What’s the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy?
“I’m allergic to wheat.”
“I’m dairy intolerant.”
It’s quite common to hear people talking about their problems in relation to food, but many of these “allergies” or “intolerances” are self-diagnosed.
That’s absolutely not to say that these people aren’t experiencing genuine symptoms when consuming certain foods, but the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance is actually quite distinct.
A food intolerance is different from a food allergy, but are often confused because the symptoms can be similar.
The main difference is that a food allergy involves the immune system, whilst a food intolerance is a chemical reaction which doesn’t involve the immune system.
Let’s have a look at each in more detail…
What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is a reaction from the immune system and occurs when the body reacts to a specific protein in the food which are otherwise fine for other people.
Around one child in 20 is affected by a food allergy, and two adults in 100. And whilst up to 10% of babies can also suffer from a food allergy, most will grow out of it as they get older.
If you have an allergy to a certain food, your reaction to it is normally immediate and can take place following exposure to even tiny amounts of the food.
The reaction is severe and known as anaphylactic. This can include swelling of the tongue and throat – and can, in some cases, be potentially life threatening.
Common allergens include egg, peanuts, soy, cow’s milk, sesame seeds, wheat, fish and shellfish.
What is a food intolerance?
Food intolerance occurs when your body reacts to chemicals that are naturally occurring in food, or to some specific carbohydrates in food which aren’t digested properly and which are otherwise tolerated by most people.
A food chemical reaction often results in symptoms such as hives or rashes or swelling, headaches and migraines, stomach or bowel upsets, sinus and/or breathing problems.
A reaction to particular carbohydrates in food (such as high FODMAP foods) can cause abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating , wind, distension, and altered bowel habits (ranging from constipation to diarrhoea) and have no abnormal pathology.
How can I get tested for a food intolerance or allergy?
If you think that you have an intolerance or allergy to a certain food, it’s very important you take yourself to be properly diagnosed by a health professional. You would need to be diagnosed by your GP or allergist for such a diagnosis.
It’s also advised that you meet with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (Hi, there!) to get help with developing a balanced eating plan.
You may need to eliminate certain foods from your diet to avoid being affected by your intolerance/allergy – it’s important that you are replacing these foods with suitable alternatives so your body still gets all the nutrients it needs.
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