A growing number of Brits are excluding vital foods from their daily diets because of fears of allergies and intolerances, say GPs, and research suggests that well- documented celebrity food fads are to blame for people self-diagnosing these conditions. Norwich Union Healthcare.
A growing number of Brits are excluding vital foods from their daily diets because of fears of allergies and intolerances, say GPs, and research suggests that well-documented celebrity food fads are to blame for people self-diagnosing these conditions.
The UK has seen a sharp rise in the number of cases of food allergies and intolerances, but GPs warn that cutting out important foods without medical advice could do more harm than good.
Figures from Norwich Union Healthcare’s latest ‘Health of the Nation Index’, a survey of 250 GPs nationwide, reveal:
- 63% of GPs have seen an increase in patients reporting a food intolerance in the last year
- However, nearly three quarters (73%) of doctors believe that their patients’ reactions are psychological not physical and have no obvious explanation or cause
But according to GPs, excluding important foods such as wheat and dairy from our diet is potentially harmful and should not be undertaken without proper consultation.
The evidence suggests that many people are diagnosing themselves with the help of gossip mags and the television rather than from consultations with trained professionals.
- 22% of people first heard of food intolerances and allergies through celebrity interviews, magazines and TV shows*
- 19% of people heard of them through friends and family*
With information coming from various sources lacking in medical credibility, it’s no surprise that there is confusion around the issue. In fact, 94% of GPs believe that people don’t know the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance while up to a quarter of people believe they have a food intolerance or know someone who does. Without proper medical advice, GPs and experts are warning against exclusion diets associated with some of the most frequently reported intolerances, including:
- Wheat intolerance – as suffered by Rachel Weisz and Geri Halliwell (identified by 23% of people)
- Dairy intolerance – as suffered by Orlando Bloom and Victoria Beckham (identified by 21% of people)
- Gluten intolerance – as suffered by Carol Vorderman
(identified by 19% of people) - Lactose intolerance – as suffered by Rachel Hunter
(identified by 18% of people)
Nutritionist and registered dietitian Jill Scott explains: “Food allergies and intolerances can be serious for individuals who are affected. Whilst it’s encouraging that awareness of this issue is improving, it’s crucial that people don’t jump to conclusions based on what they’ve heard or read. Excluding particular food groups can upset a balanced and healthy diet. Avoiding dairy products for example may result in low calcium intake, which can in the long run affect bone health. We strongly recommend that anyone with good reason to believe they may be suffering an intolerance or food allergy seeks out professional advice.”
Roger Taylor, Research Director at Dr Foster who carried out the research, said: “Health information in magazines can often be misleading or fail to give a properly balanced picture. People should think first about whether they have a properly balanced diet and if they are concerned about allergies or food intolerance seek the advice of a dietitian or their GP”.
Dr Doug Wright, clinical spokesperson for Norwich Union Healthcare, continues: “Individual digestive patterns and dietary needs are completely unique and varied. Whilst many of us will be thinking of starting the New Year on a diet, before doing so it’s crucial we understand how what we eat affects us and the potentially harmful side effects of not eating certain food groups. There are plenty of resources, online or elsewhere, to help people better understand how food works and how to eat as healthily as possible.”
To help people better manage intolerances and allergies, Jill Scott has put together the following suggestions:
- Be clear on the differences between food allergies and intolerances. A food intolerance is any adverse reaction to specific foods not usually involving the immune system, whereas allergies activate the body’s immune system
- Visit Norwich Union’s www.personalhealthmanager.co.uk for more information on intolerances and allergies and their symptoms
- If problems persist, it is important to visit your GP to be tested
- If excluding certain foods, ensure you consult good professional advice on how to maintain an enjoyable, healthy and balanced diet
- Use food labels to help identify problem ingredients
-ends-
Media contacts:
Chris Lauwerys or Emilie Lien, Lexis Public Relations on 020 7908 6488.
Norwich Union Press Office contacts:
Lorna Wiltshire: 020 7662 1013 or 07800 695 150
James Evans: 01904 452 791 or 07800 699 525
Notes to editors:
Case studies available on request.
Norwich Union Healthcare commissioned Dr Foster to conduct research amongst approximately 250 practicing GPs from across the UK in September 2005.
*ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1000 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 3-4 December 2005. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
About Norwich Union Healthcare
- Norwich Union Healthcare was founded in 1990 as the healthcare arm of Norwich Union and now provides a range of income protection and private medical insurance products that cover over 870,000 lives. It is one of the largest providers of income protection and private medical insurance in the UK.
- Norwich Union Healthcare is authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Authority and is a member of the Association of British Insurers and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva’s internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.
About Dr Foster
- Dr Foster is the leading independent authority on healthcare quality in the UK. It publishes information that is accessible to the general public and provides information analysis to the professional healthcare community.
- An independent Ethics Committee with substantial powers to enforce editorial and research integrity oversees the organisation.
- Further information is available at www.drfoster.co.uk