This topic has been discussed many times in
many health forums. Some people mistook food intolerance as a food allergy or
vice versa. But what is the real differences between food intolerance VS food
allergy?
People who have food allergy may have mild
to severe reactions toward a specific food. This is caused by the false
reaction of immune system against a specific protein contained in that specific
food. The immune system think of the food as a threat, and it produce an
antibody that causes allergic response. Small amount of food allergen is enough
to cause a very serious problem.
Meanwhile, people with food intolerance have
an easier experience because the process doesn’t involve false identification
by immune system. In general, food intolerance cause a less serious effect
compared to food allergy, and people with food intolerance may be able to eat a
small amount of intolerable food.
The most common reaction of food
intolerance are digestive upset and headache, but it can also cause joint pain,
sinusitis, and other mild to medium discomforts. Meanwhile, food allergy
reaction may vary from mild to serious reaction. Sometimes when you’re experiencing
it, your skin and/or outer area may suffer. In most cases, you get hives,
swelling in lips, tongue or throat. Others have digestive problem including
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or cramping. You may also have breathing
difficulties, When severe, it is important to bring the patient to the nearest
hospital as soon as possible.
Now that we know the difference between
food allergic and food intolerance, what are the common triggers? The most
common allergens include cow’s milk, tree nuts, eggs, seafood, shellfish,
wheat, peanuts, and soy. On the other hand, the common triggers for food
intolerance are cow’s milk, eggs, nightshade plants, fructose-high foods, and
gluten.
To find out whether you have allergy or
food intolerance, go and consult your doctor for more information on available
testing methods.
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