Food intolerance symptom checklist

The various forms of food intolerance include lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, food protein intolerance and gluten intolerance (Celiac Disease).

You may have one, several or (hopefully not) all of the following symptoms if you have a food intolerance:

• Constant fatigue, drowsy
• Brain "fog"
• Colic, and intestinal cramps
• Flatulence (gas)
• Diarrhea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.)
• Vomiting, nausea and dizziness
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Racing pulse (tachycardia)
• Eye inflammation
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Itching skin - hives, eczema
• Mouth ulcers
• Burning mouth sensation

This list is not exhaustive. Check with your naturopathic practitioner to determine whether you have other sensitivities.

A food intolerance is an adverse reaction to food that does NOT involve the immune system. Compared to a food allergy the symptoms usually take longer to appear, are less serious, and usually involve the digestive system

A food allergy is an adverse reaction to food that DOES involve the immune system. Symptoms can appear rapidly, and can be severe, including breathing difficulties - even life threatening as in an anaphylactic reaction resulting in anaphylaxis.

David Wilson
Naturopath