Food Allergies Versus Food Intolerance: The Difference

What Are the Symptoms?

If you suffer from food allergy, you could have itching; hives; swelling of the throat, eyes, or tongue; nausea, vomiting; or diarrhea. And in the worst case scenario, you could have a drop in blood pressure, fainting, dizziness, and even cardiac arrest.  An anaphylactic  reaction can progress rapidly and be fatal.

Potentially, any food could cause an allergy.  However, the most severe food allergies are commonly caused by just a few foods:  namely, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, peanuts,soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat.  (note: I don't know if carob grows on trees or what, but I myself am allergic to carob)   A person can develop an allergy at any age. Studies show that genetics play and important role, and a child is more likely  to develop an allergy if one or both of his parents have allergies.  It is not uncommon for children to grow out of allergies. 

Symptoms of food intolerance are generally less alarming than those of extreme allergic reactions.  Food intolerances may cause stomach pain, bloating, gas, cramps, headaches, skin rashes, tiredness, or a general feeling of malaise. An intolerance may be related to a variety of foods-dairy, wheat, gluten, alcohol, and yeast are the most common. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you think you may suffer from a food allergy or a food intolerance, you may decide to get checked by a specialized professional. Self-diagnosis and autonomously deciding to eliminate certain foods can at times be harmful, as you may inadvertently deprive your body of necessary nutrients. 

There is no widely accepted treatment for severe food allergies other than the total avoidance of the particular foods that trigger the allergy.  On the other hand, if you have milder food allergies or food intolerance, you may see some benefit from simply reducing how often you eat certain foods and the amount. In some cases, however, sufferers are compelled to avoid the foods in question altogether or at least for some time, depending on the severity of the intolerance.

So if you have a food allergy or a food intolerance, you may find comfort in knowing that many sufferers have learned to manage their condition and still enjoy a wide range  of nutritious and delicious foods. 

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING/Helping Your Child Deal With Puberty

From The Awake! magazine