Food Intolerance

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Food intolerances may appear similar to food allergies, but they are different. A food allergy causes an immune system response, which can sometimes be severe or even life-threatening. A food intolerance, on the other hand, is typically less serious and involves some unpleasant digestive symptoms after the consumption of triggering foods.

Most of the time, when the body has a negative physical reaction to food, it is because of a food intolerance, rather than an allergy. In some cases, you may be able to consume small quantities of a triggering food without showing symptoms of food intolerance.

What causes food intolerance?

If you have a food intolerance, your body may lack an enzyme needed to digest certain foods. Digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease can also cause food intolerances. In some cases, ongoing stress or psychological issues can be linked to food intolerance.

What foods commonly cause intolerances?

Lactose intolerance is a common food intolerance, affecting about 10 percent of people in the United States. This food intolerance is a result of people being unable to digest the sugar in milk, causing an intolerance toward dairy products. People with celiac disease are intolerant to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat and grain products. Finally, some people may be intolerant to food additives, such as sulfites, which are found in wine, dried fruit, and canned goods, and others can even be intolerant to dyes and flavorings found in processed foods.

How can I treat a food intolerance?

If you notice that you commonly have a negative reaction after eating a certain type of food, you should see your doctor, who can help you to determine the cause and rule out a more serious issue like an allergy. A doctor can also help you to treat underlying issues leading to the food intolerance or come up with a plan to improve your digestion.

Common Symptoms

“After eating some processed foods, I become extremely bloated and gassy, and I get cramps in my stomach.”
“I have had to stop eating dairy products like cheese and ice cream, because when I do, I develop diarrhea, stomach pain, and heartburn.”
“When I consume wine, I feel nauseous, and I get a headache pretty quickly afterward.”

Sources:

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Lord knows having a colonoscopy is zero fun. The prep nearly did me in. But after arriving at suite 270 every single person was pleasant and efficient. The attention to cleanliness in the office is very apparent and appreciated. Every employee introduced themselves by name, apologized for an IV that took two tries and made sure I was as comfortable as can be before I was ready to leave. However, I’m going to enjoy every minute of the five years before I need to return!

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I have been here several times and have always been treated great. The receptionist are so kind and the nurses are wonderful so is the anesthesia person are so kind and answers any concerns you might have. My Dr Bologna is awesome. This is the place to go if you need endoscopy or colonoscopy. Thank all the staff for being so kind

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Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Ronald Fogel MDCM, MHSA

Freeha Khan MD

Partha S. Nandi

Leonard G. Quallich III MD

Aditi Saxena MD

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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