Food Allergies vs Food Intolerances: Key Differences Explained!
Navigating food-related reactions can be confusing, especially when it comes to distinguishing between food allergies and food intolerances. Both conditions involve unpleasant responses to certain foods, but they are vastly different in their causes, symptoms, and management. Let’s break it down.
What Are Food Allergies?
The Immune System’s Role
Food allergies occur when your immune system misidentifies a harmless food as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine to “fight” it.
Symptoms
- Mild: Hives, itching, or swelling.
- Severe: Anaphylaxis, which can cause difficulty breathing and requires immediate medical attention.
Common Food Allergens
- Peanuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish and shellfish
How to Diagnose
An IgE blood test or a skin prick test is commonly used to confirm food allergies. These tests identify immune responses triggered by specific allergens.
What Are Food Intolerances?
A Digestive Dilemma
Unlike intolerances don’t involve the immune system. Instead, they result from difficulties in digesting certain foods, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms of Food Intolerances
- Bloating
- Gas
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Common Triggers
- Lactose (found in dairy)
- Gluten (in wheat, barley, and rye)
- Fructose (a sugar in fruits and sweeteners)
How to Identify Intolerances
An elimination diet is a helpful สมัคร UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ method. By removing suspected foods from your diet and reintroducing them gradually, you can pinpoint the culprits causing your discomfort.
Managing & Intolerances
- For Allergies: Always carry prescribed medications like epinephrine if needed, and strictly avoid allergens.
- For Intolerances: Reduce or eliminate problem foods or use alternatives like lactose-free dairy products.