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Why Some People Have Egg Intolerance: Possible Causes
Eggs are incredibly nutritious. They're a complete source of protein that provides energy to the body, contain choline, which is essential for brain and neurological health, and are rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and iodine. But despite having so many benefits, some people avoid it—not by choice, but simply because they cannot tolerate it. But what is egg intolerance, and is it really a thing? We at OnlyMyHealth inquired all about it from Divya Gopal, Consultant Dietitian and Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, Bengaluru, who also shared how it is different from an egg allergy.
What Is Egg Intolerance?
Gopal described egg intolerance as a condition where the digestive system struggles to process eggs, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and nausea.
She said, "These symptoms typically appear a few hours after consuming eggs and are a result of the body's inability to digest certain proteins found in eggs properly."
Also Read: Eggs For Breakfast: Expert Lists Benefits Of Eating Eggs In The Morning
But mind you, egg intolerance and egg allergy are two distinct conditions.
According to the expert, they are both characterised by adverse reactions to eggs, but they differ significantly in their underlying mechanisms, symptoms, and management.
Egg allergy involves the immune system, wherein the body's immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in eggs as harmful and releases histamines and other chemicals in response, explained Gopal.
On the contrary, egg intolerance involves the digestive system, which has difficulty processing proteins in eggs but does not involve the immune system.
Symptoms of egg allergy appear quickly, usually within minutes to a few hours after consuming eggs. These range from mild (hives, nasal congestion) to severe (anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and involves difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness).
On the other hand, symptoms of egg intolerance typically appear several hours after consuming eggs. These primarily include gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and nausea. Other symptoms can include fatigue and headaches.
Possible Causes Of Egg IntoleranceEgg intolerance can occur due to various reasons. According to Gopal, these mainly include:
Enzyme deficiency: Some individuals may lack the necessary enzymes to break down certain proteins in eggs. This can lead to digestive discomfort.
Sensitivity to proteins: Egg whites and yolks contain different proteins that can be hard to digest for some people. Common proteins that cause intolerance include ovomucoid, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin in the egg white, and livetin and apovitillin in the yolk.
Bacterial overgrowth: An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, might make it harder for the body to digest certain foods, including eggs.
Cross-reactivity: Sometimes, people with sensitivities to other foods or substances may react to eggs due to similar protein structures (cross-reactivity).
Food additives: Eggs processed with certain additives or preservatives might trigger intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Leaky gut syndrome: Increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as leaky gut syndrome, can allow undigested food particles, including egg proteins, to enter the bloodstream, causing an immune response.
Autoimmune conditions: In some autoimmune diseases, the body's immune system may mistakenly target certain proteins found in eggs, leading to intolerance.
Also Read: The Best Way To Eat Your Eggs If You Have High Cholesterol
Protein Alternatives To EggFor people with egg intolerance or egg allergy, there are various other sources of protein that can benefit their overall health. Here are some options you can explore:
Tofu: Made from soybeans, tofu is a versatile protein source that can be scrambled to mimic eggs. It contains about 10 grams of protein per half-cup serving.
Chickpea flour: Made from ground chickpeas, chickpea flour is rich in protein and can be used to make omelette-like dishes. It contains about 7 grams of protein per 1/4 cup serving.
Lentils: These are a great plant-based protein source and can be used in a variety of dishes. It contains about 18 grams of protein per cup cooked.
Quinoa: A complete protein source, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids and has about 8 grams of protein per cup cooked.
Greek yoghurt: Greek yoghurt is a dairy product that contains about 10 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Chia seeds: These seeds are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
According to Dubey, these alternatives not only provide good amounts of protein but also come with additional health benefits, making them excellent options for replacing eggs in various recipes.
It is important to understand that a balanced diet is key, and therefore, if you are unable to or cannot consume eggs, look for other healthy alternatives.
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Wait, Why Do I Get Diarrhea Every Day (Even When I'm Not Sick)?
If you've been feeling a rumbling in your stomach every day (promptly followed by loose stools), but don't have any other red flags pointing to things like food poisoning or a bug, you might be wondering what the heck's going on in your gut. Turns out, it is possible to have diarrhea every day without being sick; consistently loose poop doesn't always mean you have a gastrointestinal (GI) infection. Instead, daily diarrhea can signal an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.Diarrhea often takes on one of two forms: acute or chronic. It's acute if it happens just a couple times or for a few days, like when you have a stomach bug or food poisoning. But it's considered chronic or ongoing if you're having three or more loose stools per day for four weeks or longer, per the National Institutes of Health.
