What is the difference between food allergies and food intolerances?

This comprehensive guide will explore the differences between food allergies and intolerances. My goal as a nutritionist and dietitian is to give you accurate and useful information so that you better understand the conditions, their effects on your body and how you can differentiate between them.

It is important to differentiate between food allergies and food intolerance

Maintaining optimal health requires that you understand the differences between food allergies and intolerances. Not only is it important to know which foods you should avoid, but to also be able to get the appropriate medical care when needed. Food allergies can cause serious reactions, sometimes even life-threatening ones. Food intolerance, on the other hand is usually less serious and affects mainly digestion. A misunderstanding of these conditions may lead to unnecessarily restrictive diets or worse, underestimate potentially harmful allergic reactions. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology published research that found food allergies to affect approximately 8 percent of American children and about 5 percent of Americans adults.

How to Identify Food Allergy & Food Intolerance

It's crucial to watch your body reaction when you consume certain foods in order to differentiate between food allergies and intolerances. Food allergies can cause symptoms within minutes or even two hours of eating. In severe cases, they may cause hives and wheezing as well as nausea or anaphylaxis. Food intolerance is usually characterized by digestive issues like gas or bloating. It may also take some time to manifest. Consult a medical professional if you think you may have one of these conditions. British Dietetic Association suggests keeping a food journal, recording what you eat and when, as well as any symptoms and the onset.

What are some examples of how to differentiate between a food allergy and an intolerance?

• It's possible that you have a peanut allergy if your skin swells or itch immediately after eating the nuts.
• An allergic reaction is indicated by a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, dizziness or nausea after eating shellfish.
• Lactose insensitivity could cause you to feel gassy and bloated after eating dairy products.
• If you experience migraines, rashes or other symptoms after eating certain food items, it could be a sign of histamine intolerance.
• Gluten intolerance can be indicated by cramping and diarrhea following gluten-containing foods.
• If you feel sick after eating foods that contain additives, it could be a sign of intolerance.
• Alcohol intolerance can be indicated by heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion after alcohol consumption.
• Oral Allergy Syndrome is a food allergy that can cause a runny or itchy nose after you eat certain fruits.
• Egg allergy can be indicated by a reaction such as eczema or wheezing after eating eggs.
• If you experience joint or skin pain after eating certain food, it could be a sign of a sensitivity.

Other Tips

Self-diagnosis may lead to anxiety and unnecessary restrictions on diet. Consult a medical professional immediately if you think that you may have a food intolerance or allergy. Remember that these conditions can vary greatly in severity between individuals. It is not true that a mild reaction may be the same in future.

Conclusion

It is important to distinguish between food allergies and intolerances in order to manage your diet effectively and maintain good health. Both conditions are caused by an adverse reaction to food. However, the symptoms, severity and treatments of each condition differ. Understanding the differences between these conditions and seeking out professional assistance when needed will help you take steps in the right direction towards better health.

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