Most Common Food Intolerances

Last Updated: 10th November 2022 · Written by Donna Mastriani

Supermarkets have whole aisles dedicated to it. Restaurants have menu sections catering for it. People are more and more aware of it and their own personal ones. Food intolerance is something of a buzz topic. With free-from alternative foods and drinks for pretty much every food now available, it is becoming increasingly common to be aware of your food sensitivities as it is no longer a case of being afraid of what you might find. From gluten intolerance to lactose intolerance, there are a wide range of foods, drinks and substances you can have a sensitivity to and you level of sensitivity can be higher or lower than someone else’s.

But some intolerances are more common than others, so here we take a look at some of the most common food intolerances and the symptoms they cause. If any of it sounds familiar, it may be time to take an intolerance test.

Gluten Intolerance

Sometimes known, incorrectly, as wheat intolerance, gluten intolerance is incredibly common. In fact, most of the items you will find on a free-from aisle in a supermarket will be made to cater for people living with gluten intolerance. From pizza’s to beer, gluten is everywhere. When you’re living with gluten intolerance you can expect to experience these symptoms when you eat gluten;

·       Bloating

·       Diarrhoea

·       Headaches

·       Smelly Feces

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it may be that you’re living with gluten intolerance. To find out you can take an intolerance test.

Lactose Intolerance

Unfortunately, as with gluten, this ubiquitous substance is found in a LOT of different foods and drinks. Lactose intolerance can be triggered by a wide range of foods including milk, butter, ice cream & most dairy products. What fun is a life without ice cream? Well, fear not, as the trusty free-from aisle has you covered again! Even food giants Ben & Jerry’s cater for lactose intolerance with a number of their top flavours now offered in dairy free form! If you’re living with lactose intolerance, you may experience:

·       Flatulence

·       Diarrhoea

·       Stomach Rumbling

·       Nausea

Sound familiar; then you may be living with lactose intolerance.

Caffeine Intolerance

There are a particular population of people who had to do a double-take there. Surely not. Not the morning bringer of energy?! But yes, unfortunately, some of us are intolerant to caffeine. With millions across the world enjoying their morning coffee to wake themselves in the morning, it is incredibly likely people are drinking it, intolerant and unaware. So what should you be looking for if you think you may be intolerant to caffeine?

·       Insomnia 

·       Anxiety

·       Migraines

·       Fatigue

These symptoms are all red flags for caffeine intolerance. Find out whether your suspicions are correct with an intolerance test.