Mushroom intolerance

  • Definition of lactose intolerance

    Lactose intolerance is the inability to completely digest lactose (the main sugar in milk, dairy, and milk products) while the food is passing through the small bowel. In people who can tolerate lactose, all lactose molecules are broken down to glucose and galactose inside the small bowel.

  • Cause of lactose intolerance (etiology)

    Lactose intolerance is usually the result of your body not producing enough lactase enzymes in the small bowel. Lactase is an enzyme (a protein that causes a chemical reaction to occur) normally produced in your small intestine that's used to digest lactose. If you have a lactase deficiency, it means your body does not produce enough lactase.

  • Types of lactose intolerance


    Primary lactose intolerance is due to low levels of lactase enzyme, which develop after childhood.

    Secondary lactose intolerance is an acquired, lactase deficiency that may develop in a person with a healthy small intestine during episodes of acute or chronic illness such as small bowel inflammation. This occurs because of mucosal damage or from medications. 

    Congenital lactose intolerance is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is very rare.

  • How common is mushroom intolerance (prevalence)?

    The overall extent of mushroom allergy is not known. It may be very slight (1%) from eating, but could, alternatively, be as prevalent as pollen and mould allergy (10-30% of an allergic population).

  • Symptoms (clinical presentation)

    Consumption of mushrooms can trigger skin irritation, hives, and rashes. Some people also reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, runny nose, watery eyes, swelling of lips, mouth, or throat after eating mushrooms. Swelling of the throat can cause difficulty in breathing.

  • Investigation for possible lactose intolerance

    ·     The hydrogen breath test is the diagnostic test of choice. Subjects are administered lactose solution after an overnight fast, after which expired air samples are collected before and at 30-minute intervals for 3 hours to assess hydrogen gas concentrations.

    ·     The hydrogen-methane breath test is based on the premise that when patients fail to digest lactose in the small intestine, non-absorbed carbohydrates will reach the colon where lactose is fermented by the intestinal flora producing hydrogen and/or methane that diffuse into the circulation and are ultimately expired in the breath.

    ·     We offer you this breath test in Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

    ·     You can contact us for an appointment (mobile no. 056-329 9935).

  • What should I not eat to avoid mushroom intolerance?

    Foods high in ergothioneine include:

    Mushrooms (shiitake has has concentration of ergothioneine)

    Asparagus

    Black beans

    Oat bran

    Kidney beans

    Garlic

    Soy products

    Brazil nuts 



Avoid: Lactose-rich food Not tolerated lactose-rich food
Attention: „Hidden” Sources of Lactose in Food Products: Milk and foods made from milk are the only natural sources for lactose. Nevertheless, lactose is often added to prepared food. People with very low tolerance for lactose should know about food products that may contain even small amounts of lactose, including the following:
Milk, Dairy Milk, milk products, yoghurt, labne, soft cheese, milk based liquids and powder, powdered coffee creamers
Baked goods Bread, baked food, processedbreakfast cereals, instant soups
Sweets and Convenience Food Custard, pudding, ice cream, milk chocolate, cheese cake
Protein Processed meat, chicken, fish
Mixed food Mixes for pancakes, biscuits, and cookiesInstant potatoes, breakfast drinks, instant potatoes, soups, breakfast drinks, soups
Maybe: Possibly tolerated food (if you are having a low level of lactose intolerance)
Dairy Aged cheese, like Cheddar, Parmesan, Brie, Camembert, blue cheese, Haloumi, Ricotta, dark chocolate
Protein Processed food (meat, chicken, and fish) with low lactose content
Sweets. Chocolate
Prefer to eat: Tolerated food free or low in lactose
Milk, dairy Lactose-free milk, lactose free dairy, lactose free yoghurt, Soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk
Vegetables All types of vegetables
Fruits All types of fruits
Nuts, Seeds All types of nuts and seeds
Protein Not processed meat, chicken, and fish