Food sensitivity or intolerance as we age

[Sue J]

For quite a while I've noticed some digestive issues. When I thought about what I'm eating and the results I'm experiencing I suspected that dairy might be the issue. So a few months ago I eliminated all dairy for a few weeks. And it seems like that's the culprit.

Since then I've experimented with lactose free products and lactase tablets and I think I'm having good results.

Just recently I'm finding I can't eat tomatoes! While being very careful with dairy, I had a fresh tomato from our garden. And I realized that I don't digest tomato skins. I also tried tomato sauce and had significant symptoms from that, too.

I'm coping with the dairy just fine with lactose free products and the lactase tablets. But realizing that I can't eat tomatoes is just sad!

Reading about issues like this I think it's part of aging.

Anyone found a way to cope with eating tomatoes? Is there a tablet like there is for coping with dairy issues?

 

[Koolau]

^^^^^^

Have you tried one of the OTC acid blockers?

 

[Dash man]

I’ve been struggling with intolerance to Fructose and Lactose. My gastroenterologist had me do some testing that identified the intolerance. Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill. I limit my intake primarily by eating meat and starches. Certain cheeses, like Swiss and cheddars are not as high in lactose as others, so I only eat those and in limited amounts. Fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple and tomatoes can be consumed in small amounts (1/2 cup max per meal) juices, tomato sauces and any concentrations are to be avoided.
It really stinks and limits your diet.

 

[Sue J]

^^^^^^

Have you tried one of the OTC acid blockers?

It’s not heartburn or acid reflux related. It’s intestinal. Ugh.

 

[FindingForward]

It’s not heartburn or acid reflux related. It’s intestinal. Ugh.

Have you ever tried Beano? It's purpose is preventing gas/bloating from veggies, fruits, beans and other common problem foods. Don't think it helps with other intestinal symptoms.

But it's safe, affordable and easy to take before you eat. Wouldn't hurt to try.

 

[Sue J]

Have you ever tried Beano? It's purpose is preventing gas/bloating from veggies, fruits, beans and other common problem foods. Don't think it helps with other intestinal symptoms.

But it's safe, affordable and easy to take before you eat. Wouldn't hurt to try.

Good suggestion! DH has some in the kitchen cupboard.

 

[N02L84ER]

I developed an intolerance to onions in my late 50s. After adding a lot more yogurt and Kefir to my diet for a few months, I no longer have an intolerance to onions.

 

[Chuckanut]

I’ve found that my reflux is much worse with store bought breads and pastries than with my homemade bread. Not sure why. The main difference is the
Lack of various dough conditioners and preservatives. And my long overnight raise period of close to 12 hours.

 

[latexman]

Recently when I eat even a little mustard, i get loose stool with cramps until it has all passed.

What’s up with that?

 

[Koolau]

Have you ever tried Beano? It's purpose is preventing gas/bloating from veggies, fruits, beans and other common problem foods. Don't think it helps with other intestinal symptoms.

But it's safe, affordable and easy to take before you eat. Wouldn't hurt to try.

Might also try simethicone (Gas-X).

 

[MarieIG]

I haven't had luck with the tomatoes. I have an autoimmune disease and certain foods such as grains, nightshades, some dairy, sugars, etc. set off flares. I am going to look into kefir, mentioned above, and at some point crawl into a gastroenterologist (which was recommended by the cardiologist who recently examined me).

 

[Dtail]

Recently when I eat even a little mustard, i get loose stool with cramps until it has all passed.

What’s up with that?

I use mustard for cramps sometimes. Strange result for you.

 

[motley]

I guess it's good in a way but I find getting older I "have to" eat healthier generally or I feel like ####. I can't eat much in the way of sweets/very sugary things for ex. A single piece of pie or cake or whatever is OK, but no more and that's only if I already ate a full meal. Spicy things which I love I have to avoid more due to heartburn/hiatal hernia. Lactose intolerance so drink lactose-free milk. What fun.

The worst one though is I'm finding fewer and fewer beers that agree with me. That's just plain mean...

 

[Christine]

I recently had to start eating gluten free. I have developed both allergies with violent sneezing and runny eyes - and pain in the small intestine.

I miss the taste of ordinary bread but it's better to be free from the issues.

 

[aja8888]

In retirement, I have become a big fan of eating Jalapenos (pickled or sliced raw) with most everything. I must have a cast iron stomach! Of course, here in south Texas, they are everywhere.

