A food allergy and food intolerance are two completely separate issues that need to be treated accordingly. Allow us to explain how you can tell the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy:
What is a Food Allergy?
An allergic reaction to food occurs when the immune system erroneously flags the particles as a threat. This food will trigger an immune system response that can affect other bodily organs such as your skin (rash) or respiratory tract (trouble breathing). The eight most common foods that cause allergic reactions in America include:
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
If your immune system becomes hypersensitive to a specific allergen, anaphylaxis could occur upon contact. According to The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, “The most common triggers for anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, are medicines, food, and insect stings.” Talk to a Langford Allergy team member today about how we can help you eliminate your food allergies for good, so you don’t have to worry about anaphylaxis or allergic reactions in general.
What is a Food Intolerance?
Intolerance occurs when the food you eat triggers a digestive system response, causing discomfort. A food intolerance does not have anything to do with your immune system which means that anaphylaxis will not occur. A food intolerance can form due to many things, such as:
- Absence of specific enzymes that help break down food in the digestive system.
- Presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Sensitivity to food additives.
- Stress or psychological factors can affect your digestive system.
Although not life-threatening, a food intolerance can make for uncomfortable and frustrating days. Our team can create a personalized plan to aid digestion and pinpoint the exact cause of your intolerance.
Our team can address your food allergy or intolerance!
It’s important not to self-diagnose, as an allergic reaction and intolerance have vastly different side effects. One of our team members would be happy to discover the root of the problem and talk to you about treatment options. Give us a call today: 478-787-4728