Food intolerances

O que é a Intolerância Alimentar?

Food intolerance, unlike food allergy, does not involve an immune response. Food intolerance can only occur due to the lack of an enzyme necessary for the digestion of a component/part of a food. Most of the reactions are dose-dependent and develop gradually and with little reactivity.

The individual’s detailed clinical history is the best tool for obtaining a diagnosis, although there are some complementary tests, such as:

Breath test
- the levels of hydrogen and/or methane, which result from the fermentation of microorganisms when there is malabsorption, are measured;
- this test is scientifically valid.
Specific IgG or IgG4:
- is done through blood collection;
- In this case, these immunoglobulins are measured;
- this test, as well as being expensive, could lead to false positives.
Electrodermal tests:
- consists of measuring the changes in electromagnetic frequency when the body reacts to a given stimulus;
- are not recognized by many health organizations worldwide.

Sintomas

Hypersensitivity caused by the lack of enzymes needed to digest certain foods can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, gas, nausea or diarrhea.

The symptoms are therefore quite general and unspecific, including the following:

Abdominal distension;
Flatulence;
Heartburn;
Fatigue;
General malaise;
Headaches;
Acne;
Rosacea;
Constipation/diarrhea;
Joint pain.

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Causas da intolerância

Food intolerance is related to the deficiency or absence of enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food. C are usually linked to elements present in food, such as lactose, which is one of the the most common intolerances. In this case, it occurs due to the absence or minimal production of lactase (enzyme) which breaks down this sugar present in dairy products.

Although all foods can cause an adverse reaction, some foods are more likely to do so:

Gluten: a protein found in some cereals such as wheat, spelt, rye and barley;
Fructose: sugar present in fruit or syrups;
Sulphites: present in wine, but also used as an additive in many foods (identified on the nutrition label as E-220 – E228, except for E225);
FOS: a group of carbohydrates that we find difficult to absorb and are highly fermentable.

Functional Nutrition in the Treatment of Food Intolerance

Functional Nutrition plays a direct role in identifying both the food that causes the intolerance and all the discomfort associated with it. It is necessary to tailor the diet to the person’s needs, so that there is no malnutrition or even unnecessary food restriction.

In this way, the symptoms are alleviated, improving the person’s quality of life.

In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, nutrition counseling allows you to:

Reduce worries about the problem;
Tasty and healthy recipes: from quick and easy to more elaborate dishes;
Plan meals to get all the nutrients;
Cookbook recommendations;
Practical advice to equip you for real life (example: how to eat socially, eating out);
Confidence in separating fact from fiction;
Variety: learn about dozens of new and interesting foods;
Ongoing support you can rely on.

Perguntas Frequentes

Em que consiste uma primeira consulta?

The aim of the first consultation is to understand your current state of health in as much detail as possible:

analysis of family history, diet, physical activity, mental health and weight;
analysis of signs and symptoms and history of laboratory tests;
anthropometry: weight, measurements and fat percentage;
setting targets (action plan);
in some cases, additional tests will be requested between the first and second appointments;
prescribing supplementation when necessary.

The first appointment lasts about an hour.

A consulta para o tratamento das intolerâncias alimentares é adaptado às minhas necessidades?

All our treatments are deeply focused on individualized care, and this one is no exception. Treatment for food intolerances, as indicated in the previous question, is prescribed according to the patient’s current health condition.

No two prescriptions are the same, each person is unique and their current state of health is the sum total of their experiences.

Como funciona o acompanhamento?

At the start of treatment, face-to-face appointments are generally every 4 weeks. It is not advisable to go much longer than this.

Support is offered for any questions that may arise after consultations via Whatsapp or email. We like to follow our patients closely, especially at the beginning of their treatment. That way, the results are better.