten or had something that creates a lot of gas (such as beans!), it’s perfectly natural to feel a little bloated. However, if this happens on a regular basis, it could be symptomatic of an underlying problem. Frequent bloating of the stomach is common when you have an intolerance to a wide range of foods.

Gas and wind

While it may not be the politest topic of conversation, flatulence can be a sign of a more serious health problem. It is most commonly associated with lactose intolerance: people who have problems with dairy can experience high levels of wind or gas. The issue is also linked to other food intolerances.

Insomnia

Are you getting enough sleep at night? Failing to drop off now and then is normal, but if it keeps happening, you might want to look to your diet for answers. Insomnia has been linked to caffeine intolerance. If you are sensitive to caffeinated products, such as certain types of soda, tea, and coffee, even a small amount can interrupt your sleep.

Aches and cramps

Aches and cramps can be hard to ignore. If you find that you’re regularly dealing with these pains, it may be time to take action. Lactose intolerance often causes abdominal aches and cramps. Figuring out whether you are lactose‑intolerant could help you determine the source of your pain and move forward.

Constant tiredness

As the afternoon draws near, do your energy levels take a dive? Are you feeling more and more tired despite getting the rest you need? If the answer is a resounding yes, food intolerances could be to blame. Fatigue or extreme tiredness are among the symptoms of celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Seek medical help to pinpoint the problem.

Feeling sick

You don’t have to vomit to feel sick; nausea alone can be enough to make you uncomfortable and unhappy. Lactose intolerance often causes sufferers to feel sick after they have consumed dairy products. Of course, this symptom can also point to other food intolerances and health conditions

Muscular pain

At times, those aching muscles have less to do with the gym and more to do with what you eat! It may surprise you to learn that the side effects of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and gluten intolerance include painful muscles and joints. Should you experience these signs without any known cause, consider getting some professional advice.

Diarrhea

If you suffer from diarrhea, it could be a sign that your body is rejecting something. An isolated incident will likely be due to a one-time problem, such as food poisoning. However, if it happens regularly, it could be a symptom of an ongoing condition. Many forms of food intolerance cause diarrhea, so it’s worth getting checked.

Constipation

On the other hand, if you find that you constantly struggle with constipation, the cause could have more to do with your diet than you realize. Gluten-related illnesses, such as celiac disease, often cause people to suffer from constipation. Regardless of whether that is the underlying issue, being constipated is a sign that something is not quite right.

Tingly or itchy mouth

Have you ever experienced an itchy mouth right after eating something new? This side effect could be a sign that you’re allergic to something you ate. Allergy-related tingling or itchiness tends to start a few minutes or even seconds after the problem food is ingested. Allergies and intolerances are different problems. It’s important that you get immediate medical help.

Unexpected weight loss

If you’re exercising and eating a low-calorie diet, weight loss is to be expected. However, if you experience a sudden, unexpected drop in weight, you may want to consider the cause. Gluten intolerances can result in an unexpected shedding of pounds. There may be nothing wrong, but it wouldn’t hurt to consult a professional.

Depression

You might think that your mental health and physical health have nothing to do with one another, but that’s not always the case. Scientists have found a remarkable link between non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and bouts of depression or depressive thoughts. While there are all manner of potential reasons for this common mental condition, your diet is worth considering.

Anxiety

Anxiety or increasingly anxious thought patterns are another symptom of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). They are often coupled with mental fogginess or confusion. If you are struggling with anxiety, the sooner you get the help and support you need, the better.

Wheezing

Wheezing when you haven’t got a cough or cold can be a troubling symptom. Believe it or not, this respiratory problem could have something to do with your diet. Wheat intolerance is characterized by wheezing, among other warning signs. It can also cause your nasal passage and throat to swell up and become itchy.

Stomach rumbling

We’ve all experienced tummy rumbles when we’re hungry. While they are a little embarrassing, they’re nothing to worry about. However, if you find that your stomach makes noises all the time and particularly when you’re digesting food, that could be a sign of lactose intolerance. Keep an eye on the issue and get advice if it continues.

Jitters

Do you get a little jittery after you’ve had a cup of coffee? When you’ve got a problem with caffeine, these jitters can start to happen more and more frequently. Researchers have found that, in high doses, caffeine can cause a jittery sensation. If your tolerance to the drug is low, even small doses may produce this side effect.

Unexplained sweating

Unexplained sweating could be a sign that you have an issue consuming caffeine. This is one of the most recently discovered forms of food intolerance. Research suggests that some people are simply slower at metabolizing caffeine than others. It is recommended that you cut back on caffeine should you suffer from this problem.

Headaches

Struggling with headaches or, worse, migraines? If you tend to experience them right after eating certain foods, you might want to do a little investigating. This symptom is common in people who are sensitive to dietary glutamate, which is found in foods such as tomatoes, soy sauce, and mushrooms. Keeping a food diary could help you pinpoint your triggers.