"Dietary fructose intolerance is more prevalent today than 20 years ago because our diets have changed. As many as one in three can have some degree of sensitivity to sugars," says Satish Rao, MD, PhD, director of UI Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility.

"Fructose intolerance is the body's inability to absorb fructose, a simple sugar the body uses for energy," says Rao. "Fructose occurs naturally. People have been eating it for generations in apples, pears and other unprocessed foods." Symptoms of fructose intolerance include bloating, diarrhea or constipation, flatulence and stomach pain.

Our diets now contain more processed food, soft drinks and candy. Before the introduction of high fructose corn syrups in food processing, the body was able to process the fructose. For some, this additional fructose is more than their bodies can tolerate and they become fructose intolerant.

Anyone can develop an intolerance to fructose. Because the body has a limited capacity to digest it, more than 25 grams of fructose at any one time can be the tipping point if you are intolerant.

How much is 25 grams? A glass of orange juice has 14, a can of cola has between 15 and 18. The amount of fructose in two apples or two ounces of honey is the same as in one can of soda.

"You can control this intolerance by becoming familiar with the problem and restricting fructose in your diet," says Rao, an expert on fructose intolerance. Use a journal to keep track of what you eat and your body's response to it to determine your trigger foods. Then you can establish your tolerance levels for these foods.

Hidden fructose

• Fruits and juices including:
  • Apples, pears, peaches, oranges, melons, guavas, mangos
  • Canned fruit in "natural" juice
  • Dried fruit, including prunes
• Chocolate
• Vegetables including:
  • Carrots, tomatoes, beets, onions, peas, corn
• Coconut milk
• Soft drinks
• Honey, maple syrup, caramel
• High fructose corn syrup is used in many forms in prepared foods so read food labels carefully.

Restaurant survival

• Select a restaurant with options that fit your diet
• Ask, ask, ask. Ask the wait staff or chef what ingredients are used
• When in doubt, don't take the chance
• Order simple foods so you know what ingredients have been used