Votre panier

Votre panier est actuellement vide.

Continue shopping now

Adverse Reactions to Food: Allergies versus Intolerances

Sporty & Rich Wellness

By: @dermahealthnutrition

Many food-related symptoms are mistaken for "allergies" when in fact they may be food intolerances. Food allergy and food intolerance are two distinct reactions with unique characteristics in terms of their underlying mechanisms. Accurately distinguishing between the two conditions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately for improving the wellbeing of those affected.

According to recent studies, 8% of children and 5% of adults worldwide suffer from food allergies. Common food allergens in children include egg, milk, gluten, soya and peanuts while common food allergens in adults include peanuts, fish, crab, gluten and meat.

Food allergies are immune-mediated reactions triggered by specific proteins in food, usually involving the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When an allergenic protein is ingested, the immune system perceives it as a threat. Reactions typically occur within minutes to hours of ingesting the allergenic food! Clinically, food allergies manifest as a range of symptoms that can include skin reactions such as hives and itching, respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, and in some cases gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

A cross-allergy is relatively common in adults and can occur when proteins in certain foods are similar to proteins found in allergenic substances to which the individual is already sensitised: Some adults with latex allergies may also develop allergies to certain fruits, such as bananas, avocados and kiwis. Cross-allergies can also occur between shellfish allergens (shrimp, crab, etc.) and house dust mite allergens. People with a house dust mite allergy may experience allergic reactions when exposed to shellfish.

The diagnosis of food allergy involves a combination of methods, starting with a detailed medical history and assessment of symptoms. Skin prick tests and IgE blood tests are often used to further identify specific allergens. The gold standard for diagnosis is the oral food challenge, where a patient is exposed to suspected allergens under medical supervision. 

The management of food allergy revolves around avoidance of the allergenic food. Patients with known food allergies are often prescribed epinephrine autoinjectors for severe allergic reactions. Allergen-specific immunotherapy may be considered, but is currently only an option for peanut allergy in children.

Unlike food allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system and are not mediated by IgE antibodies. Instead, they typically result from enzyme deficiencies (e.g. lactase deficiency) or sensitivity to specific food components (e.g. histamine or fructose intolerance). Symptoms of food intolerance tend to have a more gradual onset, occurring hours to days after ingestion of the offending food.

The clinical presentation of food intolerance primarily includes gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Non-specific symptoms such as headache and fatigue may also occur, but are less common.

The diagnosis of food intolerance also begins with a comprehensive medical history and assessment of symptoms. In cases where a specific intolerance is suspected, such as lactose intolerance, breath tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis. In rare cases, such as celiac disease, a biopsy may be required.

Managing food intolerances often involves dietary modifications, where individuals avoid the specific foods or components that trigger their symptoms. Enzyme replacement therapy, such as lactase supplements for lactose intolerance may be recommended. For symptomatic relief, antihistamines for histamine intolerance may be effective or helpful in alleviating symptoms.

Food allergies are usually diagnosed by allergologists (e.g. dermatologists), while food intolerances are usually diagnosed by gastroenterologists. See a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you suspect you have a food allergy or food intolerance, write down exactly what happens after you eat the suspected food (including a detailed timeline of symptoms). Also note whether or not you can eat processed versions of the food. For example, soy milk vs. tofu; fresh tomatoes vs. pasta sauce; hazelnuts vs. chocolate spread.

References:

-Gargano D, Appanna R, Santonicola A, De Bartolomeis F, Stellato C, Cianferoni A, Casolaro V, Iovino P. Food Allergy and Intolerance: A Narrative Review on Nutritional Concerns. Nutrients. 2021 May 13;13(5):1638. doi: 10.3390/nu13051638. PMID: 34068047; PMCID: PMC8152468.

-Onyimba F, Crowe SE, Johnson S, Leung J. Food Allergies and Intolerances: A Clinical Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Adverse Reactions to Food. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Nov;19(11):2230-2240.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.01.025. Epub 2021 Jan 22. PMID: 33493695.

-Tuck CJ, Biesiekierski JR, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Pohl D. Food Intolerances. Nutrients. 2019 Jul 22;11(7):1684. doi: 10.3390/nu11071684. PMID: 31336652; PMCID: PMC6682924.