 

[motley]

I recently had to start eating gluten free.

OK I'm counting my blessings now. That would destroy me. I don't eat a high carb diet, but to have little to none would be revolting.

In retirement, I have become a big fan of eating Jalapenos (pickled or sliced raw) with most everything. I must have a cast iron stomach! Of course, here in south Texas, they are everywhere.

You live in Texas, of course you have a cast iron stomach

 

[FindingForward]

I guess it's good in a way but I find getting older I "have to" eat healthier generally or I feel like ####. I can't eat much in the way of sweets/very sugary things for ex. A single piece of pie or cake or whatever is OK, but no more and that's only if I already ate a full meal. Spicy things which I love I have to avoid more due to heartburn/hiatal hernia. Lactose intolerance so drink lactose-free milk. What fun.

The worst one though is I'm finding fewer and fewer beers that agree with me. That's just plain mean...

Talk about frustrating - I'm the opposite. Most HEALTHY foods give me the biggest problems...fat-free yogurt or milk, fresh veggies, cooked veggies, fresh fruit, whole grains, nuts.

Yet I can eat absolute crap - burgers, pizza, chips, sweets, greasy or fried anything - and feel 100% great. I just don't get it!

It's a bummer, as I like and prefer to eat healthy - but my body clearly doesn't.

 

[Koolau]

Talk about frustrating - I'm the opposite. Most HEALTHY foods give me the biggest problems...fat-free yogurt or milk, fresh veggies, cooked veggies, fresh fruit, whole grains, nuts.

Yet I can eat absolute crap - burgers, pizza, chips, sweets, greasy or fried anything - and feel 100% great. I just don't get it!

It's a bummer, as I like and prefer to eat healthy - but my body clearly doesn't.

I would definitely see a gastroenterologist. I'm guessing there is a "fix" for your issues.

 

[street]

In retirement, I have become a big fan of eating Jalapenos (pickled or sliced raw) with most everything. I must have a cast iron stomach! Of course, here in south Texas, they are everywhere.

I was just about going to say I had a cast iron stomach, and I saw your post. Lol

I'm the same I have no problems eating whatever with no problems. My wife is a different story.

 

[nvestysly]

Yes, this getting old thing is a real downer when it comes to what I can & cannot eat. For me, it's been over 10 years ago that I stopped eating almost everything that's fried. Longer ago than that regarding spicy food. I can have one or two bites... maybe. But any more than that and my stomach (maybe it's my gall bladder?) are upset for a day or so. I've stopped eating many things with seeds or I find ways to eat them by removing the seeds - squash for example. But I'm okay with a tomato now and then.

The real bummer is when I have to cross yet another food item off the list. More and more often I'm blindsided by something that gives me significant gastrointestinal distress and yet I ate it last week or last month with no problem.

I'm definitely cutting back on caffeine too. Years ago I didn't hesitate to drink iced tea (unsweet for me, please) any time of day. Now I better not have a sip past 3 PM or I won't sleep well. I've also reduced total intake to 2 glasses (maybe 3) in a day. Not only does too much caffeine impact my sleep but it has a negative impact on my stomach too.

I've been checked for ulcers and other common ailments - no problems found. Getting old - hmmph!

 

[W2R]

Seems to me that (at least in my case), my digestive tract is getting more sensitive as I age. Or something! Maybe it's all the medications that I am taking now, that I didn't have to take in my 50's and 60's.

 

[motley]

Yeah I remember the days when going to bed just meant brushing my teeth. Now it's this pill lineup like announcing the starters for a football game....

 

[rembrandt]

I can't drink Baileys Irish Cream anymore because the cream upsets my stomach.

 

[pacergal]

Yes, definitely more stomach sensitive than when younger.
Have always had lactose intolerance, use lactaid pills.
I take beano before eating beans.
I have noticed increasing indigestion with fats and fatty foods, tomatoes, onions, sweet peppers, garlic, or heavily spiced foods. I love a good tomato fresh from the garden, can no longer have a good summer BLT :-(, unless I want to have upset stomach for the evening.
I have been on omeprazole daily for another health issue, doesn't seem to help with those foods.

 

[Dtail]

Wow guess I am lucky so far at age 64. All spicy and fried foods sit well with me. The only negative is consuming caffeine after 3pm keeps me up at night. I only drink coffee in the morning when we go out to breakfast.