Q: Which doctor should I consult if I frequently react adversely to certain foods?
A: You should consult an allergy specialist who will evaluate you and conduct further testing.
Q: Can food intolerance be inherited?
A: Food intolerance is usually not inherited although food allergy can be passed on to offspring.
Q: Which are some foods that commonly cause intolerance?
A: Milk and milk products, egg white, flavor enhancers such as monosodium glutamate and fermented foods.
Q: What is the connection between celiac disease and gluten?
A: Celiac disease occurs due to an autoimmune reaction to gluten. Ingestion of gluten foods spurs the immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine. The resulting intestinal damage, called villous atrophy, can result in poor absorption of foods and cause malnutrition and other symptoms. Celiac disease is managed by avoiding gluten in the diet.
Q: What is gluten hypersensitivity?
A: Reaction to gluten-containing foods occurring in the absence of celiac disease is termed Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS). It can be associated with IBS and once again treated by avoiding gluten in the diet.
