Most of us consider the variety of flavors during eating to be harmless. To a few, however, access to certain types of food brings about adverse reactions sometimes as mild as discomfort and at other times with grave complications in health. The terms most used in this regard include "food intolerance" and "food allergies." Though they may sound similar, they refer to different conditions; their management will thus differ. This article will examine the differences between food intolerance and edible allergies, food sensitivity, why a food intolerance test is important, and common allergies.
What Are Food Allergies?
Meal allergies are an immune response to certain food proteins. In individuals with edible allergies, the body mistakenly views the allergenic food as a harmful substance and initiates a protective attack against it via the immune system. The reaction also involves the release of histamines and different chemicals, which would give a range of symptoms from mildest to life-threatening.
Signs of Food Allergies:
- The skin may develop itchy red welts or rashes.
- Swelling includes the face, lips, tongue, and throat; this can be sufficiently serious to jeopardize breathing.
- Respiratory symptoms typically include wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing in general.
- The gastrointestinal symptoms most often manifested are nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Anaphylaxis is often the most dangerous type of reaction; it is always life-threatening. Symptoms include rapidly falling blood pressure, great difficulty with respiration, and unconsciousness.
Common Allergies:
Some foods are more apt to create allergic reactions. Common allergies include:
- Peanuts: The greatest cause of severe allergic reactions.
- Tree Nuts: These include all types of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews.
- Shellfish: Shrimp, crab, and lobster are common culprits.
- Fish: The most frequent fish allergens are salmon, tuna, and cod.
- Eggs: Basically, the proteins in egg whites.
- Milk: Cow's milk is a typical allergen, especially among children.
- Soy: Soy is a product utilized in so many forms of food processing and is an allergen.
- Wheat: This includes gluten, which is a major protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Take a food intolerance test today!
What Is Food Intolerance?
Food intolerance differs in that the immune system does not become involved. The digestive system cannot break down or process a particular food well. This often relates to things such as enzyme deficiency, sensitivity to food additives, and reactions to chemicals that are a natural part of certain foods.
Common Symptoms of Food Intolerance:
- Bloating or gas
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Irritability or fatigue
Symptoms of food intolerance are often delayed, sometimes occurring several hours or even days after the problem food has been eaten. The severity of the symptoms is usually related to the amount of the problem food eaten. A person with lactose intolerance may have only a small amount of discomfort from eating one teaspoon of milk, but quite severe symptoms after drinking a large glass. A person allergic to milk will need to completely avoid all milk products.
Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivity is more difficult to diagnose because there isn't any obvious immune system response, as found in edible allergies, nor any digestive issue, as in food intolerance. Instead, the body may react to specific foods in more subtle ways, such as digestive problems, skin issues, or fatigue.
Food intolerance test is generally used to uncover sensitivities, though Nutrition intolerance tests are not as reliable in diagnosing edible allergies. Tests may measure multiple foods in reaction to the body's immune response; these responses do not always indicate a clinical allergy.
Key Differences Between Food Allergies and Food Intolerance
While people use the terms "food allergy" and "food intolerance" interchangeably, they are very different conditions.
1. Immune System Involvement
Nourishment Allergies: Eats allergies are a matter of the immune system. Every time a person who is allergic to food ingests their trigger food, their body produces IgE antibodies. These, in turn, certainly trigger the release of chemicals like histamines, which are responsible for allergic reactions.
Food Intolerance: Food intolerance does not involve the action of the immune system. Usually, this is because some foods are not digested properly.
2. Symptoms
Nutrition Allergies: Symptoms of edible allergies may appear right away or even a few minutes after consumption. These can involve symptoms around the skin, respiratory, and digestive tracts. In worst cases, meal allergies may cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.
Food Intolerance: Symptoms of food intolerance tend to be confined to the GI tract and they include bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This tends to come on slowly and does not immediately have symptoms after a few hours from consumption of the problematic food.
Also Read: 3 foods to eat more and 3 foods to ditch to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
3. Severity
Foodstuff Allergies: A very minute amount of the food may set off an explosive reaction. The reaction sometimes could be fatal, so every patient with a critical allergy must carry an epinephrine auto-injector to act immediately in the case of anaphylaxis.
Food Intolerance: Food intolerance is usually uncomfortable, but not life-threatening. A person affected with food intolerance can typically manage symptoms by either consuming the troublesome food in limited quantities or by utilizing digestive aids, such as lactase supplements for lactose intolerance.
4. Diagnosis
Meal Allergies: Meal allergies are generally diagnosed by skin prick tests, blood tests which check for IgE levels, and oral food challenges with guidance from a health professional.
Food Intolerance: Most food intolerances are diagnosed using so-called elimination diets, where potentially offending foods are excluded from the diet and added back one at a time while monitoring for symptoms. Food intolerance tests can also quantify reactions to certain foods, but they are not as definitive as tests for allergies.
Also Read: Top 10 Good Digestive Foods to Support Gut Health
Management of Food Allergies and Intolerances
Management of edible allergies and intolerances takes various approaches.
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Avoidance of Triggers
In cases of edible allergies, the allergen should be completely avoided. This might be achieved by reading labels carefully and making sure foods are free from cross-contamination. When in restaurants, communication about meal allergies is important to staff for the avoidance of accidental exposure.
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Allergy Emergency Preparedness
People with severe meal allergies always carry an epinephrine auto-injector in their person, should they accidentally be exposed. Have available a food action plan that describes how to recognize and respond to symptoms.
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Food Intolerance Management
The resulting food intolerance approach consists of supplementation lacking enzymes; in the case of lactose intolerance, the enzyme required is lactase. Elimination of diet conduction is also required.
