Are there really more food intolerances?

In recent years, we've all heard reports or testimonials from people claiming to suffer from various food intolerances. Today's supermarkets offer large sections of gluten-free products, for example. Are we really sickened by our diet, or are we playing into the hands of various industries? A bit of both, as this report reveals.

Our nutrition affects our overall health, say a nutritionist and an immunologist. In the West, we now eat far too many processed foods, rich in salt, sugar and sometimes even chemicals, which upset the intestinal flora. As a result, the intestinal flora is less able to digest food that should not normally cause problems.

On the other hand, you have to be very careful about what you say about food. Let's not forget that dietary standards have constantly changed over time and across the globe. Scientific discoveries allow us to revise the requirements for different nutrients, but the issue of lobbying often comes to the surface. National food industries have a vested interest in making themselves look good to the public.

For example, the recommended daily intake of fish is higher in Scandinavian countries, since fishing is a major economic activity. What's more, there are an increasing number of free (or low-cost) blood tests for intolerances. However, these tests are based on little or nothing, and instead create anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms.

Lactose and fructose intolerance are well recognized by scientists. Celiac disease, on the other hand, affects 1% of the population. But should the rest of us eat gluten-free? There is no research to support this. The solution to a better diet lies in eating fewer processed products and more vegetables, fruit, natural fibers, etc.

Running time: 26min17