Food Allergies and Food Intolerances
posted 28th June 2024
There is often confusion about the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. Clients regularly come for a nutritional therapy consultation because they feel they are allergic to certain foods when, in actual fact, they are suffering from food intolerances. In this article, we will look at the differences between these conditions, how they present in our bodies and how best to manage them effectively.
Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when your body's immune system reacts to a particular food by producing IgE antibodies. Allergies can range from mild to life-threatening and mild food allergies are often called food sensitivities. Common food allergens include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame.
If you are allergic to a food you have eaten, you may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms are not always present or the same for every person or reaction and can vary on a number of factors, including the amount of food allergens eaten.
If you are allergic to a food that you have eaten, symptoms may appear from within a few minutes to a few hours and can include:
- Hives
- Flushed skin or rash
- Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth
- Face, tongue or lip swelling
- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
- Coughing or wheezing
- Dizziness or lightheaded news
- Swelling of throat or vocal cords
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
While most symptoms from food allergies are mild and limited to skin or digestive discomfort, some may progress to a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This is when the airways in the lungs constrict and there is a severe lowering of blood pressure and shock. The throat and larynx can swell leading to suffocation. Recognising the early symptoms of anaphylaxis and prompt injection of the drug epinephrine and other medical care is imperative. In the case of food allergies, the food allergens should be completely removed from the diet.
Immunotherapy, particularly in younger children, when they are exposed to very small amounts of the food allergen via the skin, lips or under the tongue, can be used to help retrain the immune system to reduce allergic reactions. In a recent study, children with peanut allergies who were given immunotherapy had a far greater success rate when given simultaneous probiotic support for the gut microbiome.
Food Intolerances
In contrast to a food allergy, a food intolerance arises when certain incompletely digested food particles enter the blood stream due to a compromised gut lining ("leaky gut") or inadequate levels of digestive enzymes and secretions. For example, many people lack the gene which codes for the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose. This can lead to lactose intolerance. With a food intolerance, the body reacts to the poorly digested food particles as foreign substances and tries to attack them using specific IgG antibodies. Food intolerances are often a delayed reaction (up to 72 hours), are very common and not life threatening. The common symptoms are:
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Skin problems
- Nausea, constipation or diarrhoea
- Inability to lose weight
- Joint pains
If you suspect that you suffer from a food intolerance, it may be helpful to keep a food diary to find out which food or drink triggers your adverse reaction. In a food diary, you should include all foods and drinks consumed on a daily basis and note any associated symptoms. An elimination diet can then be helpful to see if symptoms resolve once these foods are removed. However, reintroduction of these foods can often result in further food reactions unless the underlying cause of the food intolerance is resolved. This would involve a nutrition protocol to help heal the gut lining, balance and boost the gut microbiome as well as supporting digestive enzymes and secretions.
Functional Testing
Medicinal Eating Nutritional Therapy can provide a number of tests to help unravel the root cause of different food intolerances. A finger prick food intolerance test can help identify which foods may be causing an IgG reaction accompanied by ongoing inflammatory signalling. This test can also measure the integrity of the gut lining. A gut health and microbiome test can also assess the health of the gut lining including the levels of various digestive enzymes. A detailed profile of the gut microbiome is included where pathogenic bacteria may be identified which could be contributing to symptoms. Finally, a genetic test via a cheek swab can assess for genetic variances such as lactose intolerance. You can find out more about specific Medicinal Eating Testing Packages here.
For further information about a Nutritional Therapy consultation please contact Medicinal Eating or email Janine at info@medicinaleating.co.uk.
