Food allergies versus intolerance; how to know the difference between the two

Did you know….that less than 8% of the people who have an adverse reaction to food are related to a food allergy? What may appear to be an "allergic reaction" in reality is (maybe) intolerance to food, chemicals or anything else we ingest. Here's now to know the difference:

Allergies usually produce the following reactions: Tingling (in the mouth), hives, swelling (lips, eyes, face, tongue, and/or throat), dizziness, fainting, nausea, cramping, and diarrhea.

Why does your body react this way?

*It recognizes the food as a toxin (like a poison) to the body and sends antibodies to fight off the perceived effects.

*Our body releases "histamine" whenever it fights off an allergy, hence causing some of the above symptoms (swelling).

 

Food intolerance usually affects the digestive system causing nausea, cramping, and diarrhea. The root cause is usually related to the absence of an enzyme the body fails to produce during digestion.

What triggers these symptoms?

*Food poisoning (bacteria found in food that our body cannot fight-off)

*IBS (aka irritable bowel syndrome) is a chronic condition causing bloating, cramping and diarrhea.

*Celiac disease (reaction to most breads, cookies, wheat, rye) results in severe abdominal pain/bloating, cramping.

Our body naturally signals us when something is wrong through rejecting it during digestion. Allergies are particularly concerning as they can cause severe and immediate problems. Whether you suspect your reaction is allergic or intolerance related don't ignore the symptoms and see a doctor immediately. Write down specific information in order to help your doctor in their diagnosis (i.e. what you ate/ingested or came in contact with, when the reaction occurred, how long it lasted, what physical symptoms you suffered and how often these symptoms occur).

The easiest way to remember the difference between the two is this: Allergies usually cause swelling. Intolerances usually cause indigestion. Both can occur with allergies but rarely occur with intolerances.