Living with a food intolerance

If you have a food allergy...the symptoms are sudden and even a small amount of the offending food can trigger a bad reaction. What's worse, it'll happen every time you eat it (and it can be life-threatening!).  

If you have a food intolerance...the reaction is gradual and may only be obvious when you eat a lot of the offending food or if you eat it often. It should never be underestimated how big an impact food intolerance has on the lives of sufferers. The good news? Having a food intolerance is not life-threatening and it can be effectively managed with a correct diagnosis.

To avoid unnecessary restriction of certain food groups, always ensure that you've been correctly diagnosed by a suitably qualified medical expert before eliminating a particular food from your diet. Also consult with a registered dietitian who can help you work out a balanced diet.

  • Lactose intolerance

    What is it? Lactose intolerance is caused by the lack of the enzyme lactase, which helps to digest the milk sugar lactose. 

    What are the symptoms? Diarrhoea, vomiting, gas and stomach pain. Depending on individual tolerance, small amounts of yoghurt and hard cheese (such as cheddar) are well tolerated as they contain less lactose than cow’s milk. Some lactose-intolerant individuals tolerate a small amount of goat’s milk as it is slightly easier to digest than cow’s milk.

    What to eat? Lactose-free milk, lactose-free yoghurt or cultured soya products, also in the dairy section, provide a good alternative (lactose-free products are not suitable for persons with an allergy to cow’s milk). Ensure you get adequate calcium from other sources such as dark green leafy vegetables, canned sardines or salmon (eaten with bones), sesame seeds, broccoli, almonds, soya beans or tofu.

  • Gluten intolerance

    What is it? Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, barley, spelt and oats. Individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or non-celiac gluten sensitivity are intolerant as, when in the bloodstream, it triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine.

    What are the symptoms? Abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia and weight loss.

    What to eat? We have an extensive gluten-free range with staples like seeded bread, brown bread, spaghetti, Fusilli and Penne pasta, as well as a selection of yummy treats such as chocolate brownies, cookies and muffins, fruit cake,  carrot cake slices and more.

     

  • Dietary fructose intolerance

    What is it? Fructose is a form of sugar found in almost everything we eat, occuring naturally in fruit, some vegetables, wheat and honey, and added as a sweetner to some foods and beverages. When fructose isn't properly absorbed into the bloodstream, it causes a host of symptoms similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome. 

    What are the symptoms? Bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhea and bad breath. 

    What to eat? Meat is safe and wheat-free grains and flours are better accepted (choose from the gluten-free range). For something sweet, these foods may be tolerated in small portions by some: try jam, marmalade or golden syrup. And fruits like ripe banana, kiwi, pineapple and paw paw.