Your body can react negatively to certain foods in various ways, including food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies. These reactions are distinct from each other, and understanding the differences is crucial. A food intolerance, for example, arises when your body lacks the necessary enzymes to properly digest a specific food. This is different from a food allergy, which triggers an immune response. Let’s delve deeper into each type of reaction, starting with food sensitivity.
Food sensitivity is believed to be a type of immune response, though different from a food allergy. While the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, research suggests that identifying trigger foods may be possible through IgG testing combined with an elimination diet. IgG antibodies reacting to specific foods can be normal for some, but for others, it can trigger inflammation and symptoms like headaches, bloating, stomach pain, and indigestion.
A key characteristic of food sensitivities is the delayed onset of symptoms. Unlike food allergies, reactions can manifest hours or even days after consuming the problematic food, making it difficult to pinpoint the culprit. This delayed reaction makes identifying trigger foods challenging.
Fortunately, a Food Intolerance Test, coupled with an elimination diet, can help identify trigger foods. By systematically removing and reintroducing foods, you can observe your body’s reactions and isolate the problematic ones. This process of elimination, guided by test results, can significantly improve your dietary choices and overall well-being.
Food allergies involve a different immune response, activating IgE antibodies upon exposure to the allergen. This triggers the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for various allergy symptoms, such as itching, hives, and swelling. Over-the-counter allergy medications often contain antihistamines to counteract these effects. Symptoms typically appear rapidly after consuming the allergen.
A common example is a tree nut allergy, a prevalent cause of food-related allergic reactions worldwide. Tree nuts include hazelnuts, walnuts, and macadamia nuts. Even trace amounts of these allergens can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
Food allergies can be life-threatening due to the risk of anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure. Anaphylaxis causes a drastic drop in blood pressure and airway swelling, potentially leading to death. Immediate medical attention is crucial in cases of anaphylaxis to administer epinephrine and manage the reaction.
Food intolerance, unlike allergies, doesn’t involve the immune system. It occurs when your body lacks sufficient enzymes to break down a particular food. A prime example is lactose intolerance, where the body doesn’t produce enough lactase to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. This results in symptoms like nausea, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Symptoms are generally less severe than allergic reactions but can still significantly impact quality of life. Understanding the difference between food intolerance and allergy is essential for proper management. While allergies require strict avoidance of the allergen, intolerances may allow for limited consumption or the use of enzyme supplements.
