Food intolerances

Food intolerance is a reaction of the immune system to a specific food. Depending on the source, it may be called food hypersensitivity, type III food allergy or simply food intolerance. It involves IgG antibodies that bind to the protein of the food in question, called antigen. This immune complex (IgG-antigen) will accumulate in certain tissues of the body near or far away. The body then triggers an inflammatory process to eliminate these immune complexes. If these are present in too large a quantity (large quantity or frequency of ingestion of the food in question), the body cannot break the cycle and chronic inflammation sets in.

The sensitivity of an individual varies according to his or her genetic profile, the state of his or her immune system, digestive function, the quality of the gastrointestinal barrier, the composition of the microbiota (intestinal flora), the frequency and quantity of consumption of the food antigen, etc. Leaky gut is often associated with an increase in food intolerance and the intensity of symptoms.

Certain discomforts may indicate to a person that they are intolerant to certain foods. These discomforts may occur quickly or hours or even days after eating, making identification difficult. The physical manifestations may differ from one person to another or from one period to another for the same person. Food intolerances can affect your quality of life and long-term health.