Undigested lactose lingers in the intestine and ferments , causing abdominal pain , bloating , diarrhea , and flatulence .
Gluten Intolerance : Gluten is a protein in cereals such as wheat , barley , and rye . A person with gluten intolerance or sensitivity may experience pain and bloating after eating foods that contain gluten . Gluten intolerance leads to discomfort , but it is unlikely to cause severe symptoms that require emergency care .
The Tests Commonly Used to Determine Food Allergies
Many times , the diagnosis of food allergy can be made by dietary history . For example , if a person has hives or swelling of the face after eating something with peanuts , they are likely allergic to peanuts . But because symptoms can be so varied , the diagnosis is sometimes harder to make . A detailed documentation of food intake , symptoms and information about food allergies in the family can be helpful . But you may need to do testing to be sure of the offending foods . There are three commonly used tests :
Skin Tests : The allergy skin-prick test is the most common screening test because it is inexpensive , easy to do , and generally reliable . It involves pricking the skin with a solution of the suspected food . A positive test will produce a small hivelike reaction . The downside of this test is that it is uncomfortable and for people with eczema or other skin conditions , the results may be difficult to interpret .
In people with severe allergies , even the small amount of the food injected into the skin can cause significant reactions .
RAST Blood Tests : Radioallergosorbent ( RAST ) laboratory tests measure the number of food-specific antibodies in the blood . The antibodies are made by the body in response to allergens . Once you have developed these antibodies , they are constantly circulating in your blood . Therefore , this blood test can be done at any time . The greater the number of antibodies , the higher the probability the person has an allergy to that particular food . RAST tests have the advantage of being less uncomfortable and can be done without stopping antihistamines .
Elimination Diet : Another way to diagnose food allergies is through elimination diet . An elimination diet is a meal plan that avoids or removes certain foods or ingredients to find out the foods that cause allergic reactions . The most common reason for an elimination diet is because you think certain foods may be the reason for your allergy symptoms . There are two parts to an elimination diet :
• Elimination phase : The first step is to stop eating the suspicious foods . You ’ ll need to read food labels carefully and ask how foods are prepared . Keep a food diary and write down everything you eat , and note how you feel after you eat them .
• Reintroduction ( challenge ) phase : After eliminating possible food allergy triggers , you should slowly add back suspicious foods , one at a time under medical supervision . This process helps you know exactly which foods cause allergic reactions . It ’ s helpful to keep a food diary of everything consumed and the amounts . This approach is appropriate if the reaction is mild and doesn ’ t cause any trouble with breathing .
Management of Allergies
Nutrition intervention in the management of food allergy aims to prevent acute and chronic food allergic reactions through allergen elimination while ensuring optimal nutrition within the context of the allergen-restricted diet . This requires careful planning and it ’ s easier when you do your own grocery shopping and prepare your own foods .
Check food packages , carefully reading the ingredients to ensure that they don ’ t contain anything that trigger allergic reactions . It ’ s also advisable to find out if the foods you are allergic to are known by any other names in the market .
Since you will be avoiding certain foods , it means that you will lack the nutrients that they provide . Always consult a nutritionist to get alternative sources of these nutrients that will be safe for you .
Kepha Nyanumba is a working as a Consultant Nutritionist at Crystal Health Consultants Limited . You can engage him on this or related matters via mail : KNyanumba @ chc . co . ke , or follow him on twitter at : knyanumba .