Food sensitives prove that everyone’s bodies react differently to a wide assortment of foods. Food sensitivities are toxic responses to food and are divided into two categories; food allergies and food intolerances. And the difference between the two involves the immune system. Food allergies involve the immune system, and food intolerances do not.
Food Allergies
Food allergies happened when your immune system thinks a certain food or a substance in food is harmful. When that happens, your immune system releases antibodies in order to conquer the food or food substance. And the next time you consume the same food or food substance antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, which, in turn, causes responses such as dry throat, itchy eyes, nauseas, rashes, runny nose and more, all allergic responses and symptoms.
Symptoms can vary depending on age, the type of allergen, and the amount of food consumed. Interestingly, symptoms can vary. An allergic response to eating fish will generally happen within minutes after eating in the form of asthma, hives, or a rash, or all three. An allergic reaction to cow’s milk may not happen for 24 to 48 hours after drinking the milk. These symptoms may also be mild and last for several days. There are over 140 different foods that have been identified as causes of allergic reactions, and 90% of food allergies are associated with 8 food types: cow’s milk, crustacean shellfish, fish, hen’s eggs, peanuts, soy foods, tree nuts, and wheat. Foods least associated with food allergies are: apples, carrots, cherries, lamb, pears, rice, sweet potatoes, and winter squash.
Food Intolerances
A food intolerance response is defined as any reoccurring, toxic response to food that does not involve the immune system. Food intolerances can be caused by an absence of an enzyme needed to digest food, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, recurring stress, or sensitivity to food additives. Lactose intolerance is an example of a food intolerance. The most common types of food intolerances are: gluten, lactose, preservatives and additives, and tyramine.
If you think that you may have a food allergy or food intolerance, you should see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis as food intolerances can cause some of the same symptoms as a food allergy.