Fructose Intolerance Home Remedies: 7 Ways to Ease Your Heart

Fructose intolerance causes discomfort after eating certain foods. Here are some good home remedies for fructose intolerance and to promote a healthy gut.

Do you feel bloated after eating your fruits or sweets? This could be a sign of fructose intolerance. This occurs when your body has trouble digesting fructose, a type of sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and many other foods. This is not a serious allergy. However, fructose intolerance can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Therefore, it is important to adjust your diet. While medical advice is important, natural remedies can also help. Try these home remedies for fructose intolerance to manage your symptoms.

What is fructose intolerance?

Fructose intolerance occurs when the body has trouble digesting or absorbing fructose, a type of sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and sweets. This unabsorbed fructose ends up in the gut, where gut bacteria ferment it, producing fat and causing other digestive issues like bloating.

There are two types of fructose intolerance:

1. Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)

It is a rare disorder caused by a deficiency of aldolase B, which is necessary for fructose metabolism, according to research published in MedlinePlus. This condition is present at birth and can be severe if sugar is consumed.

2. Fructose malabsorption

This is a common problem where the small intestine cannot absorb fructose. A study published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics shows that consuming foods containing fructose can cause symptoms of bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

What causes fructose intolerance?

1. Gene mutation

HFI is caused by a mutation in the ALDOB gene, which encodes aldolase B. If there is not enough aldolase B, fructose can accumulate in the liver, kidneys and intestines, leading to poisoning and causing serious symptoms when consumed.

2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome patients often have problems absorbing fructose. A study published in the journal BMC Gastroenterology found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) tested positive for fructose and fructan intolerance. Surprisingly, people who have problems absorbing one type of sugar (fructose or fructans) may also have problems absorbing other sugars.

3. Dietary factors

A high-fructose diet or eating certain types of fiber can increase the ability of the small intestine to absorb fructose. This can cause malabsorption,” the expert explained. So be careful when eating!

4. Infections

Intestinal infections can cause temporary damage to the intestines. In such a case, the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients such as fructose is affected. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms of the disease.

5. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Small intestinal bacteria can interfere with fructose absorption. According to a study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Movement, people with SIBO are more likely to have problems absorbing fructose than healthy people.

What are the symptoms of fructose intolerance?

The severity of fructose intolerance symptoms varies depending on fructose intake and individual tolerance. These are the symptoms of fructose intolerance:

• Abdominal pain
• Natural gas
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Headache

Fructose Intolerance Home Remedies

Here are some home remedies that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your digestive system.

1. Probiotics

According to research published in the Saudi Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, probiotics may help maintain intestinal health, improving digestion and reducing symptoms such as bloating and oiliness. Foods containing probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods. Taking a good probiotic supplement may also help.

2. Peppermint

According to research published in the journal Primary Care Herbs, peppermint has antispasmodic properties that may help relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. Drinking peppermint tea or taking enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules may help.

3. Ginger

Ginger may help reduce nausea, improve digestion, and reduce gas and bloating, according to research published in the journal Nutrients. Fresh ginger can be added to meals, consumed in tea, or taken as a supplement.

4. Dietary fiber

Adding more soluble fiber to your diet may help regulate digestion and reduce symptoms. Foods high in soluble fiber include oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, and psyllium husks, but experts explain that it’s important to increase your fiber intake gradually and drink plenty of water to prevent symptoms from worsening.

5. Chamomile

According to a study published in Molecular Medicine Reports, chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and sedative properties that may help improve digestion and reduce symptoms.

6. Fennel

According to a study published in the Journal of Animal Science,
fennel seeds help reduce fat and bloating. Chewing fennel seeds or drinking fennel tea after meals may be beneficial.

7. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help with digestion. Experts say, “A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted with a glass of water before meals will help with digestion.”

While home remedies can help control symptoms, the main treatment for fructose intolerance remains dietary changes to limit fructose intake. People with fructose intolerance can improve their quality of life and reduce symptoms by incorporating herbs into a healthy diet.