Intolerance, especially in the context of food, primarily affects the digestive system.
For example, lactose intolerance, a common condition, occurs when the body doesn't produce enough lactase, an enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar in milk. This leads to digestive symptoms like:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Bloating
These symptoms occur because lactose, undigested, ferments in the gut, causing discomfort.
Other types of intolerance, like gluten intolerance, also primarily impact the digestive system, though the exact mechanisms and symptoms can vary.