The latter can happen for a ton of different reasons. "There are many causes of chronic diarrhea," says Ali Khan, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Gastro Health in Fairfax, Virginia. Here's a dive into some of the most common ones, and how to get your stomach settled again.
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What are the causes of daily diarrhea?Again, there are...So many reasons. Figuring out what might be messing with your GI tract really comes down to paying attention to your symptoms, and in some cases, also looping in your doctor. The most common ones include:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)IBS is "one of the most common conditions causing chronic diarrhea that we see as gastroenterologists," says Dr. Khan. While the exact cause of the chronic intestinal disorder is largely unknown, factors that play a role in its development are frequent muscle contractions in the gut, nerve sensitivity, stress, and changes in the gut microbiome. Symptoms are often triggered by stress or certain foods and can include the following, per the Mayo Clinic:
IBS is most common in women under the age of 50, but anyone can develop it, especially if it runs in your family or you have a mental health condition like anxiety or depression, per the Mayo Clinic.
What to do: IBS can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but it's not life-threatening, says Dr. Khan. You can usually manage your symptoms by identifying and avoiding dietary triggers (like gas-producing foods, gluten, or FODMAPs), getting enough sleep, and managing your stress levels. If lifestyle changes aren't enough, your doctor can also prescribe meds to help control your diarrhea, per the Mayo Clinic.
Food sensitivity or intoleranceIf your gut doesn't like a certain food, it might respond by giving you diarrhea when you eat it (especially in large quantities). According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), frequent offenders include the following:
What to do: Steering clear of foods or ingredients that trigger GI distress can help you avoid symptoms like diarrhea. And keeping a food diary can help you identify the likely culprits. "Write down what you eat every day and any symptoms that occur," says Roshini Raj, MD, a gastroenterologist and founder of YayDay. "If you do this consistently for a week or two, the information gathered can help you and your doctor draw some correlations and identify food triggers."
You can also try taking an enzyme like Lactaid (if you're lactose intolerant) before you eat dairy, to help with digestion.
Photo: Amazon.Com Lactaid (120 caplets) — $15.54
Celiac diseaseCeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an inflammatory GI reaction when a person eats gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It can cause symptoms like bloating, cramping, diarrhea (that's often oily or greasy), gas, and constipation, and can lead to long-term intestine damage over time, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What to do: If you get oily diarrhea, stomach cramping, or other GI symptoms when you eat gluten, see your doctor to rule out celiac disease. Your doctor can run blood work and other diagnostic tests to figure out if you have it. (But don't cut out gluten before your tests, or it'll skew the results, says Dr. Raj.) If you do have celiac disease, you'll need to avoid foods with gluten like wheat bread, pasta, baked goods, and many packaged foods.
Certain medicationsUnfortunately, diarrhea is a common side effect of many different medications. This can range from the go-to headache reliever in your medicine cabinet to something recently prescribed by your doctor, including (but not limited to) the following, per the National Library of Medicine (NLM):
What to do: If a medication has been prescribed to you, don't stop taking it just yet. Let your doctor know you think it's giving you diarrhea, so you can decide together how to manage the problem. If your diarrhea is from antibiotics, supplementing with a probiotic like Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces could be helpful, according to an August 2022 review in Healthcare1.
Chronic stress or anxietyFeeling tense or worried can definitely give you GI symptoms, including diarrhea. "The gut is a heavily innervated organ, so when we feel stress or anxiety, like before a big exam or job interview, it sends signals to our gut which can manifest in symptoms like cramping or diarrhea," says Dr. Khan. Anxiety may also cause you to feel heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chills, nausea, or sweating, too, per the NLM.
What to do: It's not necessarily an instant fix, but finding ways to cope with your stress can help you feel calmer and more physically comfortable. "We all need strategies to quiet the noise in our head," says Dr. Raj, who's a fan of activities like meditation, regular exercise, and deep breathing to slow down our nervous systems and ease stress-related diarrhea.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions that cause the immune system to attack the lining of the GI tract. Unlike IBS, IBD can cause long-term damage to the gut if not managed properly. A common warning sign of IBD is non-infectious diarrhea—particularly bloody diarrhea—but other symptoms can include the following, per the Mayo Clinic:
What to do: Unfortunately, there's no cure for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. But most people can manage their symptoms and reduce their risk for complications with the right medications—like a biologic or another immunosuppressant, per the Mayo Clinic. If you suspect you're dealing with an IBD, let your doctor know. They can refer you for a colonoscopy or endoscopy, which can help diagnose IBD by taking a closer look at the walls of your intestines.
