Inulin intolerance: Dealing with food intolerance

In recent years, more and more people have been paying attention to a conscious diet and healthy foods. The focus is often on lactose or glucose. Another substance that some people cannot tolerate is inulin.

As a natural fiber agent and prebiotic, it is best known to people who want to improve their digestion.

The prebiotic is considered to promote healthy intestinal flora and can be found in a variety of foods. But while for many people it is a valuable addition to their diet, for others it can lead to unexpected challenges - namely if they suffer from inulin intolerance .

It is therefore important that those affected like you are provided with the right knowledge in order to deal with the associated problems accordingly.

With the right strategies , those affected can continue to benefit from a balanced diet and improve their well-being, as long as they take a few things into account. For example, a well-thought-out nutrition plan can eliminate a lot of stress in everyday life.

In this article, we will discuss inulin intolerance in more detail . First, we will explain what fiber is all about, which foods inulin can be found and what role it plays in the diet.

We will then look at how intolerance manifests itself and how those affected can adapt their lifestyle to minimize the potential effects.

With our practical tips for coping, we would like to accompany you on your journey and show you that you can lead a happy life even with a food intolerance .

Inulin - what is it?

Before your food intolerance, you may have never heard of inulin . In contrast to fructose or lactose intolerance in old age, this substance is known to only a few people. But what inulin anyway?

Inulin belongs to the group of fiber and is found in various foods. It is also used in dietary supplements. Inulin cannot be broken down by the human digestive system . However, it ends up in the large intestine, where it is fermented by the bacteria that reside there.

This process in turn leads to the formation of short-chain fatty acids , which serve as an energy source for the intestinal cells and support healthy intestinal flora.

The prebiotic inulin also has an influence on your blood sugar levels. Because it is digested slowly and slows the rise in blood sugar after eating, it can help keep it more stable. This will make you feel fuller for longer.

Spargel enthält eine geringe Menge Inulin

Inulin occurs naturally in many vegetables and fruits. This includes, for example :

  • Chicory: Chicory roots are one of the richest sources of inulin.
  • Jerusalem artichoke: This root vegetable also contains a large amount of fiber.
  • Artichokes: Artichokes are not only delicious, they also have a positive effect on your digestion.
  • Onions and garlic: They also contain a lot of the fiber inulin and are often used to season dishes.
  • Asparagus: This popular vegetable still contains a small amount of inulin and can contribute to a harmonious intestinal flora.


The prebiotic inulin is available as a dietary supplement in the form of powder, capsules or tablets. It is used to increase fiber intake. This is expected to have health benefits.

How does an intolerance manifest itself?

By inulin intolerance we mean the body's inability to process fiber effectively. This can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms in the digestive system. These are often similar to other sudden food intolerances .

The most common symptoms include :

  • Nausea : Nausea can occur especially in people with a sensitive stomach and digestive system. The nausea can be accompanied by a general feeling of being unwell.

  • Abdominal cramps : A common symptom of inulin intolerance is mild to severe abdominal pain or cramps. This pain is often felt in the lower abdomen. Unpleasant pressure in the upper abdomen is also possible.

  • Bloating : Bloating is a common reaction to consuming foods or supplements rich in inulin. Fermentation in the large intestine produces gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. This can make you feel uncomfortable and cause bloating.

  • Diarrhea: Another striking symptom of intolerance is diarrhea. When undigested inulin reaches the colon, it can attract water and speed up intestinal movements, which can lead to diarrhea.

  • Constipation: Although inulin normally stimulates bowel activity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, it can cause constipation in some people.
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The symptoms and severity of these can vary depending on the severity of the intolerance and can occur either immediately or several hours after consumption. People who suffer from fructose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome should be particularly careful.

They often react more frequently to the prebiotic with symptoms. Furthermore, another food intolerance, such as an allergy to preservatives, may be a sign that certain enzymes are missing in the body.

You should therefore avoid dietary supplements rich in inulin if you
I know you can't stand this. Otherwise, you can harm your body by causing the symptoms just mentioned or other symptoms.


If you are unsure whether your physical symptoms are due to a food intolerance , you should have this checked by a doctor.

You can do this if you suspect inulin intolerance

If you suspect you have an intolerance, you can consult a doctor or nutritionist. Professional advice from these experts will help you rule out other potential causes for the symptoms.

Finally, psychological problems or organic illnesses can also lead to these problems. You can then discuss with your doctor whether you should only consume a few or no foods rich in inulin .

If you only have a mild intolerance, you can consult a nutritionist to see whether you can tolerate a small amount. To do this, slowly increase the amount of foods containing inulin and see how your body reacts to it.

With a food diary you can record :

  • when you ate
  • what exactly you consumed
  • how much you adored
  • whether you have experienced symptoms of intolerance.


Moderate consumption of foods consistent with your individual tolerance can help minimize symptoms while still benefiting from the health benefits of the prebiotic. However, discuss this procedure with your doctor!

It is also important that you look for alternative sources of fiber. This is especially true if you are not allowed to consume any foods containing inulin. Fiber plays a crucial role in the diet and is essential for a healthy lifestyle .

They perform important functions ranging from promoting smooth digestion to supporting the cardiovascular system. In addition, healthy intestinal flora has a positive effect on the immune system.

Like histamine intolerance, inulin intolerance cannot be cured . For this reason, it is essential that you learn to live with your intolerance. Learn to accept them and adjust your eating habits accordingly. This is primarily a matter of the head.

Tips for dealing with a food intolerance

Celiac disease, sorbitol intolerance, meat allergy - this list could go on and on, because there are a lot of food intolerances and allergies . As a rule, these are not curable.

However, especially in children, it can happen that they disappear on their own after a while. However, most of those affected have to watch what they eat throughout their lives.

Thanks to the large selection in the supermarket and in online shops like Greenforce, you can live healthily and deliciously even if you have an intolerance . Be open to changes and dare to try new foods. Maybe your new favorite dish will be among these!

Acceptance of your new life situation is a relevant key aspect when dealing with intolerance . Instead of focusing on what you can't eat, focus on new culinary discoveries and healthy alternatives. Also, be happy about the foods you can continue to eat.

It's helpful to plan meals in advance, especially in the beginning. For example, prepare your food at home for work instead of going to the canteen. This helps to minimize stress and uncertainty. For trips, you can prepare snacks that are easy to take with you.

If you feel psychologically stressed by the change in diet, relaxation exercises and meditation can help you cope. A healthy lifestyle, enough sleep and regular exercise also contribute to psychological stability.

Last but not least, it is important to be patient with yourself. Adapting to food intolerance takes time and a holistic approach. You may have to experiment a bit and experience some setbacks.

Over time, however, you will get used to the new situation and get better and better at dealing with your inulin intolerance .