Food intolerance is not the same as food allergy. Food allergy is related to the immune system, whereas food intolerance is associated with the enzymes involved in food digestion.
Food Intolerance: What is it?
The process of digestion begins in the mouth, where food is broken down through chewing and mixed with saliva before being transformed into a semi-liquid state in the stomach. During this process, certain foods, particularly those rich in carbohydrates like baked goods, undergo partial digestion at the molecular level and are converted into sugar, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. The digestion of fats and proteins at the molecular level, on the other hand, takes place in the small intestine with the assistance of various enzymes.
For the digestion of carbohydrate-containing foods, such as baked goods, an enzyme called amylase is required. Amylase is abundantly present in saliva. Due to the action of this enzyme, carbohydrates in the otherwise tasteless flour are broken down into the sugars that make them up. This is why when we eat bread, we experience a pronounced taste, a sweetness. If we were to combine flour with amylase in a test tube and let it sit under appropriate conditions, we would obtain glucose syrup.
However, when there is a problem with the enzymes responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, or fats at the molecular level, the food cannot be properly digested and absorbed in the intestines. As a result, more undigested food than usual remains in the intestines, which is then broken down by the bacteria naturally present in our intestines, leading to the production of acidic gases. Depending on which enzyme is deficient in aiding the breakdown of a specific food, symptoms such as gas and abdominal pain occur shortly after consuming that particular food.
How is it treated?
The practical solution for addressing food intolerance is to avoid consuming the problematic food. If giving up that particular food is difficult due to its essential nature or if you have intolerance to multiple foods, further exploration of treatment options may be necessary.
Acupuncture plays a significant role in this regard as a method that helps restore harmony between the body and food. Treatment sessions conducted through acupuncture can greatly assist in alleviating your symptoms.