Food Intolerances
Food intolerances are much more common than allergies, affecting about 10 percent of all Americans, and are the sign of a problem in the digestive system. You're intolerant if a certain food irritates your stomach or intestines or if your body can't digest it properly. The most common type is lactose intolerance, which occurs in people who lack the enzyme lactase. Other intolerances occur in people who are sensitive to a certain chemical: Food dyes, monosodium glutamate (or MSG, which is a flavor enhancer often used by Chinese restaurants), and sulfites (which occur naturally but are also added to foods to inhibit mold) are common culprits.
Food allergies can be triggered by a tiny amount of food — even residuals left over in a manufacturing facility — and occur every time you eat it, so experts advise people with food allergies to swear off that food completely. But food intolerances are often dose related, meaning you won't experience any symptoms unless you eat a lot of the food.
Food intolerance can produce nausea, diarrhea, cramping, gas and bloating, headaches, and irritability or nervousness. Here are some herbal remedies:
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) |
Ginger is a proven stomach settler that also appears to have an antihistamine-like effect against food allergies. |
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) |
Peppermint is a classic stomach soother that appears to “deactivate” the inflammatory response in laboratory tests. Research shows it can relieve dyspepsia, bloating, and cramping. |
• Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) |
Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is a South African remedy for nausea and vomiting that also quells the allergic response. |
