Most people have a fructose intolerance. You might think that the only solution is to avoid fruits. Most foods contain fructose.
This article aims to shed some light on fructose tolerance and the best ways to deal with it.
The fructose can be found in many foods, including vegetables grains and the sugars that we consume on a regular basis.
There are different types of fructose intolerant disorders
Fructose malabsorption
Food sensitivities can be caused by genetics, fructose exposure, lifestyle factors or food sensitivities.
If you suffer fructose malabsorption, you can’t absorb or digest fructose. This can cause fructose in the large intestines to be passed through, resulting painful digestion and gas.
Some foods that are fermentable oligosaccharides can be difficult to digest due to fructose malabsorption. Monosaccharides, polyols (FODMAPS) and monosaccharides are some of the foods that fall under this category. FODMAPS is likely to include both artificial and naturally sweetened foods.
Essential fructosuria
This condition is known as fructokinase insufficiency. It is not harmful. It is possible to have it without even knowing. This condition is only recessive if both parents pass it on to their child. When they inherit the gene from just one parent, however, they become carriers.
Essential fructosuria is caused by a lack of hepatic fructokinase, a liver enzyme capable of breaking down fructose. It’s great that this condition is so rare, and most people don’t even show symptoms.
Hereditary fructose tolerance
The condition is present from birth. Most children start showing symptoms as soon as they begin eating solid food. If the condition isn’t treated, it can lead to death.
The symptoms of this condition include delayed growth, jaundice and vomiting, liver or renal failure, an intense dislike for sweets and impaired physical development.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the type of fructose tolerance in question.
Fructose malabsorption
It is best to keep a food diary if you suffer from fructose malabsorption. You can reduce your fructose intake and ease symptoms in 3 to 6 weeks. Once you see the symptoms, you can slowly introduce these foods to determine how much fructose you can tolerate.
Hereditary fructose tolerance
The condition cannot be cured. Avoiding fructose is the only solution.
To avoid fructose, you must also avoid certain fruits and foods. To prevent nutritional deficiencies, it is best to consult a professional about eating a healthy diet.
Avoid these foods
Avoiding foods and drinks that contain high fructose-corn syrup is a good idea. These foods include pre-packaged baked goods and soda.
You can also avoid sorbitol, which is found in fruit sweetened snacks, gums, and candy.
Wrapping up
If you are experiencing these symptoms every time you consume foods high in fructose, you may have fructose malabsorption.
