Each time you eat a certain food there is a reaction of a kind. You either feel full and happy that you ate that meal, or you end up with an upset stomach or even diarrhea. If the latter occurs every time you eat a certain food, then you might suspect that you have a food allergy. However, this is more likely a food intolerance than an allergy, but it is sometimes hard to tell. To help you differentiate between food allergy and intolerance, here are some facts about both of these and how they manifest.
Are These Genetic and When do They Develop?
There is no clear answer to the question of food allergies and intolerances being genetic. However, there are studies that have shown that kids are at a higher risk of food allergies if one or both parents already have them. When it comes to intolerances and sensitivities, they can be genetic or can develop later in their life.
Food allergies often develop early in childhood. This is especially true for foods such as nuts, milk, eggs, and soy. Sometimes though it may happen that these allergies develop later in life, there is no way of telling which is more likely to occur if any. There is even research that suggests that early introduction and exposure to potentially allergenic food may help prevent them, including peanuts which is a high-risk allergy in infants. Intolerances can also develop or get worse with time. Lactose intolerance is a great and common example. As we get older, our bodies may produce fewer enzymes that help digest lactose.
If you are really worried that you or your child may develop certain food allergies or intolerances, it’s best you visit your doctor. And if you do experience symptoms, your allergy and immunology specialist can help you. Ask about symptoms, risks, and what to do if they do occur.
Allergy, Intolerance or Sensitivity?
There are three possible reactions and symptoms of certain foods. However, not each symptom tells you it’s an allergy. Symptoms of being allergic and intolerant to certain foods may appear similar, but there is one clear difference. An allergy is in fact a response from your immune system, while intolerance is isolated to digestive issues.
Food allergy
When you are allergic to certain foods, your body’s immune system mistakes that protein from the food as a threat and attacks it. There are eight types of food that account for a large number of food allergies, including:
- Fish
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Soy
- Shellfish
- Wheat
- Tree nuts (walnuts and cashews)
Allergic reactions occur when you consume a food you are allergic to and the reaction usually happens quickly. Within half an hour or two hours, your symptoms will develop. The severity of the reaction depends on your body as well as the food group. For example, people allergic to soy or peanuts may experience severe and rapid reactions called anaphylaxis. This reaction manifests through the following:
- Hives or rash
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen lips, tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing and wheezing
Food intolerance
If a certain food “doesn’t agree” with you, you are probably intolerant to it. If you drink milk and notice excessive gas or bloating, you are intolerant and should avoid dairy in general. Food intolerance occurs when your body cannot properly break down certain ingredients. The most common is lactose intolerance. The symptoms of food intolerance include:
- Gas and bloating
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
Food sensitivity
Food intolerance and sensitivity are often confused and put in the same category. However, they are separate conditions. Sensitivity to foods is the response from the immune system, but it is much slower and milder than the allergy. This occurs due to some type of imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract. Food sensitivity symptoms may mimic mild allergic reactions including:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Itching
- Flushed skin
- Muscle or joint pain
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Runny and stuffy nose
Symptoms may not be immediate and it could take up to three days for them to appear.
As you can see, food intolerance is not the same as allergies. The symptoms may be similar, but the reactions are completely different. Now that you know how to differentiate these, you can make dietary changes and better your life. However, you should still talk to your doctor about possible treatments. Food allergies can be quite severe, and talking to your doctor about avoidance and emergency reaction medication is a must. As for intolerance, you could try and get your body used to those foods, but you should talk to your doctor about the best way to do it.
About the Guest Author:
Journalist graduate, travel aficionado, and someone with endless curiosity. Lives in San Francisco, and enjoys reading, cooking, and comedy songs.
“Run from what’s comfortable. Be notorious”
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