In this section we will give a brief overview of allergies, food intolerances and sensitivities.
Diabetes
Diabetes is an illness affecting the sugar metabolism. The treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mainly takes place in the patient's everyday life. Type 2 diabetes can be efficiently prevented by means of exercise and weight control. Lifestyle therapy and guidance always play a key role in the holistic treatment and prevention of diabetes.
Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is caused by gluten, a protein that occurs in wheat, rye and barley. In genetically predisposed people, gluten damages the cells in the mucous membrane that coats the small intestine, causing its villi to shorten. This affects nutrient absorption. Coeliac disease is treated by a lifelong gluten-free diet.
Lactose intolerance
Milk sugar, or lactose, is broken down in the intestine by a digestive enzyme called lactase. Milk sugar in the small intestine can only be absorbed in the blood stream when broken down. If lactase is not present, lactose remains in the intestine and is moved on with the intestinal contents. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating of the stomach and flatulence after having dairy products. The symptoms normally occur about one to three hours after eating foods with milk sugar.
Milk allergy
People with a milk allergy have an allergic reaction to milk protein. It is often confused with lactose intolerance. The predominant symptoms of milk allergy affect the digestive system and the skin and also include swelling in the lips and the pharynx. An anaphylactic shock may also occur.
Other food allergies
A general definition of an allergy is hypersensitivity to some food ingredient. The most common causes of food allergies are cow’s milk, cereals, eggs and fish, which are popular foods with a high protein content.