This is one of the most common questions that I get ask on a weekly basis and that is, "What is the difference between an Allergy and an Intolerance?
People often get mixed up and say to me, oh yes the doctor tested me for that, when they probably didn't get tested at all.
So what is the difference between a Food Allergy & a Food Intolerance ?
Food Allergy
Immediate reactions (2 hours or less)
Rarely more than 1 to 2 foods
Normally only 2% of the adult population
Primarily skin, airways and digestive system
Trace amounts of foods can cause reactions
Caused by raised IgE antibody
A Lifelong Condition with a Food Allergy
A genuine Food Allergy is relatively rare. Only about 2% of the adult population are affected. A food allergy is a swift response by the body’s immune system to a specific food. With this type of reaction, the body’s immune system mistakes a food as an ‘invader’ which often results in a rapid allergic reaction, often within minutes, but generally within a maximum of two hour period. This type of allergic reaction is commonly associated with reactions to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs and seafood.
Food Intolerance
Reactions from 2 - 72 hours after eating
Multiple foods can be involved
Any organ system can be affected
Very common - 45 % of the population
Difficult to self-diagnose
Symptoms can clear after avoidance (3-6 months) and the body will repair itself
Food Intolerance is quite different to a food allergy and whilst the symptoms can impact the person’s quality of life, they are not life threatening. Food intolerance's are much more common than food allergies.
When foods and drinks are digested, the proteins within them are broken down into smaller fragments for easy absorption into the body. Larger fragments can pass through without breaking down, and sometimes the body reacts by attacking them using antibodies called Immunoglobulin G’s (IgG).
If you would like to make an appointment for a Consultation to investigate to see what Foods can be causing you problems, please get in touch with me on 087 3499136.
I have Clinics in New Ross, Bunclody and Wexford Town.
Betty - Nutritional Therapist
"Changes thru Nourishment"