Food Intolerances and Allergies

Food intolerance is a reaction from the digestive system, that takes place when food is unable to be broken down adequately or digested properly, resulting in irritation. This is different than food allergies,which is a reaction from the immune system in response to a protein. Food allergies develop when immunoglobulin E or IgE, a disease fighting antibody, is created upon initial introduction of a protein. When the protein is encountered a second time it believes it is harmful and IgE is released along with other chemicals such as histamine. The common food allergies include milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, walnuts, soy, fish and shellfish.

Source: Allergy Resources and Immune System Disorders

Both food intolerances and allergies can result in uncomfortable responses. However, food allergies may result in life-threatening symptoms. Since food allergies impact "approximately 1 in 20 children" (Food Allergy: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States.” National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 23 February 2012. Web 24 February 2012) and can be life-threatening it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms. Below is a list of food allergy symptoms.

• rash, hives or itchy skin
  
• swelling and narrowing of airways, shortness of breath
  
• chest pain
• anaphylaxis/anaphylatic shock
  
• nausea
• diarrhea

It's also important to be able to distinguish food allergy reactions from food intolerance responses. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance does not occur ever time a particular food is ate. It may also only be triggered when one eats a large portion of a particular product. Symptoms include:

• nausea/vomiting
• heartburn
• gas, cramps, stomach pain or bloating
• diarrhea
  
• headaches
• nervousness, irritability
  

There are few ways one can determine the source of their problem. A fairly simple test that can be done, to identify any food allergies one might have, is an oral food challenge test. It must be administered at a hospital in case of an allergic reaction. Diagnosing food intolerances will require trail and error or through food elimination. Keeping a food journal during this time can be helpful in finding the source of one's symptoms.

It's important to note that children may outgrow their food allergy. Therefore, it is advised to have periodic testing to determine if any food allergies still exist.

Treatment includes avoiding the food or ingredient that is causing the problem and finding other sources to replace any nutrient that may be lost from the elimination. Preventing any reaction is the key. However, if you or someone you know begins to experience severe symptoms it's important to seek medical help.

References

“Food Allergy: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States.” National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 23 February 2012. Web 24 February 2012. <http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/clinical/Pages/patients.aspx>

“How to Identify Food Allergies & Intolerance.” Allergy and Immune System. Web 21 February 2012. < http://allergyimmune.com/food-allergy/identify-food-allergies>