7 Common Food Intolerances: Why you suffer more with age

7 Common Food Intolerances: Why you suffer more with age

Age brings with it certain changes in your digestive functions.
These include:

Slowed digestive response

As digestion response slows it takes more time to break down the food in your stomach.
As a result, you can feel full for a much longer period of time after having eaten a large meal, which may cause you to feel bloated.

Lactase production decreases

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down sugar and lactose, found in milk.
As you age, the body slows down lactase is production, which can cause you to become lactose intolerant or to feel the effects of consuming too many dairy products, such as gas and intestinal cramping.
It is not a ‘condition’ but rather a normal process of aging.

Bacteria growth expands into the small intestine

Normal gut bacteria are essential for proper digestion and are mostly confined to the large intestine.
As you age, it is not uncommon for the bacteria to extend beyond the large intestine and into the small intestine and it can make you feel as if you have food intolerances.

Contractions are slower in the large intestine

Resulting in a greater likelihood of constipation as you age.

Sources
everydayhealth.com – aging and your digestive health
webmd.com – can you become lactose intolerant with age
webmed.com – small intestine bacterial overgrowth

7 Common Food Intolerances: But what is a food intolerance?

A food intolerance means that the body cannot properly digest the food that is eaten, or that a particular food might irritate the digestive system.
Unlike some allergies, food intolerances aren’t life-threatening but can be very problematic for those affected.
The primary type of food intolerance you may develop as you age is an enzymatic intolerance to certain foods.
This type of food intolerance occurs when the body no longer produces the correct amount of enzymes needed to properly digest the food.
The symptoms of food intolerances may occur several hours after ingesting food or take up to 48 hours to appear and may persist for several hours or several days.

Symptoms of food intolerance include:

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Rashes
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Runny nose
• Reflux
• Flushing of the skin

Treatment of food intolerances

Elimination diets

These diets are commonly used to diagnose food intolerances by removing foods that are
most commonly associated with intolerances for a period of time until symptoms subside.
Foods are then slowly reintroduced while monitoring symptoms.

Typical food intolerances

There are many foods and ingredients to which people may be intolerant.
The food intolerances listed below are the most common types.

1. Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of lactase enzymes, which causes an inability to digest lactose resulting in digestive problems.
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products, which is broken down in the body by an enzyme called lactase.
Lactase is necessary in order for lactose to be properly digested and absorbed.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea

Avoid dairy products that contain lactose

• Milk
• Yoghurt
• Cheese
• Ice cream

Foods that contain smaller amounts of lactose include:

• Bread and baked goods
• Milk chocolate and some candies
• Salad dressings and sauces
• Breakfast cereals and cereal bars
• Soups, rice and noodle mixes
• Lunch meats (other than kosher)

2. Gluten intolerance

Gluten is the general name given to proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale and makes up about 80% of the amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, found in these grains.

Foods containing gluten include:

• Bread
• Pasta
• Cereals
• Beer
• Baked goods
• Crackers
• Sauces, dressing and gravies, especially soy sauce

Today, gluten is unfortunately used to make many highly processed chemical additives that are found in packaged foods, making it difficult for those suffering from gluten intolerance. 
One way to avoid gluten is to adopt a gluten-free diet.

 

Different types of gluten abnormalities include:

Celiac disease
This is an autoimmune disease, caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten in particular.
The immune system attacks the small intestine causing serious harm to the digestive system.
Wheat Allergies
Wheat allergies and celiac disease are often confused due to their similar symptoms.
Wheat allergies generate allergy-producing antibodies to proteins in wheat.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
This is a milder form of gluten intolerance similar to that of celiac disease.

Symptoms of gluten sensitivity include:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Joint pain and muscle pain
• Skin rash
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Brain Fog
• Leg or Arm Numbness

3. Salicylates intolerance

The immune system reacts to a food or other substance, causing an allergy or adverse reaction, however, it is not clear exactly what causes a salicylate allergy.
It is a natural chemical found in plants that is used to protect themselves against disease, bacteria, fungi, and insects.
It is also found in foods and drinks, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, alcohol, coffee, and tea.
Synthetic salicylates can be found in pain-relieving medications such as aspirin.
salicylates have anti-inflammatory properties and can even protect against certain diseases like colorectal cancer.

Symptoms of salicylate intolerance include:

• Headaches
• Stuffy nose
• Sinus infections
• Nasal and sinus polyps
• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Gut inflammation (colitis)
• Hives
• Eczema
• Swelling of hands, feet and face

Some of the foods high in salicylates include:

• Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, mushrooms, radishes, spinach, and zucchini, eggplant and peppers
• Fruits such as apples, avocados, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, and prunes
• Some cheeses
• Wine, beer, rum, apple cider, orange juice, coffee, regular and herbal tea.
• Pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios, and almonds
• Some herbs, spices, and condiments

What should you avoid?

