Feeling Sensitive?

A negative reaction to these common foods may signal a food sensitivity.

By Angela Pirisi

Intolerance to even common food products can, in some people, cause symptoms ranging from stomach upset and headaches to nasal congestion and fatigue.

WHEAT

Whole grain or processed flour from the cereal grain (barley, rye, triticale, Kamut, spelt, semolina, and couscous)
Symptoms Gastrointestinal (GI) distress (such as heartburn, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating), fatigue, headaches, and joint pain
Sources Bread, pasta, baked goods, soy sauce, processed foods
Try Wheat- and gluten-free bread and pasta, tamari

EGGS

Symptoms GI distress, eczema
Sources Baked goods, condiments, mayonnaise, lecithin
Try Vegan products

DAIRY

Milk, cheese, yogurt, whey, casein (dairy products from goats or sheep may also cause problems)
Symptoms GI distress, nasal congestion
Sources Dairy products, baked goods, pasta dishes with cream sauces, salad dressings, chocolate, processed foods.
Try Soy or rice milk, soy yogurt, vegetable oil spread

SOYBEANS

Soy milk, soy lecithin, tofu, edamame
Symptoms GI distress, fatigue, eczema
Sources Processed foods, soy sauce, tamari, miso
Try Soy-free products

TARTRAZINE

FD & C Yellow No. 5 food coloring (may be listed as "artificial color")
Symptoms Asthma
Sources Soft drinks, candy, pastries, jam, cereal, instant pudding, flavored snack chips, canned fish, instant soup mix and bouillon cubes, vitamins and other pills
Try whole, fresh foods or prepared foods made without artificial color

MSG

Monosodium glutamate, L-glutamic acid, monosodium salt, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast
Symptoms Headache, brain fog, mood swings, heart palpitations
Sources Asian food, condiments, processed snack foods, frozen foods, canned soups, salad dressings, processed meats
Try unprocessed, fresh foods

SULPHITE, SULPHUR DIOXIDE (preservative)

Symptoms Asthma
Sources Dried fruit, alcoholic drinks, preserved meats, restaurant and takeout food, packaged foods
Try Fresh foods, sulphite-free wine

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