According to the American College of Gastroenterology, the two most common food intolerances are to lactose and gluten, the primary protein found in wheat. The two conditions are unrelated and do not interact or affect one another. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar found in dairy products, while gluten intolerance is a malfunction of the immune system that damages the intestines. Both conditions are considered incurable but manageable through diet modification. If you suspect that you're intolerant to lactose or wheat, talk with your doctor.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a sugar found in milk. It is a complex sugar that cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream without being simplified. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks lactose down into glucose and galactose. If your small intestines don't create enough lactase to digest the lactose, the sugar will remain in your gut until bacteria can break it down. The increased amount of bacteria causes bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea and cramping.
Wheat Intolerance
Wheat intolerance, or celiac disease, is a food intolerance where your immune system reacts to gluten. The immune system attacks the lining of the small intestines, damaging the tiny hairs that absorb nutrients and proteins from the foods you eat. The reason the immune system reacts this way is unknown. Ingesting even a small amount of gluten can cause permanent damage to your digestive system. Symptoms can vary in each individual, but eating gluten will typically cause cramps, abdominal pain, bloating and gas.
Lactose Intolerance Treatment
Lactose intolerance is treatable with supplementation, avoidance or buying dairy products that contain the lactase enzyme. Some diary product manufactures add lactase during the production of the dairy product, making it low in lactose or lactose-free. You could avoid milk products altogether and substitute dairy for soy, rice or almond milk. Talk with your doctor if you want to eliminate dairy because you will need to receive calcium and vitamin D from other sources. Lactase enzymes are sold in pill or liquid form that can be taken or added to dairy products to prevent symptoms.
Celiac Disease Treatment
If you are diagnosed with gluten intolerance, you have to eliminate gluten from your diet to prevent serious complications. Don't eat bulgur, barley, farina, rye, graham flour, semolina, spelt and triticale. Purchase foods that are labeled "gluten-free" or use rice or corn flour in your cooking.
