Unexpected Adversities from Everyday Foods: Tales of Lactose Intolerance and Food Poisoning

Have you ever ingested a completely normal food only to suffer from an unexpected and severe reaction? This article delves into personal experiences involving two seemingly harmless foods that wreaked havoc on the narrator’s health – milk and smoked salmon. These stories highlight the surprising yet often overlooked aspects of everyday foods that can lead to adverse reactions.

From Milk to Lactose Intolerance

I hold a deep affection for milk. It was an integral part of my meals and routine, from breakfast cereal with a full glass of milk to fried eggs and even French toast. This affection reached a turning point during my junior high years, around the age of 13. In early or mid-morning after my breakfast, I experienced intense stomach pains followed by diarrhea. These symptoms persisted for weeks and were not a daily occurrence but rather took place 2–3 times a week.

Through a process of elimination and consultation with medical professionals, we finally concluded that I was lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is a condition where individuals loose the ability to produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, shortly after puberty. This non-trivial percentage of people, including many Asians and Pacific Islanders, experience symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea when consuming lactose-rich foods.

The Smoked Salmon Incident

Another unexpected reaction came one day when I indulged in smoked salmon at a seafood restaurant with a friend. Despite the proximity of the toilet, I experienced severe and rapid-onset food poisoning. My symptoms were more severe than any previous experience – diarrhea that literally bypassed my sphincter muscles. The test results revealed that the specific pathogen I had contracted commonly caused people to become severely ill for several months, often leading to weight loss due to nutrient malabsorption.

The Hawastered Graduation Dinner

The night of my friend’s graduation, we shared a meal at the seafood restaurant Pappadeaux. We enjoyed a range of appetizers, including New England lobster bites, mozzarella cheese bites, and calamari. Our entrees were also quite hearty. For some reason, despite having all these delicious options, I couldn’t seem to get full. I devoured my plate and even took portions from others, still feeling unsatisfied. I returned home, only to fall into a sudden, intense headache. The music and conversation in the car were distressing, and my mother noticed my bloodshot eyes, dryness, and reported lethargy.

The following morning, I woke up with a 104.9° fever. I assumed the culprit was the food from the restaurant, as I didn’t experience similar symptoms in the past, but the doctor couldn’t confirm this with certainty. My recovery was swift, but the experience left me a little shaken, illustrating that even the most enjoyable foods can have unforeseen consequences.

Conclusion

This article serves as a reminder that while some foods are considered 'everyday' or 'normal,' they can unexpectedly lead to serious health issues such as lactose intolerance or food poisoning. These incidents are important to consider, especially when dining out or trying new foods. Understanding individual sensitivities and recognizing the potential risks can help in making informed choices and managing health more effectively.

References

[1] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Lactose Intolerance

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Onset and Delay