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Diet for Fructose Allergy

Fructose intolerance is often mistakenly referred to as a "fructose allergy." Whatever you call it, the condition is characterized by the body's inability to absorb or breakdown fructose during digestion. Because fructose is used as a sweetener in most processed foods in addition to being present in most fruits, it is very important to read labels carefully and avoid citrus and certain other fruits.

  1. Symptoms of Fructose Intolerance

    • Signs that you may be fructose intolerant include nervousness, trembling, sweating, a light-headed feeling, irritable bowel, cramping, nausea, bloating, diarrhea and gas about 30 minutes to two hours after eating. How severe your symptoms are will depend on how intolerant your body is to fructose, as well as the amount of fructose you have consumed. Your doctor can diagnose fructose intolerance with a breath test that checks for hydrogen.

    Avoiding Fructose

    • Eating a low-sugar diet is your best defense against the symptoms of fructose intolerance. Avoid fresh or dried fruits and fruit juices, white wine, sodas, honey, alcohol and any food or drink that lists high-fructose sweetener as an ingredient. Keep a food diary to better understand the effects limited amounts of fructose have on your body. You may be able to absorb small amounts at a time, so keep track of how you feel after eating products that contain fructose.

    Foods That Contain Fructose

    • Most processed foods contain at least some fructose, so you should stick to an all-natural diet as much as possible, eating fresh vegetables, low-fat meats, cheeses and grains. Many canned goods contain fructose, as well as desserts, drinks and bottled sauces, frozen biscuits and flavorings. Tell your pharmacists about your intolerance before receiving medications, which may contain the ingredient. Whole meal flours, new potatoes and many low starch vegetables contain high amounts of fructose.

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