You may have noticed an increased amount of attention focused on food allergies and food intolerance in the media recently. Sometimes it can seem like just about everybody has an allergy to one or more foods. But are they really allergies, or are they simply intolerances? What’s the difference? This month is food allergy action month, so now is a good time to learn more.
Allergies Produce Serious Symptoms
A true allergy is caused by the body having a reaction to a food (or something else, such as pollen or mold). The symptoms are hard to miss, and can range from serious distress to life-threatening. Peanut allergies, for example, can cause anaphylactic shock, which can result in death if not treated immediately. However it’s important to note that true food allergies are not common in the general population. Recent research show that 5 percent of children and 4 percent of teens and adults have been diagnosed. Because the consequences can be so serious, if you have a true food allergy you should avoid all contact with that food.
Intolerances Produce Discomfort
Food intolerances are quite common, and you may know someone who experiences one or several intolerances—for example, lactose or glucose intolerance. Food additives such as artificial colors and sulfites can cause symptoms. Often, if you have a food intolerance, you can get away with eating a small amount of it occasionally without any life-threatening consequences. Even so, since it could cause some mild discomfort or distress in your body, it might be best to avoid it as much as possible.
Testing for Allergies
If you’ve experienced symptoms after eating a particular food, you will want to know if you are truly allergic or if you just have an intolerance. The best way to find out is through allergy testing, for which your doctor may order a blood, skin-prick or blind test to determine which foods are causing problems for you.
If you’re not sure whether you have a food intolerance, experts recommend that you remove that food from your diet for a period of time (around 15 to 30 days), then reintroduce it and see how your body reacts. Taking time this month to sort out your diet and eliminate items that bother you is worth the effort. If you enjoy food, and most people do, knowing which foods don’t belong on your plate can be the first step to a healthy, happy life.