|
How common is Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance?
In a recent national telephone survey, over 30% of respondents said they would
likely avoid the foods that lead to symptoms caused by CCI.1
What are the symptoms of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance?
The symptoms of CCI can include: flatulence, abdominal pain, cramping2,
bloating, burping, and gastrointestinal discomfort.3 For more
information on the symptoms of CCI, click
here.
What foods can cause the symptoms of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance?
Foods that can cause CCI symptoms include: fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
nuts and seeds, breads, cereals, beans, lentils and dried peas.2
Is Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance treatable?
Yes. In fact, enzyme replacement therapy using the enzyme alpha-galactosidase—found
only in Beano®—is the only treatment alternative that doesn't just treat the
symptoms of CCI; it gets to the root of the cause of CCI, replacing the enzyme
that's missing from your body so you can digest complex carbohydrates.4-6
How much Beano do I need to take to prevent and treat the symptoms of
CCI?
To prevent gas before it starts, take one Beano® tablet, or five drops of
Beano® liquid per 1/2 cup serving of complex carbohydrate foods. A typical meal
consists of two or three servings of food, so a good rule of thumb is to take
three Beano® tablets, or 15 Beano® drops, with each meal. For the best results,
you may have to adjust the number of tablets or drops according to the number
of servings.2
Should I change my diet because I have Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance?
People who are carbohydrate intolerant may choose to follow a low-carbohydrate
diet with a low intake of legumes, starches, sorbitol, fructose, fiber and
lactose to help prevent symptoms.3 Just remember, by cutting out or
reducing your intake of complex carbohydrates, you may not have the symptoms of
CCI, but you also won't gain the protective health benefits of such foods. This
can include protection against coronary heart disease8, colon
cancer, and other diseases.9
What is the difference between Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance and
Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose Intolerance causes symptoms similar to the symptoms of Complex
Carbohydrate Intolerance. But while Complex carbohydrate Intolerance occurs
with foods containing complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, legumes, nuts,
seeds and grains, Lactose Intolerance occurs only with milk or other dairy
products.9
How do I know if I have Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance?
CCI occurs only when a person experiences bloating, discomfort and pain
associated with gas as a result of eating vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds,
grains or cereals. You may want to consider consulting your health care
professional with any questions about symptoms you may be experiencing.9
References: 1 Telenation
phone survey. August 20-24, 2004. 2 Levine B, Weisman S. Enzyme
Replacement as an Effective Treatment for the Common Symptoms of Complex
Carbohydrate Intolerance. Nutrition in Clinical Care. 2004. 3 Fink
RN, Lembo AJ. Intestinal gas. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol. 2001;4:333-337.
4 Solomons NW, Guerrero AM, Zepada E, Grazioso C. The efficacy of an
oral alpha-galactosidase to promote oligosaccharide hydrolysis and to reduce
intolerance symptoms after ingestion of beans: a dose response trial. Clin Res.
1991;39:655A. 5 Solomons NW, Vettorazzi L, and Gracioso C. Use of an
oral alpha-galactosidase to control gastrointestinal symptoms from legume
oligosaccharides in bean-intolerant subjects: a doubly masked, controlled
therapeutic trial. Clin Res. 1991;39:428A. 6 Ganiats TG, Norcross
WA, Halverson AL, Burford PA, Palinkas LA. Does Beano prevent gas? A
double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary
oligosaccharide intolerance. J Fam Pract. 1994; 39:441-445. 7 Hu
FB, Willett WC. Optimal diets for prevention of coronary heart disease. JAMA.
2002;288:2569-2578. 8 Weisberger JH, Reddy BS, Rose DP, Cohen LA,
Kendall ME, Wynder EL. Protective mechanisms of dietary fibers in nutritional
carcinogenesis. Basic Life Sci. 1993;61:45-63. 9 "Do Certain
Foods Cause Bloating, Gas Pain or Discomfort?" pamphlet. Block Drug Company
(Canada) Ltd.
|
 |
|