The enemy on your plate - how do you recognize a food intolerance?
Kira Zabe
June 11, 2022
Many are affected, but often those affected are in the dark and are at a loss or do not even realize that they have a food intolerance. In our team, Matthias and I are affected by it. In this post, we want to show you what the body can react to and how you can interpret your symptoms.
Several times a day we consume food. Ideally at intervals of 4 to 6 hours and 2 to 3 meals per day. In this rhythm, our body has sufficient time for food intake, nutrient utilization, and digestion. However, in reality, it often looks different. Tempted by the industry, we indulge in snacks such as comfort food and mood fillers. These have little to do with 'satisfying hunger,' which is what food is actually meant for.
How do I notice which foods cause me discomfort?
This legitimate question is the most difficult to answer. When you reflect on your food intake with a food diary, you quickly realize that it's not that simple. Because often we do not eat foods individually, but combine them with each other, making it almost impossible to determine which one is responsible for possible discomfort. In addition, there is the difference between an immediate reaction and a delayed reaction, which can occur up to three days after eating. You see, this makes the whole thing even more difficult.
Lactose Intolerance
In cases of lactose intolerance, the affected individuals lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose in the body. The most common symptoms can include bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and/or a feeling of fullness. Non-specific symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, concentration difficulties, exhaustion, or rapid heartbeat are very rarely associated with food intolerance. If you want to learn more about lactose intolerance, then get informed on this page.
Milk Protein Allergy
In this intolerance, the body reacts with an immune response to the proteins in milk. These are not only found in cow's milk but also in the milk of other mammals such as goats, sheep, or horses. The body fights the foreign protein with IgE antibodies and releases histamine. This increases the prevailing level of histamine in the body. If you consume a lot of foods containing histamine, it is likely that you will also be sensitive to histamine. Milk protein allergy usually occurs in babies or toddlers. In adults, lactose intolerance is more common. However, adults can also develop a milk protein allergy. If the standard lactose test does not trigger a reaction, but you have symptoms when consuming animal milk products, a milk protein intolerance should be considered. Click on this link, to get more comprehensive information.
Fructose Intolerance
Fructose intolerance is still not well-known to many, even though one in three adults in Germany is knowingly or unknowingly affected by it. The reason for this is that many processed foods contain a large amount of artificially produced fructose. Moreover, we consume more carbohydrates than in the past. Carbohydrates are converted into sugar by the body. We cannot metabolize this excess fructose, and our body reacts to it. It is rare to establish a connection between the symptoms. In addition to the same symptoms as lactose intolerance, this intolerance can be responsible for a weak immune system, reddened skin, joint pain, low iron levels, or even cravings for sweets. Learn more about this topic here.
Sorbitol Intolerance
Similar to fructose intolerance, those with sorbitol intolerance react to sugar. However, in this case, it is specifically the sugar alcohol. In food additives, sorbitol is known as E240. It is often used to sweeten food for diabetics. However, the industry also likes to use it as a humectant or to preserve food. Normally, metabolism occurs in the small intestine. But if the metabolism is disturbed, the process takes place in the large intestine instead. Bacterial fermentation leads to increased gas production, which is perceived as bloating. As with all other intolerances, symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and/or a feeling of fullness.
Learn more about sorbitol intolerance here.
Sucrose Intolerance
This intolerance is also among the sugar intolerances. It specifically involves reactions to table sugar or malt sugar. The most common symptoms are similar to those of fructose and sorbitol intolerance. You can learn more about this by following this link.
Celiac Disease (Gluten Intolerance)
Celiac disease is a genetically predisposed intolerance to gluten found in many types of grains. 30-35% of Germans have a genetically increased risk. However, only 2% develop the full picture of this intolerance. The onset is most commonly observed between the ages of 1 and 8 years or 30 and 50 years. Women are more frequently affected. In this case, there is a reaction to the gluten protein in the grain. This reaction causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which leads to the atrophy of the intestinal villi. As a result, nutrients can no longer be properly transported into the body, leading to a nutrient deficiency and the appearance of deficiency symptoms over time. The main symptoms are diarrhea, bloating, and a distended abdomen. Additionally, sufferers complain of weight loss, pallor, fatigue, and reduced performance. In children, it can even lead to growth problems.
If you want to delve deeper into the topic, then click on this link.
Bread is often a particular challenge when following a gluten-free diet. We have delicious bread recipes on the blog that are sure to succeed. Take a look right now!
Histamine Intolerance
If you have read our blog post from last month, you could already get an idea about histamine intolerance. We also listed what additional triggers could be. Symptoms can manifest as:
- Skin (hives, itching)
- Brain (headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances)
- Cardiovascular system
- gastrointestinal system
- Menstrual pain
- Respiratory tract (Runny/blocked nose, Asthma attack)
By clicking on this link, you will access a more detailed explanation of this intolerance.
No-go for alcohol allergy sufferers.
