Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerances

Food allergies and food intolerances are two distinct reactions that the body has to certain foods. While it may seem like they have similar symptoms, there is a major difference between allergies and intolerances.Knowing the distinction between them can help you identify what your body needs to stay healthy. The Difference Between Allergies and Intolerances A food allergy is an immune reaction to a food, which can be severe or life-threatening. It occurs when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance in the food as harmful and produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to fight it off.When an allergic person eats the food, these antibodies will bind to white blood cells in the body, which leads to the release of histamines.This is what causes the symptoms associated with a food allergy such as hives, swelling, itching, vomiting, and even anaphylaxis.Food intolerances are less severe reactions to certain foods and are not life-threatening.They occur when your body cannot fully digest or break down certain components of food, such as the lactose in dairy products.This can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Food Allergy Testing Allergy testing is used to identify what allergies a person may have. It is done by skin testing or blood tests and can help to confirm whether a person has a food allergy or an intolerance.Allergy tests are important for correctly diagnosing the cause of a reaction so that the proper treatment can be prescribed. It can help identify the source of an allergy, which is essential for managing it properly.Food allergy testing can also help to reduce unnecessary or incorrect treatments that may be causing further harm to the person. Some other benefits include: Identify Allergy Triggers The primary benefit of allergy testing is that it can help identify the substances that trigger your allergies.This knowledge can enable you to make necessary lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods or environments, to prevent allergic reactions.Knowing your triggers can also help your doctor prescribe better medication to manage your symptoms more effectively. Accurate Diagnosis Allergy testing can help differentiate allergy symptoms from non-allergic causes such as infections or other illnesses.This is crucial regarding medication management and determining the severity of the disease.Some allergy medications may conflict with other medications, so it's essential to know the exact cause. Improve Quality of Life Allergic reactions can significantly impact your quality of life, leading to missed workdays or school, and diminished physical and emotional well-being.Identifying your allergy triggers via allergy testing leads to a better quality of life by decreasing the frequency of allergic reactions and the need for medication. Early Detection Early detection of food allergen in children is crucial. Allergy testing helps detect children's allergies early, thus enabling parents to make necessary lifestyle changes to avoid potential allergens and to be better equipped in the event of an allergy emergency. Peace of Mind Allergy testing can provide peace of mind for people who suspect they have allergies but have not been officially diagnosed.The results…