What To Do If A Loved One Suffers With Food Intolerance

When a loved one is experiencing difficulties with anything, it’s only natural to want to help them in at least some capacity. 

If they’re grappling with a food intolerance, however, then it can be challenging to take on a supporting role in quashing its symptoms. At the start of this journey, it might be that a food intolerance is only suspected, raising questions about how to confirm its presence in your loved one’s life. Or it might simply be that it’s causing problems that it should, and that the process of countering it should be more controlled and proportionate. 

Whatever your situation, below are four suggestions that should hopefully give you some ideas for supporting a loved one with a food intolerance. 

Put Matters into Perspective 

If your loved one is a frequent worrier, or a young child as well, then quickly putting matters into perspective is a good idea.  

Back up your calming notions with expert opinions, such as those from the NHS. They state that food intolerance “does not involve your immune system – there is no allergic reaction, and it is never life-threatening”. This is a crucial piece of information that can serve as the foundation for any countermeasures you seek to put into place. Additionally, it’s also expert evidence that can instil calm and subvert any drama.   

The symptoms are mild and discomforting at worst, but never life threatening in the way that some allergies can be. Food intolerance isn’t exactly a walk in the park, as symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain to name a few. While it is admittedly unpleasant, and few people would choose to be burdened by such a thing, the situation is firmly manageable. Reminding your loved one of that fact from the beginning is crucial. 

Don’t Act Rashly 

One of the virtues of putting matters into perspective is that it subsequently inspires a steadier problem-solving approach moving forward.

While those with intense allergies become ill at even slight contact with their allergens, those with intolerance can ironically still tolerate the foods that give them adverse effects, to a degree. For example, lactose intolerant individuals can still tolerate cheese, yoghurt, and an estimated 200ml of milk if consumed with a meal as well. 

Therefore, it might be that your loved one’s life needn’t be radically altered. They may simply require their portions being altered somewhat, or having certain food and drink mixed with a specific selection of others to counterbalance their intolerance. Additionally, having a wheat intolerance may not mean that the entire household must be purged of wheat.

Ultimately, it may be prudent to build on your loved one’s newfound sense of perspective with proportionate countermeasures, facilitating further feelings of calm and normalcy. 

Explore Testing Options 

Being food intolerant is a broad term, so it’s important to narrow it down somewhat so that you and your loved one can have a precise understanding of what you’re fighting against. 

For example, it could be important to distinguish whether they’re suffering from lactose or wheat intolerance. To do this, Check My Body Health’s food intolerance testing kits can be delivered straight to your door after a quick and cost-effective online order. Each of their products meets strict clinical regulations, so their results are bolstered by accuracy and validity also. Third-party inspections and verifications also take place, so that in the end, you can be confident that data you receive is fully authentic.  

Your local GP may also be able to order blood tests that acutely diagnose the intolerance. Receiving your medical advice from an expert is always the most important first step, so make sure you consult a variety of knowledgeable sources to get to the bottom of what you’re loved one is dealing with. After that, you should hopefully have a better understanding of how to proceed, pertaining to what foods to eliminate and how often.

Be Empathetic

The odd food intolerance here and there may not seem like a big deal at first, particularly if there’re many other foodie options on the table. 

However, for your loved one experiencing the issue, matters may be framed differently in their minds. This is especially true around the Christmas period, where some people who’re suffering from food intolerances feel awkward telling people what they can’t eat, or asking to see the label information on the backs of packets. There may be added fears of being viewed as a ‘diva’ by making menu or recipe specific requests, also. 

Therefore, one of the best things you can do to support your loved one is to simply practice empathy. Some social occasions have certain food or drink by tradition, and to be excluded from those delicacies can be especially difficult, especially if the smell of the food is appetising and they long to try it but can’t. Respecting that misfortune could play a crucial part in offering valuable support.