Food allergies vs food intolerances! That’s a debate most people don’t know about!
Food allergies and food intolerances are two distinct conditions that can impact our everyday lives. Everyone should understand the difference between the two because it affects how we approach our diets, manage our health, and ensure our well-being.
Food allergies and food intolerances affect millions worldwide, so it’s crucial to grasp the distinctions between them.
Let’s discuss the details of food allergies and intolerances, exploring their definitions, symptoms, causes, and the varying severity of reactions they can produce.
Table of Contents
Understanding Food Allergies – How to Know If You Have a Food Allergy?
Food allergies are adverse immune responses triggered by specific proteins found in certain foods.
When someone with a food allergy consumes an allergenic food, their immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins as harmful and launches an attack.
This immune response leads to a variety of symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions.
The Common Food Allergens and Their Symptoms!
Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy.
The symptoms may manifest as skin reactions (such as hives or eczema), digestive issues (such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), and respiratory problems (such as wheezing or shortness of breath).
Food allergies may even lead to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction characterized by difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
Recommended Read: Food Allergies in Children!
What is the Mechanism of an Allergic Reaction?
When an individual with a food allergy comes into contact with an allergenic food, their immune system releases a surge of chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream.
Histamine is responsible for the various symptoms experienced during an allergic reaction. This immune response can occur within minutes or up to a couple of hours after consuming the allergenic food.
What are the Severity Levels of Allergic Reactions?
Food allergies can range in severity from mild to severe.
Mild allergic reactions typically involve localized symptoms, such as itching or tingling in the mouth, a few hives, or mild nausea.
Moderate reactions may include more pronounced symptoms, such as increased hives, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, or vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, are rare but can be life-threatening.
Exploring Food Intolerances – How to Distinguish Them from Food Allergies?
Food intolerances are non-immune responses to certain foods or components of food.
Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system, food intolerances typically arise from difficulty digesting specific substances, such as lactose or gluten.
When a person with a food intolerance consumes problematic food, they may experience a range of digestive symptoms.
Suggested Read: Foods to Eat on a Gluten-Free Diet!
Differentiating between Food Allergies and Food Intolerances!
The distinction between food allergies and food intolerances lies in the immune system’s involvement.
While food allergies trigger an immune response, food intolerances do not.
Instead, food intolerances are due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivities to food additives, or other digestive issues.
The Common Food Intolerances and Their Symptoms!
Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance (celiac disease), and sensitivity to food additives like sulfites or monosodium glutamate (MSG) are among the most common food intolerances.
Symptoms may include bloating, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea, migraines, or skin rashes.
These symptoms typically occur within a few hours after consuming the offending food or additive.
What are the Underlying Causes of Food Intolerance?
Food intolerances can stem from a variety of underlying causes.
Lactose intolerance, for example, results from an insufficiency of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose in milk and dairy products.
Celiac disease, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Food Allergies Vs Food Intolerances: How to Diagnose?
Allergists are experts in diagnosing and treating allergies, while gastroenterologists specialize in digestive disorders, including food intolerances.
Doctor Recommendation: Dr. Bilal Bin Mukhtar is one of the leading gastroenterologists in Lahore. With an experience of 20 years, he is well-trained and equipped with the knowledge to treat and diagnose any kind of gastric issue, including food allergies and intolerances.
Allergy Testing!
Allergy testing helps identify specific allergens triggering allergic reactions.
Skin prick tests involve placing a small amount of allergenic extracts on the skin and then pricking or scratching the surface. If you are allergic, a raised bump or redness will appear at the test site.
Blood Tests!
Blood tests measure the levels of IgE antibodies in the blood, providing insight into potential allergens.
Oral food challenges are conducted under medical supervision, where the person ingests gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergen while being monitored for any adverse reactions.
Diagnosing food intolerances can be more challenging since there are no definitive tests like those for allergies.
Elimination diets involve removing suspected trigger foods from the diet and then reintroducing them to observe any symptoms that may occur.
A detailed food journal can also help identify patterns between certain foods and symptoms. In some cases, hydrogen breath tests can detect malabsorption or intolerance to specific carbohydrates.
How to Manage Food Allergies Vs Food Intolerances?
Managing food allergies involves strict avoidance of allergenic foods. Reading labels carefully becomes essential to identify potential allergens hidden in processed foods.
If you have severe allergies, always carry emergency medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, to treat anaphylactic reactions promptly.
With food intolerances, identifying trigger foods and modifying the diet accordingly can significantly improve symptoms.
Keeping a food diary helps pinpoint problematic foods, and eliminating or reducing their consumption can bring relief.
How to Live with Food Allergies Vs Food Intolerances?
What to Do When You Are Dining Out or Traveling?
Managing food allergies and intolerances while dining out or traveling can be challenging but not impossible.
Communicating your dietary needs clearly to restaurant staff, researching allergy-friendly establishments, and bringing safe snacks can make dining experiences safer and more enjoyable.
When traveling, you should plan, carry necessary medications, and have translations or allergy cards in the local language to communicate your requirements effectively.
How to Educate Family, Friends, and Coworkers about Your Condition?
Educating those around you about food allergies and intolerances is crucial for building a support network.
Help family, friends, and coworkers understand the severity of your condition, identify allergens, and be mindful of cross-contamination risks.
Final Thoughts on Food Allergies Vs Food Intolerances!
Remember! Taking control of your condition begins with seeking an accurate diagnosis and being proactive in managing your health.
Consult a qualified gastroenterologist today to manage your food allergies or intolerances.