Malabsorption issuesMalabsorption happens when your body isn't able to absorb certain nutrients from your food—like fat, carbs, or protein. When these nutrients aren't absorbed, they can end up coming out as chronic diarrhea that's greasy and foul-smelling. Malabsorption issues can also lead to unintentional weight loss or certain vitamin deficiencies (like vitamin D or B12) and nutrient deficiencies like anemia (i.E., iron deficiency), per the NLM.
Usually malabsorption is the result of an underlying condition. While there are a ton of possible culprits, some of the more common ones include IBD, alcohol use disorder, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, celiac disease, or another food intolerance, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
What to do: If you've been getting diarrhea on the daily (and possibly have symptoms of anemia like muscle weakness or fatigue), ask your doctor about malabsorption. Your doctor will likely start by asking about your symptoms and getting your full health history. Then, they can run things like hydrogen breath tests, stool samples, or blood work to identify any deficiencies or intolerances that may lead to malabsorption.
How to tell if your diarrhea is caused by an infection or virusNot sure whether your diarrhea is from a nasty stomach bug or something more? Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help clue you in, according to the Mayo Clinic:
There can be. "The most worrisome risks of chronic diarrhea are fluid and electrolyte losses, which can lead to dehydration," says Dr. Khan. Some signs of electrolyte imbalance to look out for include fatigue, headaches, irregular or fast heart rate, and muscle weakness, per the Cleveland Clinic.
You can also start to run into potentially serious problems—like weight loss or malnutrition—if your diarrhea is caused by an underlying condition that isn't being treated, such as IBD, celiac disease, or another malabsorption issue. That's why if your diarrhea is ongoing (and even happens on and off for a long period of time), it's best to let your doctor know.
How to prevent daily diarrheaPreventing chronic diarrhea starts with pinpointing what's causing it in the first place. "It's important to determine the underlying cause, as reasons for diarrhea can vary greatly," Dr. Khan says. Loose stools caused by anxiety, for instance, will ease up with stress-management strategies, while diarrhea from a food intolerance calls for avoiding the foods or drinks that mess with your stomach. If you have a chronic underlying condition like IBD, you may need to take medication.
When to see a doctor about daily diarrheaLet your doctor know if you've been having diarrhea on the reg for more than a couple weeks (or if you've had any sudden change in your bowel habits, for that matter). This can be a sign of bad gut health that needs to be addressed. While your daily diarrhea might stem from a milder concern that you can treat at home, like stress or food intolerances, it's important to rule out serious conditions that require medical treatment, says Dr. Khan.
FAQ What stops diarrhea fast naturally?Your best bet for stopping diarrhea fast is an OTC anti-diarrheal medication like loperamide (Imodium), especially if your day doesn't allow for multiple trips to the bathroom (i.E., you're traveling or about to give a big speech). This med "works by slowing the gut and can be effective in infrequent doses," says Dr. Khan. But don't take it if you think you might have an infection, because it can actually make the problem worse by keeping bacteria trapped in your gut.
What are some home remedies for diarrhea?A bland, low-fiber diet (think: white bread, white rice, noodles, or lean proteins like yogurt, chicken, or scrambled eggs) can help soothe your symptoms, because they're easy on your stomach and won't trigger any further irritation, per the Cleveland Clinic.
You can also try pectin, a form of fiber that actually slows the movement of stool through your GI tract. Find it in powdered form at most grocery stores near the pudding or gelatin. The IFFGD recommends mixing 1 tablespoon of pectin powder into 1/4 cup lemon water and drinking 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.
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What Types Of Sugar Trigger IBS Symptoms?
Sugar can trigger IBS symptoms due to a lack of enzymes in your digestive system, but triggers can also be related to stress, alterations in gut bacteria, and hormone imbalances.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a type of gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that causes a variety of GI symptoms. These can include stomach upset, cramps, and bloating as well as issues with bowel movements, such as diarrhea and constipation.
About 12% of the U.S. Population has IBS. Its level of severity can vary. Some people experience mild symptoms, but for others, symptoms can disrupt daily life.
Due to the complexity of IBS, there's no single known cause. Instead, it's important to focus on what triggers your symptoms, including your diet.
Sugar — both manufactured and naturally occurring — is one ingredient to consider with your IBS treatment plan. While not all sugars trigger IBS symptoms, eliminating certain types may help manage your condition.
This article explores why sugar may trigger IBS symptoms and the types of sugars that may do so.
