Whilst there is no cure or treatment for food intolerance, treating symptoms related to food intolerance is possible.
Learn more about these strategies as well as how to manage food intolerance symptoms at home.
After a period of time, these foods are then reintroduced and any symptoms experienced are recorded.
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The elimination diet is considered a safe approach to identifying food intolerances.
This includes when eating at home, when eating out, or while at work.
If an eliminated food is accidentally eaten, you will need to begin again.
Duringstage two, the elimination diet begins.
During this time, the foods that need to be eliminated must be avoided entirely.
This may require checking labels on foods or beverages.
During this time, pay extra attention to the food you eat, especially when dining out.
If an error is made, you will need to start again from the beginning.
Some people will find that during the first few days of the elimination diet, their symptoms worsen.
Before commencingstage threeof the elimination diet, you will need to be symptom-free for at least five days.
Once you are symptom-free, you might begin the “challenge” phase of the diet.
This involves reintroducing eliminated foods one at a time and recording any symptoms in a food diary.
Foods should be reintroduced every three days.
If a food produces symptoms, make a note in the diary and stop eating it.
This may involve not eating several foods.
In some cases, it may be necessary to avoid an entire food group, like dairy products.
Antacids may help reduce symptoms of heartburn or indigestion.
They are available without a prescription over the counter and come in liquid or tablet form.
Liquid works more quickly.
These medications work by neutralizing the stomach acid that is responsible for heartburn.
Diarrhea due to food intolerance can also be treated with over-the-counter medications.
Medications like Lactaid can help in the digestion of lactose, as well as relieve symptoms like gas.
An elimination diet is considered the gold standard in identifying foods that are causing a problem.
Undertaking this diet then avoiding foods identified as troublesome may help symptoms.
Over-the-counter remedies are available to treat symptoms like diarrhea or indigestion that may occur due to food intolerance.
If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Food Intolerance.
Harvard Medical School.Food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity: whats the difference, and why does it matter?
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.The elimination diet.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Anti-diarrheal medicines: OTC relief for diarrhea.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Gas: beat the bloat.
