Hops

Hops intolerance involves the digestive system’s inability to properly process compounds in hops, resulting in discomfort and various symptoms. This is a non-immune response, unlike a hops allergy, which is an immune reaction to proteins in hops, potentially causing severe symptoms like hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis. Hops intolerance generally leads to milder, primarily digestive-focused symptoms and does not involve the immune system.

• Bloating and gas
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Indigestion

If you consistently experience digestive discomfort such as bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea after consuming products containing hops, it may be wise to consider a test for hops intolerance. This is particularly important if these symptoms disrupt your daily activities or if the specific cause of your discomfort is unclear, as it could be indicative of other dietary sensitivities or health issues.

Managing hops intolerance involves avoiding or limiting products containing hops in your diet. Since hops are primarily used in beer production, it’s important to be cautious when choosing alcoholic beverages and reading beer labels. Seek alternative alcoholic beverages that do not contain hops or explore non-alcoholic options. Consulting with a dietitian can help ensure a balanced diet while avoiding hops-containing products. Keeping a food diary can be beneficial in identifying other potential food intolerances and in tracking dietary adjustments.