How to cure sugar intolerance: 6 safe, doctor-approved tips

According to research, sugar intolerance is quite common, especially with types of sugar malabsorption such as lactose and fructose. Lactose intolerance alone can affect approximately 65% of the global adult population. When the body cannot digest certain types of sugar, patients often experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, or discomfort after eating. This not only affects meals but also reduces the quality of life if not properly managed.

If you are looking for ways to treat sugar intolerance, it is important to understand that currently there is no definitive cure for most cases. However, identifying the specific sugar causing irritation and adjusting your diet can help control symptoms effectively, while still ensuring the body receives adequate nutrients. In this article, Tiptory will guide you on how to recognize the causes, manage sugar malabsorption, and apply scientific solutions to reduce symptoms, helping you eat comfortably and live a healthy life every day.

Part 1: How to recognize and diagnose sugar malabsorption

Method 1: Record symptoms after eating sugar

Monitor symptoms after each meal containing sugar

• If you suspect sugar intolerance or sugar malabsorption, record all symptoms that appear after eating or drinking foods containing sugar. Common symptoms include bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or digestive discomfort.

• Maintain a daily food diary by noting the time of eating, type of food, amount of food consumed, and subsequent symptoms. This is a simple but very useful way to identify which type of sugar is reacting with your body.

• Don't just pay attention to table sugar or natural sugars in fruits; you should also check processed foods such as sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, milk, sauces, and packaged foods, as they often contain various hidden sugars.

• When you visit the doctor, bring your food diary so the doctor can assess the relationship between diet and symptoms. This information helps support a more accurate diagnosis and develop a plan for treating sugar intolerance or managing sugar malabsorption tailored to each individual.

Carefully read the names of sugars on food labels

• On product packaging, sugar can be listed under many different names instead of just "sugar". Some common names include:

  • Sucrose (cane sugar)

  • Fructose (fruit sugar)

  • Lactose (milk sugar)

• Recognizing these ingredients will help you proactively avoid the types of sugar that cause symptoms, thereby reducing discomfort and supporting effective control of sugar intolerance in daily life.

Method 2: Implement an elimination diet

Try an elimination diet to identify symptom-causing foods

• If you frequently experience symptoms of sugar intolerance or suspect you have sugar malabsorption, your doctor may recommend an elimination diet. This is a common method used to identify which foods are causing discomfort to your digestive system.

• For about 2–4 weeks, temporarily remove groups of foods that commonly cause allergies or sensitivities from your diet. After this period, reintroduce one food at a time, monitoring your body's reaction for a few days before trying the next type.

• If symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or flatulence appear after reintroducing a food, it is likely that food is the irritant. You should limit or avoid this food as advised by your doctor or nutritionist to help treat sugar intolerance and control symptoms more effectively.

Prioritize monitoring foods that commonly cause reactions

• When following an elimination diet, pay attention to food groups often associated with sensitivities or allergies, including:

  • Milk and dairy products.

  • Gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley, rye).

  • Eggs.

  • Soy.

  • Peanuts and tree nuts.

  • Citrus fruits.

  • Shellfish.

  • Corn.

  • Beef and beef products.

• Not everyone reacts to these food groups. Therefore, systematic monitoring will help accurately identify the cause rather than unnecessarily eliminating foods, avoiding nutritional imbalances.

Discuss digestive enzymes with your doctor if needed

• If some foods often cause indigestion or abdominal pain but are still necessary in your diet, consult your doctor about supplementing with appropriate digestive enzymes.

• Digestive enzymes can help break down certain food components in people with enzyme deficiencies, thereby reducing feelings of bloating, indigestion, or abdominal pain after meals. However, this is only a supportive measure and does not replace identifying and avoiding foods that cause sugar malabsorption or other symptom-causing agents.

Method 3: See a doctor if you suspect sugar intolerance

Seek medical attention when suspicious symptoms appear

• If you have symptoms of sugar intolerance or sugar malabsorption, proactively see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. This condition requires evaluation based on your medical history, diet, and potentially specialized tests to determine the cause.

• Common symptoms include:

  • Bloating, abdominal distension.

  • Increased gas in the intestines.

