Food allergy and food intolerance are commonly confused with each other. They are very serious and can be potentially life-threatening, learn how to avoid certain allergies and how to deal with those situations in this article.

DECODING FOOD ALLERGIES AND FOOD INTOLERANCES

While food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a food negatively which is usually harmless, whereas food intolerance occurs when the body has a chemical reaction to eating a particular food or drink.

The “big eight”—milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish—are the most typical cause of food allergies. While the “big eight” are more common, allergies can also arise to other foods, including sesame, mustard, celery, and several fruits. Reading food labels carefully and being mindful of these less common allergies is crucial.

The most common symptoms of food allergies are:

  • Hives 
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Tingling or itching
  • Wheezing or persistent cough
  • Swelling of the face, mouth or throat
  • Difficulty swallowing or talking
  • Anaphylaxis

Allergy tests will determine if you have a food allergy. Skin prick test (SPT) is the preferred testing method for true food allergy. Blood tests, which are less sensitive than skin prick tests, measure the amount of IgE antibodies to the specific food(s) being tested. 

 

Food intolerances:

 

Unlike food allergies, food intolerance or food sensitivity occurs when our body is intolerant, sensitive to, or simply can’t break down certain food problems, thereby, affecting our digestive system.

Food intolerance can be inconvenient, however, it is not life-threatening as some food allergies can be.

 

The three most common food intolerances are:

·       Lactose, a sugar found in milk

·       Caesin, a protein found in milk

·       Gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye & barley

·       Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and soft drinks

·       Sulphites, found in cider, beer & wine

·       Histamine, found in cheese & wine

The most common symptoms of food allergies are:

  • Gas
  • Cramping
  • Hives
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Recurrent mouth ulcers
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Headaches

Blood tests can also be used to detect food intolerances. The blood is checked for the presence of IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies are formed in our body when our body is exposed to a substance we are allergic to.

 

You can also keep a food diary that details the foods you eat, how you feel and any reactions. By keeping track of all these factors, you'll be able to notice patterns in the foods you eat and the reactions you have. 

 

It’s important to watch out for hidden allergens in processed foods and restaurant meals.

Consider the below 7 tips while dining out safely with food allergies

·       Choose the restaurant carefully

·       Avoid high-risk foods (e.g Asian foods if you are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts or sesame) and high-risk dining situations (e.g buffet style dining)

·       In ice cream parlours, shared scoops increase the risk of cross-contact.

·       Obviously, if you have a fish or shellfish allergy, avoid seafood restaurants.

·       Call ahead to ask the restaurant or café if they can cater for your food allergy

·       Always bring your medicines (epinephrine auto-injector and the like) in case you do have an allergy attack

·       Keep it simple. Ordering basics like baked potato, broiled chicken, or steamed vegetables can be the safest way to go.