The internet does lovely things, to be sure. But it can also cause a lot of panic when used in the wrong context. One of the most common problems is using a search engine to diagnose health problems. Between online research and assumptions, it can lead to many misdiagnoses and misinformation. One common assumption is that living with food intolerances leads to a restricted diet. This, in turn, can lead to many unnecessary interruptions in your life. The solution is food intolerance testing, but let’s look at how it all comes together.
Are food intolerances dangerous?
This is the most important question to start with. You’ll be relieved to know that food intolerances are not directly dangerous. A food intolerance is as simple as your body’s digestive system can not digest a particular ingredient. It’s a specific form of indigestion.
Food intolerances can make you feel unwell, though. Eating indigestible food can lead to common symptoms such as bloat, passing gas, and nausea. While they are not dangerous, they are not a good thing, either.
Why do people think food intolerances are dangerous?
Intolerances can be confused with food allergies. A food allergy is when your immune system overreacts to a certain food ingredient. This triggers a body-wide allergic reaction. Food intolerances don’t involve the immune system, so they can’t trigger an allergic reaction.
Food intolerances can be mild to severe. You probably don't even know if you have a mild food intolerance. Those living with moderate or severe food intolerances will have symptoms so noticeable that they won’t be able to overlook them.
When food intolerances are severe, their symptoms can be uncomfortable and painful. Food intolerance symptoms can interfere with your comfort and enjoyment of food and, by extension, life.
What are the possible dangers associated with food intolerances?
As you have now learned, food intolerances themselves are not dangerous. That being said, they can have dangers associated with them. The biggest problem is that most people tend to self-diagnose their food intolerances. They do this after a negative experience with one type of food. Yet, studies show that most self-diagnosed food intolerances lead to unnecessary diet restrictions.
Misdiagnosing a food intolerance is easy since its symptoms can be challenging to pinpoint. It’s not uncommon to have symptoms appear hours after eating the problem food, which can last for days at a time. So, you may not even be intolerant to the food you assume triggered the reaction! These innocently misdiagnosed food intolerances can lead to unnecessary diet restrictions. Restrictions can lead to malnutrition because you avoid what you perceive to be "bad" food. Sometimes it can lead to a fear response since severe food intolerances can be very painful.
This all makes sense, of course. But what if you’re doing all that hard work of avoiding food you aren’t even intolerant to? It happens more than most people would think.
This is where the importance of food intolerance testing comes in. By taking one of these simple, at-home tests, you can get detailed information on your intolerance. There is no more guesswork; just results in clear diagnostic formats. This helps you get an accurate understanding of what’s going on in your body.
Are food intolerances common?
Food intolerances are very common. Data shows that 1 in 5 adults report a food intolerance. And if there are that many that report intolerances, imagine how many suffer and do not even know it!
Can I live with a food intolerance?
You can easily live with a food intolerance. Many people live comfortable, healthy lives with food intolerances. The most crucial facet is to get conclusive results from accurate food intolerance testing. When you know exactly what you’re working with, you’ll be able to have the valuable health information you need. This will help you to move into a healthy future.
Once you get your data, it’s a good idea to work with a nutrition expert that you trust. These professionals will be able to help you plan a food-based future that avoids triggers. You can keep a varied, healthy diet without exposing yourself to a food you are intolerant to.
It’s nice to know that sometimes the internet gets things wrong. If you thought that having a food intolerance meant a restricted diet, this article will redirect you. Enjoying a happy and healthy life, even with food intolerances, is possible. All you have to do is get the correct information.