We’re all aware of the health risks associated with a high-sugar diet. Weight problems, diabetes, and heart disease are all linked to an excessive consumption of sugary treats. But what you eat can also impact your physical wellbeing if you have intolerances to sweet and sugary items. Here, we examine the symptoms of a sugar intolerance, the foods you might need to eliminate, and the alternative products you could introduce into your diet. If you do have food intolerances to sugar items, it can explain a lot of your symptoms.

What is a Sugar Intolerance?

If you have food intolerances to sugar and sweet items, your body will struggle to break them down due to an enzyme deficiency. Sugar comes in various forms:

• Lactose: the sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
• Glucose: the sugar obtained from food and the body’s main energy source.
• Fructose: the sugar that occurs naturally in fruit.
• Sucrose: the chemical name for white table sugar.

Your food intolerance test results may confirm that your digestive system is incompatible with a particular type of sugar. For example, if you have lactose sensitivity, your body will lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose sugar in milk and other dairy products. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Similarly, you might find that fructose upsets your digestive system, resulting in a similar physical reaction.

Which Foods Should I Avoid if I Have Sugar and Sweet Item Intolerances?

If you suspect you have an intolerance to lactose or any other type of sugar, it’s a good idea to take a food intolerance test to confirm. The sugar your body is sensitive to will determine what you need to eliminate from your diet. So if you have food intolerances to sugar, you’ll have to remove it from your diet. For instance, if you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll need to steer clear of dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, and yogurt. On the other hand, if you’re sensitive to sucrose, you may have to reduce your consumption of desserts, soft drinks, cereals, jams, and sweet treats. Sugar is also hidden in products such as pasta sauces, salad dressings, and even some medicines, so it’s worth doing your research if you need to reevaluate your dietary choices.

Are There Any Sugar Substitutes I Can Use?

If you need to modify your diet and cut out sugary items, consider substituting them with alternative ingredients. If you’re lactose intolerant, there are numerous dairy-free options available, so try using lactose-free milk in your coffee or tea. Artificial sweeteners are also an option, but sometimes it’s beneficial to get creative. Adding walnuts to your cereal, for example, can provide texture without the sugar content. Alternatively, you could add some cinnamon or ginger to your hot drinks for a hint of sweetness. It might even be worth reducing your portion sizes to see if this alleviates your intolerance symptoms. Eating a smaller slice of cake or half a cookie instead of a whole one may allow you to enjoy the things you love and make grocery shopping a lot easier.

Contact US Food Intolerance to Enhance Your Health and Wellbeing

If you’re experiencing physical symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps, or headaches on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to rule out a food intolerance. You can order a food intolerance test from our website by clicking here. If you’d like to learn more about our tests, please refer to our FAQs page. Alternatively, you can send any questions you have to [email protected] or by filling out our contact form. Remember, you should always consult with a medical professional if you’re concerned about your health.