You might have heard about milk intolerance or food intolerance, but have you ever come across the term ‘sugar intolerance’? We are not kidding! Sugar intolerance is a real thing.
Most people can binge eat cakes and ice-creams and still feel alright, while others are super sensitive to even a small amount of sweet.
It is true you might suffer from “sugar hangover” after eating plenty of sugar, which can spike your blood sugar level and can make you feel lethargic.
But for the one suffering from sugar intolerance, the symptoms can be more severe.
The difference between allergy and intolerance
Some people use the word allergy and intolerance interchangeably, but that is incorrect. The two are different things and food allergy is more severe than intolerance.
In case of food allergy, when you eat the food you are allergic to, your body identifies that substance as dangerous and overreacts, causing symptoms like hives, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, sneezing and trouble in breathing.
However, in case of food intolerance, your body is not able to break down certain foods due to several reasons. If you are food intolerant, you may still be able to eat a small amount of food that troubles you, without any negative effect. Sugar intolerance is more common as compared to sugar allergy.
4 signs that you are sugar intolerance are:
1. Bloating
A bloaty stomach makes you feel lethargic and uncomfortable. If you feel bloaty after consuming sugar, it means you are sugar intolerant. Your belly grows in size and you start feeling extra stuffy when sugar tries to make its way through your digestive system. Bloating will be accompanied by other symptoms of intolerance as well.
2. Anxiety
The next time you feel anxious, look out for symptoms of sugar intolerance. Feeling anxious after having sugar indicates that your body is not able to handle the influx of sugar in a better way. Reducing your sugar intake can help you manage the situation.
3. Dizziness
You may feel dizzy or shaky due to several reasons. But if this happens particularly after having a doughnut or a slice of cake, then sugar intolerance might be the reason. Look for the type of sugar you are consuming and the amount.
4. Nausea
Feeling nauseated can also be an indicator that you are intolerant to sugar. This will be accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms like gas and bloating. You can lie down and rest for a while or can even try home remedies for relief. If the symptoms are severe, then consult your doctor.
When to see a doctor
If you have an immediate reaction after consuming sugar, then visit a doctor immediately. Apart from this, if you feel choked and breathless then do not underestimate the situation and instantly seek medical help.
