ZOE Science & Nutrition Food Intolerances: What's the Story?
18 snips
Mar 10, 2022 
Will Bulsiewicz, a board-certified gastroenterologist and best-selling author, joins the conversation to delve into the rising issue of food intolerances affecting 1 in 5 people. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding food allergies versus intolerances and the detrimental impact of processed diets. Bulsiewicz emphasizes the critical role of gut bacteria, advocating for personalized nutrition approaches over restrictive diets. He also tackles the challenges of identifying intolerances and offers innovative strategies for improving gut health.
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Rising Food Issues
- Food allergies have more than doubled in the last 60 years, while food intolerance data is less clear but also likely increasing.
- Restrictive diets can worsen food intolerances, and allergies can be overcome through reintroduction.
Testing for Intolerances
- Don't rely on at-home blood or stool tests for food intolerances, as they're clinically unvalidated and often confusing.
- Consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis and guidance, as these tests are expensive and may not be worth it.
Allergies vs. Intolerances
- Food allergies are immune responses to specific foods, often involving symptoms beyond the gut (e.g., hives, swelling).
- Food intolerances involve digestive symptoms and are caused by difficulty processing certain foods, not an immune response.
