Food Allergy VS. Intolerance & Sensitivity

A Food allergy is an auto immune response which follows a adverse reaction to the allergen (protein) in a particular food causing minor to severe reactions such as the following:

Rash/hives Itchy scaly skin Bloody stools Stomach cramps/Nausea Breathing difficulties Death (in certain circumstances)

The most common foods that cause allergic reactions are as follows:

Eggs

Nuts/Peanuts Fish/Shell fish (Crustaceans) Wheat/Gluten

Milk/Soybean

A food intolerance is gut or abdominal-related reaction to food, which is irritated by an ingredient or substance in a particular food causing mild delayed digestive issues such as diarrhea, gas, cramping, or nausea or vomiting.

The most common foods that cause food intolerance are as follows:

Lactose in milk (milk sugar)-absent of an enzyme needed to fully digest lactose causes lactose intolerance Diary products/heavy creams

Casein (protein found in milk)

Food intolerance is dose related & can be resolved by eliminating large portions of a food sorce. For example, small amounts of milk in coffee would not be problematic but a full glass of Milk would. Whereas, a person with an allergy would have to avoid the food allergen altogether. It’s important to read food labels & ingredients when shopping.

Food Sensitivity is, relatively, a reaction to a particular food but not always in the same manner. At times, this can be very difficult to diagnosis because of the similarities with food intolerances.

Some of the symptoms may include:

Abdominal cramps Nausea/vomiting Rash and hives Acid reflux/GERD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

If you feel as if you're suffering from a food allergy or intolerance, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian for further assistance.