Intolerance

Intolerances are non life-threatening sensitivities and reactions towards certain foods, which should not be confused with food allergy as it does not involve the immune system. The most common food intolerances are lactose, gluten and wheat, and it is thought that approximately 45 per cent of the UK suffers from food intolerance. Signs of food intolerance include bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, sickness and stomach pain and often are a delayed reaction to the food eaten. Intolerances are often ill defined and often diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.