The Difference Between Food Allergy And Food Intolerance

Food Allergy

A food allergy involves the immune system reacting to a specific food protein as it was harmful.

Symptoms can range from mild (such as hives or itching) to severe (anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening).

Allergic reactions typically occur immediately after consuming the allergenic foods. The most common food allergens are:

• Sesame

• Milk

• Soybeans

• Eggs

• Wheat

• Fish

• tree nuts

• Shellfish

• Peanuts

Apart from food, several factors may contribute towards developing food allergies. This includes:

• A family history of allergies

• An overactive or hypersensitive immune system

• Environmental factors such as pollution and diet

• Changes in food processing methods

Diagnosis is usually made through skin prick tests, and food elimination/ challenge under medical supervision.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance does not involve the immune system. It is usually a digestive issue.

It occurs when the body has difficulty digesting certain food or components of foods such as lactose or gluten.

Symptoms can include bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Onset of symptoms may be delayed, occurring hours or even days after consuming the allergic food product.

The causes of intolerance can vary depending on the specific intolerance. Common factors include:

• Lack of specific enzymes needed to properly digest certain food components. For instance lactose intolerance (caused by a deficiency of lactase) and fructose intolerance (caused due to deficiency in enzymes needed to break fructose).

• Sensitivity to certain food additives

• Histamine intolerance, a compound found in certain foods like fermented foods and alcoholic beverages

Diagnosis is often made through dietary elimination and re-introduction, as well as keeping a food diary to track symptoms.

How to know if you have a food allergy or intolerance?

Knowing the difference between food allergy and food intolerance will make it easier to understand which one you have. Here are some ways to diagnose them:

• Allergy tests: Apart from the hydrogen breath test that detects lactose intolerance, no proven test exists to find allergies or intolerance. They can guide you but can't provide sure answers.

• Food diary: record what you ate and the discomfort they caused. Studying them will give you a pattern to diagnose allergies or intolerances.

• Elimination diet: With the help of your doctor, you can start an elimination diet. It will help you determine and identify your allergies and intolerances.