Alcohol Intolerance
Alcohol intolerance, or ethanol hypersensitivity, refers to individuals who suffer from an alcohol metabolism disorder. These people lack the enzyme needed to break down alcohol in the body. The troublesome aspect of this intolerance is that the body reacts very strongly to alcohol and can only metabolize it very slowly. Both factors contribute to the accumulation of toxic acetaldehyde. This is more commonly known as acetaldehyde syndrome (flush syndrome). Symptoms include a red face, increased heart rate, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and cardiovascular complaints. The metabolic disorder can be easily detected through a blood test. For detailed information on this intolerance, you can read here .
The horror of nut allergy sufferers, the nut!
Nut Allergy
Hazelnuts and walnuts are the most common nut allergies in Germany. Peanuts are in second place. Depending on sensitivity, mild symptoms such as tingling, itching, or burning on the tongue, lips, or throat may occur. Eczema flare-ups and constricted airways are also often observed. More severe reactions manifest on the skin with rashes, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal problems, or cardiovascular issues, as well as other symptoms are possible. You can read more about this on this page.
As you may have noticed, the symptoms of different intolerances are often the same or very similar. Throughout the day, we consume various foods, often in combination, which makes identifying them quite challenging. With our app, you can easily log your food diary. Go ahead and download the app now, if you haven't started using it yet!
Would you like to receive an alert through the app about which foods contain allergens you react to? Feel free to write us your request via email or enter it here!
What were you able to take away from this post for yourself, or have you had similar experiences? Feel free to write us your story at info@speisekammer.app.
Smantry: Not perfect – but made with a lot of heart
Many of our users write to us that theyhave been looking for exactly this kind of app for a long time. At the same time, we also read reviews that say:“Good idea, but …”
And that’s exactly what we want to talk about openly today.
An app for everyday life – not for perfection
Smantry is designed to make everyday life easier: manage groceries, stay on top of things, waste less.
Your feedback shows us that this is already working well for many of you:
- Inputs are quick and straightforward
- The scanner reliably detects most products
- Editing and making changes is easy
- Our support is perceived as fast, friendly, and solution-oriented
We’re really glad to hear that – because that’s exactly what we’re building Smantry for.
Why some things are (still) not perfect
What you often don’t see from the outside: Smantry is developed by a very small team.
Right now we are 5 people, and none of us works full-time on the app. We do this alongside other projects, jobs, and commitments – with a lot of passion, but limited resources.
That doesn’t explain everything, but it provides context:
- Some functions take longer
- Technical issues (e.g. with premium activations) unfortunately happen sometimes
- Not every idea can be implemented right away
Frequently asked questions from your reviews
Why a subscription?
The subscription allows us to cover server costs, ongoing development, updates, and support in the first place. Without continuous revenue, Smantry would not be able to exist in the long term.
"Why isn’t the bug I reported being fixed?"
Sometimes there are several bugs at the same time and we have to prioritize the ones that affect core functions. That can mean that a different bug gets fixed first. We always try to resolve everything quickly – but unfortunately we can only do it step by step.
Why doesn’t Premium sometimes work right away?
Subscriptions are managed through the app stores. In rare cases, synchronization issues can occur. That’s annoying, but not intentional – our support team will always help you with this personally.
Where we want to go
Smantry is meant to get better – not just on paper, but in real everyday life.
This includes:
- more features from the web app
- better stability
- more flexibility with categories
- clearer communication
Your feedback plays a central role in this.
In conclusion
We’re not a corporation.
We’re a small team that believes in a good idea and is putting it into practice step by step.
If Smantry is helping you – even if everything isn’t perfect yet – we really appreciate your trust, your feedback, and of course a fair rating in the App Store 💛
Thank you for being part of this development.
Power outage in Berlin: Why preparation and prepping are more important today than ever
An unexpected power outage in Berlin has recently shown how quickly our daily life can become unbalanced. Traffic lights went out, card payments stopped working, and many households were suddenly without light, internet, or cooking facilities. Such events highlight: emergency preparedness and prepping are not about spreading panic, but rather a sensible and responsible preparation for real risks.
Power Outage – A Real Risk for Major Cities
Whether it's technical malfunctions, construction work, or extreme weather conditions: A Blackout or regional power outage can occur at any time. Especially in large cities like Berlin, the effects are immediately noticeable. Without electricity, many basic systems no longer function – from supermarkets to ATMs to communication.
The most important question is:
Am I prepared for this?
Prepping: Preparedness instead of fear
Prepping does not mean preparing for apocalyptic scenarios. Rather, it's about everyday readiness:
- remain capable of acting
- be able to provide for the family
- Reduce stress and uncertainty
- not be immediately dependent on external help
The power outage in Berlin demonstrates: Just a few hours without electricity can cause major problems.
Stockpiling food as a key to emergency preparedness
A well-thought-out food supply is the foundation of any emergency preparedness. Experts recommend having supplies for at least 7 to 14 days. These include:
- non-perishable food items such as rice, pasta, canned goods
- Drinking water
- long shelf-life snacks
- Baby food or special diet
- off-grid cooking options (e.g., gas stoves)
Yet many households quickly lose track: What's available? What's missing? What's about to expire?
Digital preparation with the Smantry App
Here comes the Smantry App into play – your digital companion for prepping, preparation, and stockpiling. The app helps you to plan your supplies in a structured way and to keep track at all times.
