Food allergies and intolerances are increasingly common conditions affecting people of all ages. While food allergies are caused by an immune system reaction, food intolerances are caused by the digestive system’s inability to digest certain foods. Although the two conditions have similar symptoms, the treatments and management strategies for each type of condition are significantly different. In this article, we will discuss the differences between food allergies and intolerances, the symptoms of each, and the treatments and management strategies for each condition.
What is a Food Allergy and Food Intolerance ?
A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a food protein. When a person with a food allergy consumes the food, their immune system reacts by releasing chemicals, such as histamine, which can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common food allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, wheat, and soy. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, food allergies affect an estimated 6-8% of children under the age of 3, and 3-4% of adults.
A food intolerance is the inability to digest certain foods due to a lack of digestive enzymes. This can lead to digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances do not involve an immune system reaction. Common food intolerances include lactose intolerance (inability to digest milk and dairy products), gluten intolerance (inability to digest wheat, rye, and barley), and fructose intolerance (inability to digest fruits and some vegetables).
Symptoms Of Allergies & Intolerances
The symptoms of food allergies and intolerances can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of food allergies include hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Food intolerances can cause similar symptoms, such as stomach cramps, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, food allergies and intolerances can also cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, and dizziness.
Treatments & Management Strategies
The best way to treat and manage food allergies and intolerances is to avoid the foods that cause the reactions. This can be difficult, as some foods are hidden in processed foods and may not be clearly labeled. For this reason, it’s important to read food labels and ingredients lists carefully. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of cross-contamination, which can occur when a food that contains an allergen is prepared in the same area as a food that does not contain the allergen.
For people with food allergies, it’s also important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen®, in case of an anaphylactic reaction. Additionally, some people with food allergies may benefit from immunotherapy, which can help desensitize the body to the allergen and reduce the severity of reactions.
For people with food intolerances, the primary treatment is to avoid the foods that cause the reactions. However, some people may benefit from digestive enzyme supplements, which can help the body break down the food and reduce the symptoms. Additionally, probiotics may be helpful, as they can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
Conclusion
Food allergies and intolerances are increasingly common conditions that can cause a variety of symptoms. The best way to treat and manage both conditions is to avoid the foods that cause the reactions. For people with food allergies, it’s also important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of an anaphylactic reaction. For people with food intolerances, digestive enzyme supplements and probiotics may be helpful in reducing the symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns about food allergies or intolerances, it’s important to speak with your doctor.