The Difference Between a food allergy, sensitivity and food intolerance.
Food Allergy
A true food allergy is a reaction of the immune system which results from eating a specific food. The most common food allergens are shellfish, peanuts, fish, wheat, soy and eggs. Allergies to seeds such as sesame seeds, also seem to be increasing.
The best method for diagnosing food allergies is having a blood test. Blood tests show the percentage of antibodies that have developed in response to the offending allergen. Skin pricking is another easy test to do, and the results are available in minutes. A small amount of allergen is placed on the skin, and the skin is then pricked so the allergen is placed under the skin. A hive will form if the person is allergic.
Food Intolerance or Sensitivity
A food intolerance or sensitivity is a reaction that takes place following the intake of a specific food or food additive, which does not cause a response in the immune system. It could happen that , while the symptoms may be very similar to those of an allergic reaction and the person may experience symptoms of an illness, the blood tests normally done to determine an allergic condition do not show positive results.
Below are a few examples of the more common food intolerances. These are:
Lactose Intolerance – Due to an enzyme deficiency (lactase) and not allergy.
Celiac Disease – An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten proteins such as gliadin (present in wheat, rye and barley).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Symptoms of food allergy, sensitivity and food intolerance
The symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance or sensitivity often occur within a few seconds of contact or intake, but may also be delayed for up to two days after intake. Sometimes a small quantity of the offensive substance has little or no effect but could, at times, show a reaction due to a so-called “staging” effect. It seems, and also makes sense, that food eaten more often or consumed as a staple food in a person’s diet, is more likely to contribute to an allergic reaction or food intolerance.
Symptoms of food allergies and food intolerance include:
- Severe headaches, migraines, epileptic attacks
- Depression, unpredictable mood swings
- Teary eyes, dark circles under the eyes, swollen eyelids, periods of blurred vision
- Reddish patches on cheeks
- Ear, nose and throat symptoms such as a contently blocked nose, a runny nose, long-lasting colds that won’t clear with conservative treatment, itchy nose, ears, mouth and/or throat, recurring middle ear infection, grommets in ears, loss of hearing
- Symptoms of the lungs such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia
- Symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract such as dyspepsia, heartburn, flatulence, stomach pains, diarrhea and constipation
- Muscle and joint pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, gout
- Food cravings
- Cutaneous reactions such as eczema, hives, acne
- Fluid retention
- Severe PMS and PMS symptoms
- Anemia
- Bed wetting (in kids)
- Poor concentration, attention deficit disorder, poor short-term memory, hyperactivity
- Weight gain or loss
- Anaphylactic reaction including nausea, diarrhea, chest pain, heart palpitations, asthma, hives, low blood pressure, shock and sometimes in the absence of medical attention death.
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