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Food intolerance and food-related allergies are common problems, but they are different medical conditions and should not be confused. Food intolerance is a reaction of the digestive system when a portion of food eaten causes irritation to the system or is something that cannot be adequately digested. Lactose intolerance, the inability to digest the lactose found in milk and other dairy products, is the most common. Allergies, on the other hand, are immune system responses. They occur when the metabolism interprets an ingredient in food as harmful to the body and creates an antibody-based defense system to fight it. This results in the severe reaction that often accompanies allergies. The most common allergies are peanuts, fish, eggs, and milk.
There is no single cause of food intolerance. In some cases, it is caused by a person not being able to produce the enzymes that are required to digest the proteins that some foods contain correctly. This is what causes lactose intolerance.Chemicals that are added to some foods are another common cause of intolerance. The additives are often introduced into foods to improve the colour (visual appeal), taste, or protection against bacteria and fungal growth. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that often causes intolerance. Substances known as sulfites which both occur naturally (as in the case of red wine) or are added to foods to prevent the development of mould are another common cause.Salicylates, aset of plant chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, coffee, beer, wine, and nuts are yet another cause. Some medications like aspirin also contain salicylates.
There is no single symptom that can be used to indicate food intolerance. The signs can include:
While these are common symptoms, possible reactions to food intolerance are wide.