Allergens
Allergies are hypersensitivity reactions of the immune system to actually harmless stimuli from the environment. Possible allergy triggers (allergens) are pollen, animal hair or food. A distinction is made between 4 different types of allergens: Inhalation allergens (e.g. pollen from trees, grasses, herbs but also house dust mite, animals with hair (but also saliva or glands can trigger allergies) as well as molds. Food allergens: Plant allergens (such as fruits, nuts, ...) and animal allergens (milk, eggs, fish, ...). Injection allergens (injectable drugs or venom from stinging insects (bee, wasp, ...) and contact allergens (jewelry: nickel, drugs (creams/ointments), cosmetics, fragrances, ...). Here you can find more information about allergens and what they actually mean.
People with fructose intolerance cannot tolerate fructose. This condition is often acquired, but it can also be congenital. However, fructose is not only found in fruit, but also in vegetables, beer and sweets. Read more about it here.
An allergy to gelatine is very rare. It consists of a mixture of animal proteins that dissolve in the mouth when the food is consumed. Find out more here.
An intolerance to gluten is called coeliac disease. This "illness" lasts a lifetime and involves permanent dietary restrictions. What is gluten? Find out more here.
An intolerance to yeast can have many facets. However, most people affected mainly suffer from symptoms that affect the digestive tract. An intolerance does not affect the immune system. In most cases, the body reacts intolerantly because it lacks a certain enzyme or transport protein. It is therefore unable to break down the incompatible food properly. What is yeast? Find out more here.
What is granulated sugar? Find out more here.
Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes. They have a significantly higher sweetness than sucrose.
People with lactose intolerance cannot tolerate milk and dairy products, or can only tolerate them to a limited extent. This is due to an enzyme deficiency. The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance are flatulence, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. If you are lactose intolerant, you should ensure that you have an adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis or calcium deficiency. Read more here.
In cases of sorbitol intolerance, the sugar alcohol sorbitol cannot be broken down in the small intestine, or only partially. Instead, it is metabolised by bacteria in the large intestine. This can cause abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhoea. What is sorbitol? Find out more here.