When you consume sugar, your small intestine releases certain enzymes to help digest it. The molecules are then absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream where it can be used for energy.
It's thought that a lack of enzymes needed to digest sugar may trigger symptoms of IBS. Hormones, alterations in gut bacteria, and stress may also play a role in triggering symptoms.
Not everyone with IBS is sensitive to the same types of sugar. Identifying your individual triggers early on can help alleviate your symptoms.
Sugar is available in many forms, both commercially made and naturally occurring. Below are the three main types of sugars that can cause potential issues with IBS and are considered high FODMAP.
For IBS management, it's helpful to consume low FODMAP foods, rather than high FODMAP ones.
SucroseBetter known as table sugar, sucrose is perhaps the most widely used sugar in foods. It's derived from sugarcane or beet sugars. While classified as its own type of sugar, sucrose is technically made with the combination of two sugar molecules: fructose and glucose.
You can buy sucrose to bake with or add to your coffee, and many packaged sweets and premade meals contain it, too.
Despite its wide use, sucrose can be especially harmful to certain health conditions, like IBS.
FructoseFructose is another potentially problematic sugar if you have IBS. You can find forms of fructose in fruit juices, sodas, and packaged sweets.
However, even natural forms of fructose in fruit can be problematic. This is especially the case with high fructose fruits, such as apples, grapes, and pears, as well as honey.
You don't have to avoid fruit altogether though. Instead, swap out higher fructose-containing fruits with ones that are known to contain less fructose. Berries, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits aren't as likely to trigger IBS symptoms.
LactoseSome people with IBS are also sensitive to lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in milk. Your body breaks down milk with the help of lactase enzymes in the small intestine, similar to sucrase enzymes needed to break down sucrose.
However, many adults don't make enough lactase in the body and may experience lactose intolerance as well as subsequent symptoms like bloating and gas.
Not everyone with IBS has lactose intolerance, but lactose-containing foods are triggers for many people with IBS. You may consider avoiding milk as well as other dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
Due to the digestive upset caused by natural sugars, some people opt for sugar substitutes. However, many of these are linked to IBS symptoms, too.
Sorbitol and xylitol are two common types of sugar substitutes that have been linked to abdominal cramps and diarrhea from IBS. These sugar substitutes are found in sugar-free desserts, candies, and gums.
Stevia may be safe for IBS, but more research is needed.
Approach "natural" sweeteners with caution if you have a history of IBS symptoms triggered by sugar. Honey and agave, for example, both contain fructose, so if you're sensitive to other fructose-containing foods, these sweeteners may not be the best option.
IBS can be similar to having food intolerances in that the only way you can completely avoid negative reactions is by avoiding triggering foods altogether.
However, depending on the severity of your condition, this doesn't mean you can't ever have a sweet treat once in a while. The decision ultimately depends on symptom severity and whether eating certain sweets is really worth it.
Dietary approaches can significantly help treat IBS. Some people need medications based on whether they have IBS with constipation or diarrhea. While taking medications can help ease your IBS symptoms, your doctor will still likely recommend an appropriate diet based on your food triggers.
Aside from sugars and sweeteners, there are other foods that can trigger IBS symptoms.
The following foods and beverages commonly cause symptoms in people with IBS:
You can try cutting these foods and beverages from your diet to see whether your symptoms improve. But remember that everyone with IBS is different, and restricting certain foods may not be necessary.
It's a good idea to work with a knowledgeable healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, if you're interested in trying an elimination diet to improve your IBS symptoms.
To process sucrose, your small intestine releases sucrase enzymes. Some people have a rare genetic condition called congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID), also called sucrose intolerance.
People with this condition have less enzymes to break down sucrose. They also have problems digesting maltose, a naturally occurring sugar found in grains.
When sucrose or maltose passes through the small intestine undigested, it causes symptoms similar to those of IBS, including bloating, diarrhea, and excess gas. The symptoms typically occur immediately after eating sucrose or maltose-containing foods.
Unlike IBS, though, CSID can be severe enough to interfere with human development and growth. CSID is most often detected during childhood when children experience malnutrition and symptoms of failure to thrive.
Many foods can trigger IBS symptoms, with sugar being just one type.
Typically, the best way to find relief from sugar that worsens your IBS is by removing your triggers altogether. Not everyone reacts to the same sugars, and you may find that certain types trigger your IBS when others do not.
Talk with a doctor about ways to help identify your food triggers and how your overall diet can play an overall role in IBS management.
4 Food Allergy Apps That Can Help You Shop, Eat Out—or Find an ER
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