It’s very important to distinguish between a food allergy and food intolerance. Although they can have some similar symptoms, but there are major differences in body reactions. The most common food allergies and intolerances are caused by nuts, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish and milk.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance involves the digestive tract. This happens when the body is unable to digest or process specific foods due to the deficiency or lack of a particular enzyme or a sensitivity to chemicals that are added or naturally occurring in foods. This usually causes an irritation in the digestive tract leading to discomfort and symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea. Cutting back on foods you are intolerant to can relieve these symptoms and discomfort. The most common food intolerance is lactose intolerance. As we get older, the ability to digest dairy decreases because of the decreased production of lactase enzyme.

The best way to identify food intolerance involves observation and experimentation. Try to keep a food diary and note the foods you eat and any symptoms you have after eating and when these symptoms occur. Once you know what foods may be triggering your symptoms, you can try an elimination diet which involves removing these foods for a few weeks and reintroducing them one at a time while monitoring symptoms. It’s very important to check with a dietitian before eliminating any foods to make sure you are getting your recommended daily nutrients.

Food Allergies

On the other hand, food allergies involve the immune system, which controls the body’s defence mechanism. If you have an allergy to a specific food like peanuts for example, your immune system will identify the allergen as an invader. This reaction may cause symptoms such as hives, abdominal pain, vomiting and breathing problems.

Individuals with allergies may also be at risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) even if the previous reactions to the same food have been mild. Moreover, someone with a food allergy should always carry an emergency EpiPen because even if a microscopic amount of the allergen was eaten, touched or inhaled might lead to anaphylaxis.

When you get symptoms after eating a specific food, it makes it easy to identify the allergen.

However, if the cause is unknown and you suspect you might be allergic to certain foods, speak to your doctor about testing and treatment options. Diagnostic tests for allergies can include a skin prick test or allergy blood test along with an assessment done by your doctor.

The bottom line

Having reactions to food is a very common issue that can be challenging to understand. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between food allergies and intolerances. Therefore it’s important to speak with your doctor and dietitian to identify any triggers and to develop a nutrition plan that is safe for you snd covers all your nutrient needs.

References:

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States

Report of the NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel

Food Intolerances

Caroline J Tuck,1,2 Jessica R Biesiekierski,2 Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier,3 and Daniel Pohl4,*

Update on Early Nutrition and Food Allergy in Children

Sun Eun Lee1 and Hyeyoung Kim2

Overview of food allergy diagnosis

IRENA MANEA,1 ELENA AILENEI,2 and DIANA DELEANU1