Some cosmetics as well as medications that contain salicylates.
Read the labels if you suspect you have a salicylates intolerance.

 

4. Histamine intolerance

Histamine intolerance is thought to be the result of an imbalance between accumulated histamine and the capacity for histamine degradation.
Histamine plays a role in the immune, digestive and nervous systems.
It helps to protect the body from infection by creating an immediate inflammatory response to allergens.
Sneezing, itching and watery eyes are triggers to potentially excrete harmful invaders.
Some people have trouble metabolizing and excreting histamine causing it to build up in the body.

Symptoms of histamine intolerance include:

• Flushing of the skin
• Headaches
• Hives
• Itching
• Anxiety
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure

Some of the foods high in histamine include:

• Fermented foods
• Cured meats
• Dried fruits
• Citrus fruits
• Avocados
• Aged cheeses
• Vinegar
• Beer and wine and other fermented beverages

5. FODMAP intolerance

FODMAP is short for; fermentable oligo-saccharides, di-saccharides, mono-saccharides, and polyols.
FODMAP intolerance occurs when you have difficulty digesting high FODMAP foods, which can trigger uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms.
FODMAP intolerance can be related to other gastrointestinal conditions like IBS, and Crohn’s disease.
FODMAPs are carbohydrates found in certain foods, including wheat and beans.
FODMAPs are not well absorbed in the small intestine and travel to the large intestine, where they are used as fuel for the gut bacteria there.
FODMAP intolerances are very common in people with IBS.

Symptoms of a FODMAP intolerance include:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation

Some of the foods high in FODMAPs include:

• Foods containing wheat, barley, or rye
• Apples
• Artichokes
• Artificial sweeteners like in chewing gum
• Beans
• Cashews
• Cauliflower
• Dried fruits
• Garlic and onions
• Honey
• Ice Cream
• Mushrooms
• Watermelon

6. Sulfite sensitivity

Sulfites are chemicals that are added as preservatives to slow the discoloration in foods and beverages during preparation, storage, and distribution.
Sulfites have been used in the process of winemaking for centuries.
Sulfites can also be found in a variety of medications.

Symptoms of a sulfite intolerance include:

• Hives
• Swelling of the skin
• Stuffy nose
• Hypotension
• Flushing
• Diarrhea
• Wheezing
• Coughing

Sulfite sensitivity is most common in those suffering from asthma, although those without asthma can also be intolerant to sulfites.

Some of the foods that may contain sulfites:

• Parmesan cheese
• Mushrooms
• Fermented food
• Baked goods
• Jams
• Canned and pickled foods
• Gravies
• Dried fruit
• Potato chips
• Beer and wine
• Vegetable juices
• Apple cider
• Tea
• Many condiments

7. Fructose malabsorption

This is a digestive disorder and occurs when cells on the surface of the intestines are not able to break down fructose efficiently and the absorption of fructose is therefore impaired.
Instead, the fructose travels to the large intestine, where it is fermented by gut bacteria, causing digestive distress, resulting in an increased concentration of fructose in the entire intestine.
Fructose is a simple sugar, known as a monosaccharide, found naturally in fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables, and honey.
Fructose is also a basic component in table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, used to sweeten many processed foods and beverages.

Symptoms of fructose malabsorption include:

• Reflux
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Bloating

High-fructose foods include:

• Soda
• Honey
• Apples, apple juice and apple cider
• Foods containing high-fructose corn syrup
• Certain fruits like watermelon, cherries and pears
• Certain vegetables like sugar snap peas

Sources
medicalnewstoday.com – food intolerances causes types symptoms
verywellhealth.com – common food sensitivities
allergyuk.org – types of food intolerance
medicinenet.com – most common types of food intolerances

All You Nee to Know About Candidiasis

Candidiasis of the skin is a yeast infection that develops when the fungus candida that lives in the skin becomes infected.
A small amount of Candida fungi lives naturally on the skin and inside the body, such as the gut, mouth, throat, and vagina without causing any harm.
If this type of fungus begins to multiply uncontrollably, it can cause an infection.
Candida thrives best in warm, moist, and sweaty conditions.
Women are more affected by genital yeast infections than men.
Yeast can also enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spleen, bones, muscles, joints, or eyes and can develop into a more serious candida.