  • Abdominal cramping or stomach spasms.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Abdominal discomfort after consuming sugary foods such as milk, fruits, or sugary drinks.

• If symptoms recur or worsen after each consumption of sugary foods, you should schedule an early appointment to receive advice on how to treat sugar intolerance and develop a suitable diet.

May be referred to a gastroenterologist

• A general practitioner will assess initial symptoms and rule out other common causes.

• If necessary, you may be referred to a Gastroenterologist for specialized tests such as breath tests, sugar tolerance tests, or other diagnostic methods to accurately identify the type of sugar malabsorption you have.

Do not self-diagnose as symptoms are easily confused

• The symptoms of sugar intolerance are very similar to many other digestive conditions, such as:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

  • Lactose intolerance.

  • Food allergies.

  • Celiac disease or other malabsorption disorders.

  • Some inflammatory bowel diseases.

• Therefore, relying solely on symptoms is not sufficient for a conclusion. An accurate diagnosis will help select appropriate treatment methods and avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions.

Special considerations for young children

• Sugar malabsorption often appears in childhood, so parents should monitor if their child frequently experiences bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal pain after eating sugary foods.

• In addition to digestive symptoms, some children may gain weight or develop slower than usual due to poor nutrient absorption over a long period.

• When children show these signs, they should be taken to a doctor early for diagnosis and timely intervention, helping to limit the impact on physical development and nutrition.

Method 4: Perform tests to identify the type of sugar

Perform tests to identify the type of sugar intolerance

• After clinical examination and medical history collection, your doctor may order specialized tests to determine if you have sugar intolerance or sugar malabsorption to a specific type of sugar.

• Identifying the correct trigger is crucial for developing a suitable diet, minimizing unnecessary dietary restrictions, and supporting more effective treatment for sugar intolerance.

Breath test for fructose intolerance

• If fructose intolerance is suspected, doctors typically order a hydrogen breath test.

• During the test, you will drink a standard amount of fructose. Then, breath samples will be collected at timed intervals to measure hydrogen levels.

• An abnormal increase in hydrogen levels indicates that fructose is not well-absorbed in the small intestine and is fermented by gut bacteria, suggesting fructose malabsorption.

Breath test for lactose intolerance

• The hydrogen breath test is also a commonly used method to diagnose lactose intolerance.

• After drinking a lactose-containing solution, the doctor will monitor the amount of hydrogen gas in your breath. If the results are high along with digestive symptoms appearing during the test, it is more likely you have lactose intolerance.

Blood glucose test if glucose or sucrose intolerance is suspected

• In some cases where abnormal glucose or sucrose absorption is suspected, the doctor may order a blood test to evaluate blood sugar levels before and after consuming a sugar-containing solution.

• Test results will be combined with clinical symptoms and other assessments to determine the cause of digestive disorders, thereby selecting an appropriate treatment approach.

Follow instructions before testing

• Some tests may require fasting, avoiding smoking, abstaining from alcohol, or limiting the use of antibiotics and probiotics for a period before the test to ensure accurate results.

• Be sure to inform your doctor about any medications and supplements you are taking to receive appropriate preparation instructions before the test.

Method 5: Adjust your diet according to guidelines

Consult a doctor or nutritionist

• If diagnosed with sugar intolerance or sugar malabsorption, the most important treatment measure is to adjust your diet to limit or avoid the types of sugar that cause symptoms.

• There is no single diet suitable for everyone. The eating plan will depend on the type of sugar your body cannot absorb, the severity of symptoms, and your overall health status.

• Discuss with your doctor for guidance on developing a scientific diet that helps control symptoms while still ensuring adequate energy, vitamins, and minerals for your body. This is a crucial foundation in the long-term process of treating sugar intolerance.

Adjust menu according to each type of sugar intolerance

• After identifying the type of sugar malabsorption, your doctor may guide you to:

  • Limit or eliminate foods containing the symptom-causing sugar.

  • Choose alternative foods with equivalent nutritional value.

  • Monitor your body's tolerance over time to adjust the diet accordingly.

  • Carefully read food labels to avoid hidden sugar sources in processed foods.

