Proteins can cause digestive issues.
Image Credit: AndreyPopov/iStock/Getty Images All foods and beverages contain certain proteins that are specific to that food or beverage. If your body cannot digest – or experiences an allergic reaction after you ingest – certain proteins, you will develop digestive symptoms. Keep a written document of what foods cause adverse reactions in your digestive system. A gastroenterologist is the most qualified medical professional that can diagnose and treat your condition. Protein intolerances and allergies are incurable and are treated through elimination and avoidance.
Advertisement
Protein Intolerance
The inability to digest certain proteins can lead to stomach pain and bloating.
Image Credit: Alliance/iStock/Getty Images Protein intolerance occurs when your body is unable to digest certain proteins found in that food, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. For example, if you’re intolerant to milk proteins, your body lacks the appropriate enzymes needed to break down the proteins. Proteins are too complex for the body to absorb them. They require enzymes to break them down into a more simple form that can be absorbed. If you cannot digest certain proteins, inflammation and swelling will occur in your intestines. This can lead to gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping, bloating and nausea.
Advertisement
Video of the Day
Protein Allergy
Most food allergies are the result of an immune system malfunction.
Image Credit: capdesign/iStock/Getty Images Most food allergies are the result of an immune system malfunction from the proteins found in the food. The immune system mistakes the proteins in the food as a dangerous substance when they are actually safe. This mistake triggers the immune system to create immunoglobulin E antibodies that attempt to fight off the proteins, according to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases . The creation of IgE antibodies causes cells in your soft tissue to produce histamine. Histamine released in your intestines leads to inflammation. The digestive tract is one of the most common parts of the body affected by a food allergy.
Advertisement
Allergy Symptoms
Protein allergies can cause stomach cramping and diarrhea.
Image Credit: Igor Mojzes/iStock/Getty Images Protein allergies will directly affect your digestive system but will also cause symptoms in other parts of your body. Common digestive complications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, abdominal pain, gas and bloating. Other symptoms that may develop include rashes, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, headaches, hives and facial swelling. Some food allergies can result in a severe reaction that can lead to death.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Testing and Treatment
Protein allergies are tested through skin and blood tests that identify the presence of IgE antibodies.
Image Credit: AlexRaths/iStock/Getty Images Protein intolerances are primarily diagnosed through a challenge diet, based on symptoms. A challenge diet removes certain foods from your diet for 1 to 2 weeks. After the removal period you will re-introduce each food one at a time to determine which ones cause symptoms to develop. Protein allergies are tested through skin and blood tests that identify the presence of IgE antibodies. Both conditions require that you eliminate the foods that trigger your symptoms. Aside from avoiding certain foods, there is no other treatment.
Advertisement
Advertisement
references
American College of Gastroenterology: Food Intolerance
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Food Allergy: An Overview
University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy
Is this an emergency?
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the
National Library of Medicine’s list
of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
references
American College of Gastroenterology: Food Intolerance
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Food Allergy: An Overview
University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
Proteins can cause digestive issues.
Image Credit: AndreyPopov/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: AndreyPopov/iStock/Getty Images
The inability to digest certain proteins can lead to stomach pain and bloating.
Image Credit: Alliance/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: Alliance/iStock/Getty Images
Most food allergies are the result of an immune system malfunction.
Image Credit: capdesign/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: capdesign/iStock/Getty Images
Protein allergies can cause stomach cramping and diarrhea.
Image Credit: Igor Mojzes/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: Igor Mojzes/iStock/Getty Images
Protein allergies are tested through skin and blood tests that identify the presence of IgE antibodies.
Image Credit: AlexRaths/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: AlexRaths/iStock/Getty Images
American College of Gastroenterology: Food Intolerance
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Food Allergy: An Overview
University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy
