Food Sensitivity

Definition

Food sensitivity refers to difficulty in digesting certain foods and can result in uncomfortable symptoms like gas, stomach pain, or bloating.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Food sensitivity occurs when an individual's digestive system reacts negatively to certain foods, usually due to enzyme deficiencies or gastrointestinal disorders. Unlike food allergies, these sensitivities do not involve an immune response but can cause significant discomfort and digestive issues.

Benefits

• Understanding food sensitivities can help prevent digestive discomfort.
• Avoiding sensitive foods can lead to better nutritional absorption and overall health.

Examples

• Lactose intolerance is a common example, where the body can't properly digest lactose found in dairy products.
• Gluten sensitivity found in those who react negatively to gluten-containing foods.

Additional Information

• Known issues: Food sensitivities can sometimes be mistaken for allergies, but they typically do not cause severe allergic reactions or involve the immune system.

Related Terms

• Food Allergy
• Food Intolerance
• Lactose Intolerance
• Gluten Sensitivity

References

• Understanding Food Sensitivities: How to Handle Foods Your Body Can't Tolerate
• Food Intolerances and Sensitivities