After two and a half years of digestive problems, two primary care physicians(PCPs) and one gastrointestinal(GI) specialist later I have been diagnosed with a fructose intolerance or malabsorption. There is a difference between the two of them. Fructose intolerance is a hereditary condition that is caused by a gene malformation and the fructose malabsorption has an unknown cause. I definitely plan on finding out which one I have seeing how the hereditary one can cause kidney and liver damage. For more information on these conditions click here.
So how did they figure out that I have it? I had to take a hydrogen breath test. My GI specialist decided to try this base on my symptoms. She also wanted to try and rule other things out before I was given another colonoscopy. My symptoms lined up with a few different digestive disorders/diseases so I’m glad that she tested me for this. They were thinking that I might have Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease. I’m glad I don’t have either of those diseases but at the same time I’m pretty bummed out about it.
So what can’t I eat? Anything with a high content of: high fructose corn syrup(HFCS) fructose, honey, sorbital and possibly table sugar. This eliminated many processed foods, some veggies and a lot of fresh fruit. It has made shopping a pretty big pain in the ass so far. I have to read the labels for everything. I get to see a dietitian in a couple of weeks. I’m hoping to get a lot of my questions answered then.
If you can think of any questions write them in the comments below and I will try and get an answer for you.
It sounds good. Not that you have it but the blog is great.
Thanks! 🙂
That was really informative Kenzie. I know that you will be happier when you get to meet with a dietitian and find out what you need to know about eating to stay well.
I definitely will! I wish I had been able to go before I had to travel for work. Luckily they can see me the day after I get back. I have a lot of questions for them that I hope they can answer or point me in the right direction.