ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES

It’s pretty common to have a reaction to a certain food, but in most cases it’s an intolerance rather than a true allergy. Why does it matter? Although they may have similar symptoms, a food allergy can be more serious. these clues can help you figure out if it is an allergy or intolerance. 

 

 Allergy:

• Usually comes on suddenly

• Small amount of food can trigger

• Happens every time you eat the food

• Can be life-threatening

 

Allergies can be seasonal (worsening during certain times of the year, such as pollen allergies in the spring)  Common allergens include weed or grass pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, insect stings and a variety of food types, such as eggs, shellfish, nuts and grains. If you come in contact with something to which you are allergic, your immune system considers it dangerous and releases a chemical called histamine to counteract it.

 

The release of histamine can cause a variety of symptoms, including a skin rash, headache, sneezing, runny nose, swelling, nausea and diarrhea. The most severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening.

 

 

Food Intolerance:

• Usually comes on gradually

• May only happen when you eat a lot of the food

• May only happen if you eat the food often

• Is not life-threatening

 

Food Intolerance Symptoms

A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes something in food as harmful and attacks it. It can affect your whole body, not just your stomach. Symptoms may include:

 

Abdominal pains

Aches and pains

Acid reflux

Asthma

Arthritis

Bloating

Constipation

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Diarrhoea