2. Food intolerances
Food intolerance is different from food allergy in that it is a delayed reaction to a food, rather than an immediate response such as itching, swelling or anaphylaxis. Food intolerances cause immune stress and inflammation, which can also irritate the intestinal tract causing bloating. The most common food intolerances are dairy products, eggs, certain fruits (banana, citrus fruits, pineapple in particular), sometimes oilseeds (almonds and peanuts are the most common), wheat, gluten, corn or others.
Food intolerances can be tested with a blood test to accurately identify them. Food intolerance would be suspected in someone with a history of allergies, eczema, asthma or a family history of autoimmune disease, but can also be associated with many other health problems, such as skin conditions, digestive disorders, and lack of energy. Bloating will improve within 4 to 6 weeks after eliminating all aggravating foods.
3. Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease (a more serious form of gluten intolerance) are clearly on the rise, mainly due to the big changes in wheat over the last 50 years, and also our high consumption of cereal products. Many people who have gluten sensitivity complain of bloating, with or without flatulence, constipation or diarrhea.
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There are gluten intolerance and celiac disease tests that don’t work in most cases, although many people test negative they feel better without gluten. Another marker of gluten intolerance is someone who has low vitamin B12 levels without being vegan or vegetarian.
If you suspect gluten may be a problem for you, a starting point is to do proper blood tests to confirm it, or to begin a 5-week strictly gluten-free trial. After 5 weeks strictly gluten-free, it is important to reintegrate it into your diet to clarify your reaction. There are so many good alternatives to gluten: rice, quinoa, millet, squash and sweet potato to name a few.
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