Well, physical responses to certain kinds of food are common, but if you observe sudden red bumps on your skin upon eating nuts or develop a headache after having a roti. Then there can be various causes why the system has reacted differently to certain foods, food allergies and food intolerance are believed to be the most common reasons for this. And most people are unable to rightly differentiate between two food sensitivities. Fret not, if you’re one who often experiences these reactions after having a particular type of food, we are here to fix you out.
Read this article to get an insight into the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance and ways to manage them.
What is Food Allergy?
The immune system is your body’s first line of defense against invaders like bacteria, fungi, or the common cold virus. When you develop a food allergy, the immune system recognizes a protein that you have as an invader and responds to it by making antibodies to combat it.
Food allergy is an immune-mediated reaction that develops immediately after having a certain kind of food, that is recognised as a threat to your health. The most common is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)- triggered reaction. IgE are allergic antibodies that can cause an immediate reaction when chemicals are released. Even a minimal amount of that specific food can stimulate a broad range of signs from mild to severe. The possible treatment option for food allergies is to totally refrain from having specific food that triggers it.
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Some of the common food sources that account for more than 90% of allergic reactions include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans and shellfish.
Also Read: Food Allergies in Kids: 5 Foods That Can Trigger Reaction And Here’s What You Should Do
Symptoms Of Food Allergies
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Breathing problems
- Wheezing
- Dizziness
- Itching around the mouth
- Swelling of the face, mouth and eyes
Common Food Allergies
Wheat
Wheat is considered one of the most common food allergies. It develops when the human body produces an allergic reaction to the proteins present in wheat. The reaction can be very intense and even fatal at times. Wheat allergy is common during childhood, while it can also develop in adults.
Milk
Milk is another common food allergy seen in children. It is triggered by an abnormal immune system response to one or more of the proteins present in milk. This food allergy can result in a severe reaction called anaphylaxis and if not treated immediately, people may have breathing issues.
Eggs
Egg allergy symptoms typically develop a few minutes or a few hours after consuming foods containing eggs. Studies reveal that the majority of the proteins that stimulate an egg allergy are found in egg whites and not yolks.
Ways To Manage Food Allergy?
People who develop food allergies must refrain from having these foods such as milk, eggs, fish shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soybeans. Parents of children with food allergies must be educated to manage accidental ingestions.
Parents should be trained on how to use self-injectable epinephrine injections and it should be readily available.
The effects of an allergic reaction are very severe; however, efforts are formulated to accommodate people with food allergies.
Most importantly food products should state on the labels if the food product is made in the same facility that makes the common allergens.
What Is A Food Intolerance?
Food intolerance develops when the human body is unable to digest certain foods. Though food intolerance is not serious, consuming a particular food can make a person feel unwell and nauseating. Generally, symptoms related to food intolerance may take several hours to appear and in a few cases no symptoms are exhibited.
Symptoms Of Food Intolerances
- Gas and bloating
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches or migraines
Common Food Intolerances
Lactose
Lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to digest milk sugar lactose present in dairy products. This type of food intolerance is quite commonly seen in children and adults, as they lack the enzyme lactase to break down lactose and digest it. Bloating, frequent stools and abdominal pain are common symptoms. Usually, symptoms settle upon withdrawing milk and milk products from the meal plan.
Caffeine
Caffeine intolerance happens when the system has a negative reaction to drinking coffee. It can develop even after having minimal amounts of coffee, that depends on how sensitive is the gut. High blood pressure and sleep disturbance are common symptoms.
Sulfites
Sulfites are chemical seasonings that are present in certain food products. They are mostly used as preservatives in foods and drinks that may trigger a host of symptoms. Asthma, hives, coughing, and wheezing are the symptoms related to sulphites intolerance.
Ways To Manage Food Intolerance
Well, there is no complete treatment or cure for food intolerance, but it is believed that dietary modification can be helpful.
As there is no test for food intolerance, however, following an elimination diet is considered the gold standard in knowing the foods that are triggering unpleasant symptoms.
An elimination diet comprises following a particular eating pattern that refrains certain foods from the diet that are believed to be causing a problem. After some time, these foods are slowly reintroduced to see if any symptoms are experienced.
The elimination diet is considered the best approach to identifying food intolerances. Moreover, due to the complexities of this approach, it is suggested that it should be done with the proper guidance of a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and usually allergy testing (skin prick tests or blood tests) to identify specific allergens.
Can Food Allergies Be Outgrown?
Some children may outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, soy, and wheat, but allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish tend to be lifelong in most cases.
How To Manage Food Allergy?
Management involves strict avoidance of the allergen, reading food labels carefully, being prepared with emergency medication and educating others about the allergy.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Food Allergy?
If you suspect a food allergy, consult with an allergist or immunologist for proper diagnosis and management. Keep a food journal to track allergy symptoms and potential triggers.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
1 Food Allergies
Claudia M. Lopez; Siva Naga S. Yarrarapu; Magda D. Mendez
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482187/
2 https://jfoodallergy.com/