• Dietary changes should be implemented gradually and monitored, avoiding arbitrarily eliminating too many food groups, as this can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Seek support from a nutritionist when needed

• If you encounter difficulties in planning daily meals or are unsure which foods to choose, you should consult a nutritionist or dietitian.

• Experts will help you:

  • Design a meal plan suitable for the type of sugar intolerance you have.

  • Ensure a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

  • Guide you on food substitutions to maintain a diverse diet without causing symptoms to recur.

  • Monitor and adjust portions if nutritional needs change due to age, weight, or health status.

Maintain a long-term diet to control symptoms

• Most cases of sugar malabsorption can be well-controlled if the patient adheres to a suitable diet and avoids irritating foods.

• Return for follow-up appointments as scheduled so your doctor can assess treatment effectiveness, adjust your diet if needed, and provide additional supportive measures to improve your quality of life.

Method 6: Use enzyme replacement medication when necessary

Use Sucraid if you have sucrase enzyme deficiency

• If diagnostic results indicate you have sucrose intolerance due to a deficiency in the enzyme sucrase, your doctor may prescribe Sucraid (sacrosidase). This medication contains an enzyme replacement that helps break down sucrose in food and aids in reducing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or flatulence after meals.

• Sucraid should only be used as directed by a doctor. You need to adhere to the correct dosage, timing, and usage instructions to achieve optimal effectiveness in treating sugar intolerance.

• Although the medication improves sucrose digestion, patients still need to maintain a suitable diet and limit foods high in sucrose if recommended by their doctor.

Discuss appropriate enzyme supplement medication with your doctor

• For individuals with lactose malabsorption, doctors may recommend using lactase enzyme supplements before eating or drinking dairy products. This enzyme helps break down lactose, thereby reducing the risk of uncomfortable symptoms after meals.

• Currently, there are various medications and supplements containing digestive enzymes with different ingredients and dosages. Therefore, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to choose a product suitable for your health condition and the type of sugar intolerance you have.

• Do not self-medicate or use enzyme replacement drugs for long periods without an accurate diagnosis, as treatment is only effective when it matches the cause of sugar malabsorption.

Part 2: What to eat and what to avoid with sugar malabsorption?

Tip 1: Read food labels carefully before buying

Check sugar content on food labels

• When diagnosed with sugar intolerance or sugar malabsorption, you should make it a habit to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition information before purchasing food.

• Check the sugar content per serving and the ingredient list to determine if the product contains the type of sugar that causes symptoms. If the sugar content exceeds your body's tolerance, you should limit or avoid consumption.

• The amount of sugar each person can consume varies, so follow your doctor's or nutritionist's guidance instead of setting your own limits.

Recognize other names for sugar

• In addition to "sugar," many products use other sweeteners that can cause symptoms in people with sugar malabsorption, such as:

  • High-fructose corn syrup.

  • Honey.

  • Agave syrup.

  • Molasses.

• Recognizing these ingredients will help you avoid unknowingly consuming an amount of sugar that exceeds your body's absorption capacity.

Prioritize foods with less added sugar

• If you can still tolerate a certain amount of sugar, prioritize products where sugar or sweeteners are not among the first four ingredients on the ingredient list.

• According to food labeling regulations, ingredients are usually listed by weight from most to least. Therefore, if sugar appears at the end of the list, the sugar content in the product is usually lower and may cause fewer symptoms in some people.

• However, each person's tolerance is different. Monitor your body's reaction after consumption to adjust your diet accordingly, helping to treat sugar intolerance and control symptoms long-term.

Tip 2: Choose low-fructose fruits and vegetables

Prioritize fruits and vegetables with low fructose content

• Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, if you have fructose intolerance or sugar malabsorption, you should prioritize those with low fructose content to reduce the risk of digestive symptoms.

• Some suitable options include:

  • Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and avocados.

  • Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, green beans, celery, and cucumbers.

• These foods are generally easier to tolerate and still help provide adequate nutrients during sugar intolerance treatment.

Eat fruit with main meals to reduce discomfort

• Some people with sugar malabsorption may tolerate fruit better when eaten with main meals rather than separately or as snacks.

• Combining fruit with protein-rich or healthy fat foods can slow down sugar absorption, thereby helping to reduce the risk of bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea in some people. However, the response level will vary among individuals.

