What causes the intolerance?
People who are intolerant of complex carbs don’t have enough digestive enzymes to break down complex carbs into simple sugars. Only simple sugar can be absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine. As a result of the digestive enzyme shortfall, undigested carbohydrates pass into the large intestine, where they’re fermented by microbes. The products of this fermentation are the gases hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and fatty acids—which in turn cause gas and provoke the other characteristic symptoms of complex carb intolerance. Across the population, there’s a broad range in the level of enzyme deficiency, as well as in the tolerance for its consequences. A person may do fine with a moderate portion of complex carb foods but experience symptoms after eating a larger serving. Managing symptoms People with complex carbohydrate intolerance can try a number of tactics to minimize symptoms. Besides limiting the amount of complex carbs in their diet, they may eat more slowly and chew t
