The intake of complex carbohydrates is essential to maintaining a healthy diet.  Such carbohydrates are found in many different healthy foods, such as beans, legumes, whole wheat grains, fruits, and vegetables.  Yet, the truth of the matter is that the majority of people suffer, to one degree or another, from a condition known as Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance. 

 This condition, which can be extremely uncomfortable for some sufferers, occurs because the human body is not able to break down all of the sugars found in complex carbohydrates.  Instead, those sugars end up moving into the bowels and fermenting there, which can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms.  Here is a list of symptoms which are generally associated with Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance.

 -Flatulence-

 While this symptom may be the most embarrassing one, it is generally the least painful or discomforting.  The flatulence occurs because the body, unable to process all of the complex carbohydrates, begins to produce unusually high quantities of byproduct gasses.  Any discomfort produced by this symptom of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance is generally a result of the individual in question attempting to hold in the flatulence out of embarrassment or shame.

 -Abdominal Pain-

 Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance can often lead to moderate, or even severe, abdominal pain.  This is a result of the excessive amounts of pressure which the gas buildup causes within the bowels, and throughout the entire gastrointestinal system.  This pain can generally be mitigated by allowing the necessary flatulence to take place or through the consumption of over-the-counter gas remedies, which will help alleviate the symptom if taken properly.

-Cramping-

 Cramping can be one of the more deleterious side effects of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance.  Essentially, this symptom occurs when the abdominal muscles react in sympathetic pain to the pressure and abdominal pain that’s already present.  This results in spasmodic contractions of the abdominals which can be extremely unpleasant.  There are, however, prescription drugs which can help with this symptom, including muscle relaxants and pain killers.

-Bloating-

 Bloating, as a symptom of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance, refers to an unpleasant feeling of fullness, or pressure, within the lower abdominal area.  This feeling, which is essentially a nerve-reaction to the pressure being produced in the lower intestine, is more difficult for some to handle than for others.  It can be treated by treating the cause, the gas itself, with anti-gas products.

-Burping-

 This is a somewhat less common symptom of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance, but it is a relevant indicator or the disorder.  Excessive burping is yet another side-effect of the buildup of gas within the gastrointestinal system.  As with flatulence, the best way to treat this symptom is by allowing the natural release of the gas, or by taking over-the-counter anti-gas remedies.  Holding the gas in, however, can cause some of the more painful side-effects to develop further.

Note:

 It’s important to remember that this list of common symptoms, while very thorough, does not act as a replacement for proper diagnosis by a medical professional.  If you feel intense abdominal pain, keep in mind that the symptoms of Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance can mimic those of many other, more serious diseases.  The only reasonable thing to do, in case of doubt, is to schedule an appointment with your physician.  In case of severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.