ételintoleranciától

Ételintolerancia, sometimes referred to as food sensitivity, is a complex adverse reaction to a food or food additive that does not involve the immune system. This distinguishes it from a food allergy, which is an immune-mediated response. Unlike allergies, which can be life-threatening, intolerances are generally not dangerous but can cause significant discomfort and impact quality of life.

The mechanisms behind food intolerance are varied and not always fully understood. They can include enzymatic deficiencies, such as lactose intolerance where the body lacks sufficient lactase enzyme to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. Pharmacological reactions can also occur, where certain food components, like histamine in aged cheeses or caffeine in coffee, trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals. Other intolerances may stem from digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where specific foods can exacerbate symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Food additives, like sulfites or artificial sweeteners, are also common culprits for intolerance reactions.

Symptoms of food intolerance are typically gastrointestinal in nature and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. However, non-digestive symptoms like headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, and mood changes can also be associated. The onset of symptoms can be delayed, appearing hours or even days after consuming the offending food, making diagnosis challenging.

Diagnosis often involves a process of elimination, where suspected foods are removed from the diet and then reintroduced to observe symptom recurrence. There is no single diagnostic test for most food intolerances. Management primarily focuses on identifying and avoiding trigger foods, though in some cases, enzyme supplements or dietary modifications can help manage symptoms.