Limit high-fructose fruits

• Some fruits and vegetables have a high fructose content or high total natural sugar, which can worsen symptoms in people with sugar intolerance, including:

  • Apples.

  • Bananas.

  • Grapes.

  • Watermelon.

  • Asparagus.

  • Peas.

  • Zucchini.

• In addition, fruit juices often contain high natural sugar but less fiber than whole fruits. Therefore, you should limit consumption if you frequently experience symptoms after consuming fructose.

Control fruit intake according to doctor's instructions

• Even though it's natural sugar, fructose in fruits can still cause symptoms in people with sugar malabsorption if consumed in excess.

• Instead of completely eliminating fruit from your diet, consult your doctor or nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount of fruit for your condition. This helps effectively control symptoms while ensuring your body receives essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.

Tip 3: Replace sugar with appropriate sweeteners

Choose alternative sweeteners according to doctor's instructions

• If you have sugar intolerance or sugar malabsorption, your doctor may recommend using certain alternative sweeteners to reduce added sugar in your diet.

• Some commonly used sweeteners include:

  • Stevia.

  • Xylitol.

  • Erythritol.

  • Monk fruit extract.

  • Saccharin.

• These sweeteners can help sweeten food and drinks with little effect on some people with sugar malabsorption. However, tolerance will vary depending on the individual and the type of sugar the body cannot absorb.

Not all sweeteners are suitable

• Some people may still use small amounts of natural sweeteners such as:

  • Honey.

  • Maple syrup.

  • Molasses.

  • Coconut sugar.

  • Brown rice syrup.

  • Mashed bananas.

  • Dates.

• However, these foods still contain natural sugars. If you have fructose intolerance, sucrose intolerance, or other forms of sugar malabsorption, they can still cause bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Therefore, they should only be used when confirmed appropriate by a doctor or nutritionist.

Prioritize choices based on personal health status

• No single sweetener is safe for all people with sugar intolerance. The choice depends on the cause of the condition, the severity of symptoms, and the individual's tolerance.

• Before replacing sugar in your daily diet, consult your doctor to avoid using sweeteners that could worsen your symptoms.

Enhance food flavor without adding sugar

• If you are intolerant to both sugar and some alternative sweeteners, you can use flavor-enhancing spices like cinnamon to add natural sweetness to food or drinks.

• This is a simple solution to reduce the need for added sugar, while also supporting long-term sugar malabsorption control and maintaining appealing flavors in your meals.

Tip 4: Limit milk if lactose intolerant

Reduce or stop consuming milk and dairy products

• If diagnosed with lactose intolerance, a common form of sugar intolerance, you should reduce or avoid lactose-containing foods to limit symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and abdominal distension.

• Foods often high in lactose include:

  • Fresh milk.

  • Condensed milk.

  • Milk powder.

  • Ice cream.

  • Certain types of yogurt and cheese.

• Limiting the correct type of food that causes symptoms is one of the important measures to treat sugar intolerance by controlling symptoms long-term.

Choose suitable alternative products

• Instead of cow's milk, you can consider lactose-free or low-lactose alternative products if suitable for your health condition.

• Some popular options include:

  • Soy milk.

  • Lactose-free milk.

  • Other alternative products as advised by your doctor or nutritionist.

• When choosing products, carefully read the ingredient list to avoid varieties with added sugar if you have other forms of sugar malabsorption besides lactose.

Discuss lactase enzyme supplementation with your doctor

• Some people with lactose intolerance may use lactase enzyme supplements before eating or drinking dairy products to aid lactose digestion.

• Not everyone needs or is suitable for this method. Consult your doctor for advice on the appropriate product and dosage for your condition.

Adjust milk intake according to tolerance

• If your lactose intolerance is mild, you may still tolerate a small amount of dairy products without significant symptoms.

• For example, instead of drinking a full glass of milk, you can start with a smaller portion and monitor your body's reaction. Increasing or decreasing milk intake should be done gradually under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist to both control symptoms and ensure your body receives enough calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

Tip 5: Check sugar in current medications

Check if medication ingredients contain sugar

• If you have sugar intolerance or sugar malabsorption, don't just pay attention to food, but also check the medications you are taking.

• Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may contain sugar to improve flavor or stabilize the drug formula. Regular use can cause digestive symptoms in some people.

• Carefully read the drug's patient information leaflet or ingredient list. If unsure, ask your pharmacist or doctor if the medication contains the type of sugar you need to avoid.

Pay special attention to liquid medications

• Syrup medications, especially cough syrup and some children's medications, often contain sugar or sweeteners to make them easier to take.

• Additionally, some throat lozenges may also contain sugar.

• If strict sugar control is needed to aid in treating sugar intolerance, discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to tablets, capsules, or other more suitable dosage forms.

Consult your doctor to replace medication if necessary

• If the medication you are taking contains the type of sugar that causes symptoms, do not stop taking it or switch to another product on your own.

• Discuss with your doctor to consider prescribing a medication with more suitable ingredients, ensuring treatment effectiveness while limiting the worsening of sugar malabsorption.

Ask your pharmacist about sugar-free options

• In some cases, pharmacists can advise on or compound medications using a sugar-free formula if professional conditions and regulations allow.

• If you frequently need to take medication long-term, proactively inform your doctor and pharmacist about your sugar intolerance. This helps them choose suitable products, contributing to symptom control and limiting daily sugar intake.

Tip 6: Try gradually increasing sugar intake

Gradually increase sugar intake to assess tolerance

• After a period of maintaining a low-sugar diet and successfully controlling sugar intolerance symptoms, some people may improve their tolerance over time.

• Under your doctor's guidance, you can try reintroducing a small amount of sugar-containing foods into your diet. Only change one food or one type of sugar at a time to easily identify your body's reaction.

• After each addition, monitor for symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, distension, or diarrhea for a few hours to a few days before deciding to increase consumption.

Determine appropriate tolerance threshold

• If your body shows no symptoms or only very mild ones, you can continue to gradually increase sugar intake as advised by your doctor.

• Conversely, if sugar malabsorption symptoms recur or worsen, reduce sugar intake to the previous level that your body tolerated well.

• Everyone has a different tolerance threshold, so do not compare yourself to others or try to eat more than your body can handle.

Do not self-modify your diet

• Reintroducing sugar-containing foods should only be done with the consent of your doctor or nutritionist.

• If your doctor recommends continued sugar restriction due to unstable sugar intolerance, you should follow the guidance instead of self-increasing sugar intake in your diet.

• Regular monitoring and appropriate dietary adjustments will help effectively control symptoms, while ensuring your body still receives all necessary nutrients.

Distinguishing between sugar intolerance and sugar allergy

Do not confuse sugar intolerance with sugar allergy

• Sugar intolerance and sugar allergy are two entirely different conditions, though both can occur after consuming sugar-containing foods.

• In reality, sugar allergy is very rare. In contrast, sugar malabsorption is more common and mainly occurs due to the body lacking enzymes or having difficulty digesting and absorbing certain types of sugars such as lactose, fructose, or sucrose.

Symptoms of sugar intolerance

• People with sugar intolerance often experience digestive symptoms, including:

  • Bloating.

  • Abdominal distension.

  • Abdominal pain or cramps.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Increased gas in the intestines.

• Symptoms usually appear after eating foods containing the type of sugar that the body cannot effectively digest or absorb.

Symptoms of sugar allergy

• Although very rare, sugar allergy typically causes immune system reactions rather than digestive disorders.

• People with allergies may experience symptoms such as:

  • Itchy skin.

  • Hives.

  • Sneezing.

  • Runny nose.

  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.

• If you experience swelling in your throat, difficulty breathing, or a choking sensation after eating, seek immediate medical attention as these could be symptoms of a severe allergic reaction requiring emergency treatment.

See a doctor for an accurate diagnosis

• It is difficult to distinguish between sugar intolerance, food allergies, and other digestive disorders based on symptoms alone.

• If you frequently experience symptoms after eating sugary foods, you should see a doctor for an evaluation, necessary tests, and an accurate diagnosis. This will help in choosing the appropriate method for treating sugar intolerance or allergies, while also avoiding unnecessary dietary restrictions.

References

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Content edited by: Rene Lee Nguyen.

Information consulted and verified by expert: William Harris.