-Szilagyi A, Ishayek N. Lactose Intolerance, Dairy Avoidance, and Treatment Options. Nutrients. 2018 Dec 15;10(12):1994. doi: 10.3390/nu10121994. PMID: 30558337; PMCID: PMC6316316.

Précédent
Suivant

The Wellness Club

Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?

Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?

Par Taylor Davis

By @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil Over the past few years intermittent fasting has become the golden child of the wellness community all due to the miraculous effects it can have on your health.   Intermittent fasting is avoiding eating or drinking...

Read more
Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?

Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?

Par Taylor Davis

A Note from a Dermatologist: @dermahealthnutrition The world of aesthetic dermatology is experiencing a refreshing shift towards a trend known as "skinimalism" (Skin + Minimalism). This movement is a response to the overwhelming abundance of skincare products and complex routines that have dominated the beauty industry in recent years. At its core, skinimalism advocates a minimalist approach...

Read more
Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery

Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery

Par Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy  Many of us are busier than ever before. We juggle demanding careers, personal responsibilities, and social obligations to name a few, and if you’re a high-achiever this list may never seem to end. Burnout is a growing concern today due...

Read more
How Alcohol Effects Your Gut

How Alcohol Effects Your Gut

Par Taylor Davis

By: Megan Tomlin @gooodmoodfoood By now, almost everyone knows that alcohol is not the healthiest thing for our minds and bodies. But what do we know about the effect that alcohol has on our gut microbiome health? Before I answer this, there are a few terms I want to define for...

Read more
The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face

The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face

Par Taylor Davis

 By: @ericabassotherapy It's hopeful to see how much society has progressed in embracing mental health discussions. But as a mental health provider, I still notice gaps in our understanding of accurate mental health information. We can all get better at recognizing signs of mental health struggles and feeling empowered to seek support when needed. As a licensed...

Read more
The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion

The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion

Par Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co The concept of the skin barrier has become a part of many skincare aficionado’s vocabulary, but what does it really mean?  It is important to remember...

Read more
The Ancient Ritual of Oil Pulling

The Ancient Ritual of Oil Pulling

Par Taylor Davis

By: @emily_campbell Oil pulling has been an ancient ritual in India and is a sacred practice that has roots in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures. Known in Sanskrit as Kavala Graha or Gandusha, the regime of swishing around 1 tbsp of oil for 15-20 minutes and then spitting it out is primarily used for its oral health benefits. This simple regime has been...

Read more
The Mental Health Benefits From Travel

The Mental Health Benefits From Travel

Par Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy We can all probably recall that moment when you’re finally feeling relaxed on vacation and you hear yourself expressing, “I need to do this more often!”. Despite the research that supports the mental health benefits of taking regular vacations and traveling, it’s been found that a significant number of American workers don’t take all of their allocated...

Read more
High Intensity Exercise: Good or Bad?

High Intensity Exercise: Good or Bad?

Par Taylor Davis

By @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil HIIT or high intensity interval training has become a pretty normal part of modern training, its something you have probably already done without even realising it. It was popularised over a decade ago with Crossfit and now modernised in many forms of classes we see at gyms as well as being seen all over the web with HIIT routines and...

Read more
5 Benefits of Reformer Pilates

5 Benefits of Reformer Pilates

Par Taylor Davis

By: @coreflexpilates, founder Chris Bardawil Reformer pilates is everywhere, it's not just all over social media we are also seeing our favourite celebs doing it. The reality is reformer pilates has been a staple of many people’s exercise routines for over a decade now, and for good reason.

Read more
Burnout: What Is It and How to Recover

Burnout: What Is It and How to Recover

Par Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co Burnout is a concern I see often in clinical practice. Although it is not a diagnosable disease, it is a syndrome, meaning it is defined by a set of symptoms, but does not have a consistent progression or clear treatment plan. In other words, burnout is a very real issue, but may look different from person to person and require...

Read more
Nutritional Support for Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism

Nutritional Support for Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism

Par Taylor Davis

  By: Megan Tomlin @gooodmoodfoood Did you know that up to 60% of cases of Hashimoto’s disease go undiagnosed? Or that women are 5 to 8 times more likely to have a thyroid condition? Knowing these facts, it is shocking that so many of us are still unclear about...

Read more