Inflammation and Food Intolerance: The Connection You Need to Know
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
What Is Inflammation?
Acute vs Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. It’s a crucial part of the immune system’s defence mechanism.
Acute inflammation is short-term — think redness, swelling, and heat around a wound.
Chronic inflammation, however, is a slow, persistent process that can silently damage tissues over time.
Why Chronic Inflammation Matters
When inflammation becomes chronic, it stops being helpful. It contributes to a wide range of health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Obesity
- Cognitive decline
Understanding Food Intolerance
Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy
Food intolerance is a non-immune response to certain foods. It is typically dose-dependent and delayed.
Food allergy involves the immune system and can cause immediate and severe symptoms (like anaphylaxis).
Common Symptoms of Food Intolerance
- Bloating, gas, abdominal pain
- Brain fog or fatigue
- Skin issues (eczema, acne)
- Chronic Headaches or migraines
- Joint pain
- Irritability or mood swings
These symptoms are often vague and non-specific, making food intolerance difficult to diagnose without proper testing.
How Food Intolerance Can Trigger Chronic Inflammation
The Gut-Immune Axis
Your gut houses a large portion of your immune system. When you consume foods you’re intolerant to, your gut lining can become irritated or inflamed. Over time, this may lead to:
- Leaky gut syndrome (increased intestinal permeability)
- Immune system activation
- Systemic inflammation
The Role of IgG Antibodies
IgG antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to food proteins that are perceived as foreign. Elevated IgG levels can contribute to low-grade, chronic inflammation, especially in people with leaky gut syndrome or dysbiosis (gut flora imbalance).
Inflammatory Cascade from Repeated Exposure
Eating the same trigger foods repeatedly — without knowing they’re a problem — doing so can fuel an ongoing cycle of inflammation. This may worsen symptoms over time, further increasing your risk of inflammatory-related conditions.
Real-World Impact: Common Foods That May Be Inflammatory Triggers
Common Food Intolerances That May Promote Inflammation
- Dairy (lactose and casein intolerance)
- Gluten (non-celiac gluten sensitivity)
- Eggs
- Soy
- Corn
- Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants)
- Additives and preservatives (MSG, sulfites)
How to Know If Your Chronic Symptoms Are Linked to Food Intolerance
Key Signs to Watch For
If you’ve been experiencing unexplained symptoms for weeks or months — and traditional medical workups are normal — food intolerance could be a root cause. Watch for patterns like:
- Symptoms that worsen after eating
- Symptoms that fluctuate with your diet
- Relief during elimination diets
Consider IgG Food Intolerance Test
An IgG food intolerance test, can help identify delayed food sensitivities. It’s especially useful for chronic cases where food-related inflammation is suspected.
Reduce Food Intolerances to Lower Inflammation
Benefits of an Elimination Diet Based on IgG Results
- Reduced bloating, fatigue, and brain fog
- Improved skin clarity
- Better digestion
- More consistent energy levels
- Reduced joint pain and stiffness
Long-Term Management Tips
- Work with a dietitian to reintroduce foods strategically
- Support gut health through probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods
- Monitor symptoms and adapt over time
Final Thoughts: Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You
Chronic inflammation is often the result of small stressors that build up over time — and food intolerance is one of the most overlooked contributors. If you’ve been living with ongoing symptoms, identifying and eliminating trigger foods could be a game-changer for your health.
Screen for Food Intolerances with Regis Medical
Comprehensive, fast result, personalised review session
Disclaimer:
The information on this website, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, videos and all other materials contained on this website is for informational purposes only. None of the material is meant to replace a certified and registered Doctor's professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
No warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information. Regis Medical, Regis Medical’s staff, and the website's operator will not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information on this website.
Any devices used for technology-enhanced therapies are intended for use only for general well-being purposes or to encourage or maintain a healthy lifestyle and is not intended to be used for any medical purpose (such as the detection. diagnosis, monitoring, management or treatment of any medical condition or disease). Any health-related information provided by this device or software should not be treated as medical advice. Please consult a certified and registered Doctor for any medical advice required.
Calder, P. C., Ahluwalia, N., Brouns, F., Buetler, T., Clement, K., Cunningham, K., ... & Zucker, J.-D. (2011). Dietary factors and low-grade inflammation in relation to overweight and obesity. British Journal of Nutrition, 106(S3), S5–S78. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25442377
Chen, L., Deng, H., Cui, H., Fang, J., Zuo, Z., Deng, J., ... & Zhao, L. (2018). Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs. Oncotarget, 9(6), 7204–7218. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8488203/
Cleveland Clinic. (2021, October 6). Chronic inflammation. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21474-chronic-inflammation
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, August 13). Foods that fight inflammation. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
UChicago Medicine. (2020, September 24). What foods cause or reduce inflammation? UChicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/gastrointestinal-articles/2020/september/what-foods-cause-or-reduce-inflammation
