Food Allergy VS Food Intolerance
Difference Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance
A food allergy arises when the body's immune system, which normally fights diseases, sees food as an invasion. When the immune system reacts to anything, it releases chemicals like histamine into the body, which causes an allergic reaction. Hives, vomiting, stomach discomfort, throat tightness, hoarseness, coughing, breathing issues, and a decrease in blood pressure are all possible reactions.
When the body is unable to properly digest the food ingested, or when a particular meal irritates the digestive tract, it is called food intolerance. Nausea, gas, cramps, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, irritability, and headaches are all signs of food intolerance.
A person with a food allergy is always at risk of a life-threatening reaction, even if previous reactions were minimal. Anaphylaxis might occur if even a small portion of the meal is consumed. As a result, anybody with a food allergy must avoid the offending item(s) completely and keep emergency injectable epinephrine on hand at all times.
The body's reaction is what distinguishes a food allergy from an intolerance. Your immune system triggers a response when you have a food allergy. If you have a food sensitivity or intolerance, your digestive system reacts.
“Gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, and nausea” are all signs of food intolerance.
“Hives, swelling, itching, anaphylaxis, and dizziness” are all signs of a food allergy.
Food Allergies
A food-allergy is an immune system response to a specific food. It occurs when the body misinterprets a dietary element — generally a protein — as dangerous and responds with an immune system (antibodies) to combat it. When the antibodies are fighting an "invading" dietary protein, an allergic response ensues.
An immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated response is the most prevalent. Allergy antibodies are known as IgEs. When substances, such as histamine from mast cells, are released, they produce an instant response.
Your immune system protects your body from intruders such as bacteria, fungi, and the common cold virus. A food allergy occurs when your immune system perceives a protein in your food as an invader and responds by producing antibodies to fight it.
Severity of Food Allergies
Food allergies, contrasting to food intolerances or sensitivities, can be deadly. In certain situations, simply swallowing or touching a little quantity of the allergen might trigger a severe reaction.
Symptoms of Food Allergy
Food allergies can cause hives, swelling, and itching on the skin, as well as anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, wheezing, disorientation, and death) and stomach problems.
Causes of Food Allergy
Ninety (90%) percent of allergic reactions are caused by Shellfish, eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, and soybeans.
Food Intolerance
0A food intolerance, on the other hand, is an immune system-independent reaction to a meal. Reactions might be instantaneous or take 10-20 hours to show after eating.
In your digestive tract, a food causes an intolerance. This occurs when your body is unable to properly break it dow0n or when your body reacts to a meal that you are allergic to. Lactose intolerance, for example, is a condition in which your body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Neither of these scenarios includes the immune system.
Causes of Food Intolerances
You may be sensitive or intolerant to a certain food for a range of reasons.
- Sulfites, MSG, and artificial colors are examples of food additives or preservatives that might cause allergic reactions.
- Pharmacological dynamics such as caffeine sensitivity or other medications
- Sensitivity to sugars found naturally in foods like onions, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Symptoms of Food Intolerances
Food intolerances can appear in a number of ways. Symptoms of food intolerance might be vague or even mimic those of other diseases.
The symptoms of intolerance, on the other hand, are all connected to the digestive system. The following are some examples:
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
Key Differences between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance
| Food Allergy | Food Intolerance | |
| Where Reaction Takes Place | Immune System | Mostly related to digestive system |
| Severity of Reaction | It can be life threatening | Mild to restrained discomfort |
| Symptoms | Multiple body systems ; skin, respiratory , heart and gastro-intestinal | Gastro-intestinal |
| Reaction-time | Usually immediate(within few seconds to 30-60 min after food intake) | Maybe delayed(From 30 min to 3-4 days) |
| Are symptoms critical or chronic? | Typically acute, hardly chronic | Frequently chronic, occasionally acute |
| Affected Population as a Percentage of Total Population | 1-2% | Estimated 20-30% |
| Mechanisms of Immunity | IgE | WBC antibodies, IgG (and subclasses) IgM C3, C4 |