With the Smantry App you can:
- Easily capture food supplies digitally
- Define minimum quantities for emergencies
- Monitor expiration dates and prevent food waste
- prepare specifically for power outages, blackouts, and crises
- Integrating prepping step by step into daily life
This makes emergency preparedness simple, transparent, and efficient.
Prepare now instead of improvising later:
👉 Download the Smantry App and start your digital emergency preparedness today.
Power outage in Berlin as a wake-up call
The power outage in Berlin was an eye-opener for many people. It demonstrates how quickly familiar structures can collapse – and how important it is to be prepared. Those who take precautions in time remain calm, safe, and independent.
Conclusion: Take precautions now instead of reacting later
Power outages, supply shortages, and crises are part of the reality of our time. With a well-thought-out food stockpiling and digital tools like the Smantry App you can make your emergency preparedness simple and effective.
👉 Start your preparation now
Download the Smantry App and gradually build up your personal emergency preparedness – before the next power outage occurs.
Discover the app now and be prepared.
🍂 Cozy Autumn Leftover Cooking – Comfort dishes made from what's available
When the rain taps on the window and the tea cup becomes a permanent guest, the most beautiful kitchen time of the year begins: autumn. And what could be a better match than stylish leftover cooking – dishes that are not only sustainable but also truly exciting.
Autumn leftover cooking means: use instead of waste, but with a touch of sophistication. Here are some more unusual ideas to turn leftovers into small culinary highlights.
🧀 1. Pumpkin Gnocchi from leftover roasted vegetables
Do you have some leftover roasted pumpkin or sweet potato from the day before? Perfect!
Mash the vegetables, mix them with some flour, salt, and grated Parmesan, shape them into small gnocchi, and briefly cook them in salted water until they float to the surface. Then toss them in sage butter and top with chopped walnuts.
→ Tastes like Italy, looks like fine dining – and it's all made from leftovers!
🥖 2. Rustic bread salad with grapes and goat cheese
Tear stale bread into pieces, toast in olive oil until golden brown.
Add a few grapes (wrinkled ones are especially sweet), arugula or lamb's lettuce, crumbled goat cheese, and roasted hazelnuts. Mix with a dressing of balsamic vinegar, honey, and mustard.
→ A fall twist on the classic Panzanella – sweet, salty, crunchy, perfect!
🧅 3. French onion tart with leftover vegetables and puff pastry
Got some leftover puff pastry in the fridge? Make a tart out of it!
Caramelize onions in butter, add some leftover vegetables (e.g., leeks, mushrooms, or spinach). Spread on the pastry, top with a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese, and bake until golden brown.
→ Wonderfully aromatic, especially with thyme or rosemary.
🍎 4. Apple Sourdough French Toast with Vanilla Rum Butter
A piece of stale sourdough bread is soaked in a mixture of milk, egg, vanilla, and a dash of rum, fried in a pan, and served with fried apple slices and a rum butter.
→ Luxurious, yet made entirely from leftovers – perfect for a Sunday breakfast in pajamas.
🥬 5. Risotto made from leftover vegetables with lemon and herb oil
Chop the vegetable scraps finely and cook with a handful of rice into a creamy risotto.
A dash of lemon juice and some leftover herbs (parsley, basil, arugula) blended with oil make a fresh herb oil as a topping.
→ The acidity of the lemon beautifully enhances the earthy autumnal notes.
☕️ Bonus Tip: Using leftovers in a dessert glass
A few spoons of leftover compote?
Some leftover cake or cookies?
Layer it all with yogurt or mascarpone in a glass – and you have an autumnal "trifle" that looks like it came straight from a café in Copenhagen.
🍁 Conclusion
Autumnal leftover cooking is not a last resort, but a playground for creativity. When you look at ingredients with open eyes – not as leftovers, but as opportunities – small, exquisite dishes full of soul and flavor emerge.
Why we never stop refining Smantry ✨
At Smantry, we don't believe in 'finished'.
An app that is meant to accompany people in their daily lives is never complete – it grows, changes, and evolves. Just like the people who use it. 💛
We regularly pay attention to every detail:
How does a click feel? Is the path to a function clear enough? Does the idea behind a new view come across intuitively?
Sometimes it's just tiny things that make the difference – a better-placed button, a simplified overview, or a sentence that suddenly becomes clearer.
What drives us is the idea that Smantry should feel easy, familiar, and meaningful.
We want you to open the app and feel: "Ah, this is exactly how it should work."
Of course, not everything always goes perfectly. But that's exactly the point: We take the time to listen, to observe, to reconsider. Every piece of feedback, every use case, every new idea helps us to understand a little better what really matters.
Smantry is not a rigid product for us – it's a living process. A collaborative project that grows step by step.
And every update, every small improvement is a sign that we are on the right track:
A path to an app that doesn't feel like technology, but like support.
Towards a daily life that becomes simpler. Towards clarity, structure – and maybe even a bit of ease. 🌿
We're staying on it.
Because we are convinced that good things take time – and that it's worth creating them with heart.
Your
Smantry-Team