Food allergies and food intolerances are two distinct types of reactions that our bodies can have to certain foods. It is essential to understand the difference between the two because they require different treatments. In this article, we will explore the differences between food allergies and food intolerances, and what to do if you suspect you have one of these reactions.
Understanding Food Allergies
A food allergy is an immune system response to a specific protein in a food that the body perceives as harmful. For example, shellfish can trigger allergic reactions through a protein called tropomyosin, while peanuts can cause an allergic reaction due to one of its many proteins.
When a person who is allergic to a particular food ingests it, their immune system perceives the food protein as an invader and overreacts. This immune response is disproportionate and inappropriate, resulting in a range of allergic reactions, from mild to life-threatening.
The symptoms of food allergies can vary and often occur within 30 minutes of consuming the food. They may include hives, rashes, tingling sensations in the mouth, and even trouble breathing. In some cases, a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Understanding Food Intolerances
Unlike food allergies, food intolerances are not related to the immune system. They occur when our bodies have difficulty digesting specific foods. Lactose intolerance is a common example of food intolerance, which occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme that breaks down lactose in dairy products.
Food intolerances can cause digestive issues, such as bloating, diarrhea, or discomfort, and they can happen quickly or several days after consuming the food. If you feel unwell or experience unpleasant symptoms from a food you ate a day before, it is most likely a food intolerance rather than an allergy.
Other Types of Reactions to Food
There is a third type of reaction to food that is neither an allergy nor an intolerance. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by eating foods containing gluten. Although it shares some symptoms with food intolerance, such as bloating and belly pain, celiac disease damages the small intestine.
Getting a Proper Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have a food allergy or intolerance, it is crucial to seek proper medical advice. At-home food-sensitivity kits are not scientifically proven to be reliable diagnostic tools, and they can provide inaccurate results.
The first step is to speak with your doctor, who can help determine if you have an allergy or intolerance and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests. In the case of food allergies, you will need to see an allergist, who can diagnose you by taking a detailed food history and performing an oral food challenge. During an oral food challenge, you will be given certain foods in a medically safe and controlled environment to monitor your reaction.
An allergist can also develop an action plan in case you are exposed to a food you are allergic to, and recommend treatments for some types of allergies. In some cases, an allergist may prescribe epinephrine, a medication used to treat severe allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Food allergies and food intolerances are two different types of reactions to certain foods, and it is important to understand the difference between them. While food allergies involve an immune system response to a specific protein in a food, food intolerances occur when our bodies have difficulty digesting specific foods. A proper diagnosis is essential, and you should always consult your doctor if you suspect that you have an allergy or intolerance. In the case of food allergies, seeing an allergist is recommended. Remember that an accurate diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and avoid potentially life-threatening reactions.