Causes of candida

The leading cause is the overuse of antibiotics because antibiotics kill the harmful as well as the good bacteria, especially the good bacteria that fights off yeast.
Yeast that is not killed off by antibiotics can easily move into the vacated spots once occupied by bacteria and start to grow and multiply.

Other causes of candida

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Oral contraceptives
• Diabetes
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Infertility treatments
• Steroids and some cancer medications

Common types of candida infections

Athlete’s foot
This usually starts between the toes and commonly occurs in people whose feet become sweaty while confined within tightfitting shoes.
Symptoms of Athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging, and burning.

Oral thrush  
Occurs most often when a yeast infection develops inside the mouth.
Mouth and throat thrush is called oropharyngeal candidiasis.
A thrush infection in healthy people will usually clear up in a few weeks with the help of an antifungal treatment.

Symptoms of Thrush include:

• Cracking at the edges of the mouth
• Soreness in the mouth and throat
• Pain when swallowing
• White or yellow patches on the tongue the roof of the mouth and inner cheek

Vaginal yeast infection
This can cause inflammation and intense itchiness and produce a thick, white discharge.
It can also cause pain during sexual intercourse and pain or discomfort when urinating.

Candidiasis of the skin
Candida loves to thrive in warm, moist environments and therefore candidiasis can easily develop in the folds of the skin.
Candida skin infections can occur on almost any area of the body, but they are more commonly found where two skin areas touch or rub together.
Symptoms can include inflamed, itchy skin that may crack or peel and potential hair loss if infection occurs on the scalp.

Candidiasis of the nails
Occurs around the nail beds and can cause pain, redness, and swelling around the nail.
Nails may also discolor, crack and separate from the nail bed.

The candida-hormone connection

Approximately 3 in 4 women suffer from at least one yeast infection during their lifetime.
Candida can also contribute to hormonal problems, this is because a candida waste product produces a false estrogen, which tricks the body into thinking it has produced adequate levels, signaling a reduction of its own estrogen.
Elevated estrogen levels can also increase the risk of vaginal candidiasis.

Adrenal fatigue and candida

Those women who suffer from chronic yeast infections are more vulnerable to adrenal fatigue because their immune systems are severely compromised, which leads to physical stress on the body.
After some time, the adrenal glands stop producing cortisol, which in turn causes more damage to the immune system.

Many will take antibiotics or medications to fight what they think is chronic fatigue, IBS, or something else.
This will pressure the adrenal glands without even knowing it.
The lack of cortisol causes adrenal fatigue, which in turn depresses the immune system.
The weaker the immune system, the more likely it is for Candida to grow and thrive within the body.

Other symptoms of candida include:

• Skin and nail fungal infections
• Suffering from chronic fatigue or feeling tired
• Fibromyalgia
• Poor memory, brain fog, difficulty concentrating
• Eczema, psoriasis, hives or rashes
• Bloating, constipation or diarrhea
• Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Vaginal infections, UTIs, vaginal itching
• Strong sugar and refined carbohydrates cravings

 

Tips on preventing candida

Here’s what you can do to reduce the risk of developing candida infections:

• Wear breathable underwear
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing
• Don’t douche
• Dry off properly after showering and perspiring
• If overweight pay attention to drying properly between skin folds
• Avoid taking extra hot baths
• Change out of wet clothes
• Change socks and underwear regularly
• Wear open toe shoes when it’s hot
• On the loo, always wipe from front to back

Lifestyle changes to help prevent candida

Stop consuming so much sugar
Sugar feeds the yeast in your body.
Eliminate processed sugar, fruit juices, and any product that has added sugar.

Eliminate grain from your diet
Grains turn into sugar and can cause more inflammation, especially wheat products and gluten-containing grains.
Substitute with more vegetables.

Support your spleen
The number one cause of candida is a weakened spleen.
The spleen is responsible for the digestion of the body and producing red blood cells in your system.
Include starchy foods in your diet.
Drink barley tea as this herb can help to support the spleen.

Support your liver
The liver is responsible for detoxification.
Eat more sour foods including probiotic-rich foods such as kefir, fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Apple cider vinegar is also great in supporting the liver.

Support your intestines
Eat foods that are bitter in nature, such as kale, arugula, romaine lettuce, and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.

Take a probiotic supplement
One of the key factors in overcoming candida is eliminating and starving off the sugar.
Make sure you are getting some good-quality probiotics in your diet while you’re doing a candida cleanse.

Sources
webmd.com – what is candidiasis
medicalnewstoday.com – yeast infections causes symptoms
cdc.gov – vaginal candidiasis
mayoclinic.org – yeast infection symptoms and causes
candidapatient.com – adrenal fatigue
webmd.com – how to prevent candida