A food intolerance is the body's inability to properly digest certain foods due to lack of proper enzymes or proteins. A food intolerance should not be ignored because a food intolerance can lead to chronic conditions, such as Crohn's disease. Although the exact cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown, according to MayoClinic.com, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease with food intolerance. If you experience adverse reactions after eating certain foods, talk with your doctor about diagnosing your symptoms.
Food Intolerance
Some of the most common food intolerances are lactose, gluten and fructose, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Your body lacks the proper chemicals needed to digest the food in the small intestines. As the food moves through the large intestines, inflammation and irritation forms, causing common food intolerance symptoms. The most common symptoms of a food intolerance are gas, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and cramping.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is chronic inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. It is considered an inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, that causes diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and can lead to malnutrition, according to MayoClinc.com. The inflammation goes deep into the layers of the bowel tissue that can cause debilitation complications. If the condition goes untreated, it can lead to death. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but treatments can help reduce the symptoms and even cause extended remission.
The Connection
Although the connection between food intolerance and Crohn's disease has not been proven, it is suspected that a food intolerance can trigger Crohn's disease, according to Dr. Lawrence Wilson, a licensed doctor and nutrition consultant. Eating foods that cause inflammation in the bowel can trigger the disease, especially if there is a family history of the disease. MayoClinic.com states that a malfunctioning immune system and heredity play a role in Crohn's disease.
Consideration
A food allergy is commonly confused with food intolerance. The main difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy is the involvement of the immune system with a food allergy, according to MayoClinic.com. A food allergy is a malfunction of the immune system that causes the body to build a defense with antibodies and other chemicals that cause inflammation and irritation in the bowels. A medical doctor can distinguish the difference.
Treatment
Food intolerance is best treated by identifying the foods that you have difficulty digesting and avoiding them. This will prevent excessive inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's disease is treated with prescribed medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressants and antibiotics.
