Our foods contain substances and nutrients that fuel our bodies and give us energy. But, for 2-20% of people, hypersensitivities to these substances cause adverse reactions (after you eat the food or have indirect contact by inhaling or touching it), which, in some cases, can be life-threatening or fatal. These reactions happen for people with food allergies or intolerances12.
What’s the Difference?
Food allergies are abnormal immune responses to a specific food or substance. Food intolerances, on the other hand, are not immune responses. And, they could happen if there are functional or structural problems. Your gut absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat while defending your body from harmful substances. Food allergies lower your gut’s defense and trigger your immune responses3.
Food intolerances cause reactions after consuming certain foods or food products. Most food allergies happen after you’ve eaten the food. However, for some people, the allergy is airborne17.
Food intolerances are more common than food allergies. But, food allergies can cause more significant reactions and complications1.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms between food allergies and intolerances differ. Food allergies cause itching, swelling, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, skin issues (hives), and digestive problems. These reactions are instant and can be life-threatening. Food intolerances cause bloating, stomach pain/cramping, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, irritability, and even malabsorption1.
These are the most common causes of food allergies and sensitivities in people2:
Dairy
Dairy allergies are an adverse reaction to the proteins found in cow’s milk, like lactose or casein4.
Wheat/Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, oats, and barley. It is the protein that binds pasta, doughs, and cakes.
Celiac (or coeliac) disease is an autoimmune condition that causes adverse reactions after ingesting food and food products with gluten1.
Eggs
Egg allergies affect up to 9% of children, making them a prevalent food allergy. The allergy is to the protein found in the whites and yolk of the egg5.
Nuts
Peanut allergies affect anywhere from 0.5-2% of children. Peanut allergies can be severe and cause anaphylaxis (life-threatening inability to breathe)6.
Additives
Additives are substances you add to your food to give it its color, enhance its flavor, or preserve it. Some foods contain natural additives, like apples and tomatoes. Others, like candy and soft drinks, contain artificial additives12.
Histamines
Histamines trigger allergic responses in sensitive people. Certain meats, cheeses, and alcoholic beverages contain histamines1.