The self-management work of food hypersensitivity

Abstract

Background Food hypersensitivity (FH) has received considerable attention in the scientific community in recent years. However, little attention has been given to the efforts people make to manage their FH. We aimed to explore these efforts by using Normalization Process Theory, which is a conceptual framework formerly used to describe the self-management ‘work’ of long-term conditions. Methods We carried out qualitative individual interviews with 16 women with FH. Transcripts from recorded interviews were analyzed using template analysis. Results 16 women participated; some had diagnoses from conventional medicine (celiac disease, lactose intolerance, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome) and some did not. Participants described carrying out several tasks, some of which were time-consuming, to manage their FH. Women who had clarified once and for all what food(s) caused symptoms, described that they could concentrate on carrying out a restricted diet, which could become routine. Conversely, participants who had not achieved such clarification described carrying out tasks to identify what food(s) caused symptoms, and to implement and evaluate a tentative diet. Participants’ descriptions also revealed a heightened vigilance when they ate food that others had prepared, and some made efforts to conceal their FH. Conclusions Self-management of FH may, like the self-management of other long-term conditions, imply a large workload and burden of treatment. Efforts made to conceal FH may be considered part of this workload, while help in clarifying which food(s) cause symptoms has the potential to reduce the workload.

Myths and Facts about Food Intolerance: A Narrative Review

“…In a recent study by Claire L. Jansson-Knodell et al, the findings further supported associations between food intolerance and conditions such as anxiety and depression, reinforcing the connection with a diminished health-related QOL [10]. Moreover, patients who report adverse food reactions often resort to therapeutic interventions based on self-diagnosis without seeking medical or dietary consultation [11,12]. In this narrative review, we conducted a comprehensive revision of the available literature on the most common food intolerances with the aim of clarifying the myths and reality and giving clinicians a guide on how to manage these cases.…”

When the path falls away

“…FHSs span a wide range of adverse reactions to food, from allergies to celiac disease and food intolerances (Figure 1). The discrepancy between self-identified FHSs and medically confirmed FHSs is discussed in the literature (Dybdahl Jakobsen et al, 2019, 2021Rona et al, 2007;Soller et al, 2015).…”