Demystifying Food Intolerances vs. Allergies
Why it Matters
A food intolerance and a food allergy are two distinct reactions the body can have to certain foods. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for proper assessment and management to better health outcomes.
Here's a breakdown of each:
Food Intolerance: Food intolerance refers to difficulty digesting certain foods, often due to the absence or deficiency of specific digestive enzymes. The most common example is lactose intolerance, where the body lacks the enzyme lactase required to break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. Symptoms of food intolerance are typically digestive and may include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Food intolerance reactions are generally not life-threatening and may vary in severity depending on the individual and the amount consumed.
Food Allergy: A food allergy involves an immune response to a specific protein. When someone with a food allergy consumes an allergenic food, their immune system recognizes the protein as harmful and releases antibodies, triggering the release of chemicals such as histamine. Food allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and affect various body parts, including the skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems. Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
It's important to note that food allergies can be severe and even life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention and avoiding allergenic food. Food intolerances, while not typically life-threatening, can still cause significant discomfort and may require managing the intake of specific foods or utilizing alternatives.
If you suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, guidance, and personalized management strategies.
Often, the food we enjoy eating can cause invisible inflammation for years without even knowing it. And then, suddenly, we are experiencing various symptoms of chronic health problems from underlying digestive distress.
It is essential not to ignore your signs and symptoms of chronic bloating, unusual weight gain or loss, brain fog and headaches, fatigue and skin issues, joint pain or depression, and much more. So, all the conditions mentioned above can be linked to GI dysfunction.
