People often confuse food sensitivity with food allergy. This is because a food sensitivity can trigger similar signs and symptoms of a food allergy. Reactions to food are common. But, what you experience may turn out to be a food sensitivity and not an allergy after all.
According to a study, roughly 9.2% of adults in the US are estimated to have food allergies. What’s more, about 6-8% of children with asthma have food-induced wheezing.
A food allergy causes an immune system reaction, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. It happens when the immune system perceives a food substance as foreign or harmful to the body, making antibodies to destroy it. A food allergy reaction can be life-threatening.
Thankfully, food sensitivity reactions are less severe.
A food sensitivity reaction happens when one’s digestive system is unable to breakdown food properly. It is also known as food intolerance. It could be as a result of enzyme deficiencies, reactions to natural chemicals in food, or sensitivity to food additives.
People with a food sensitivity can enjoy a small amount of the food that causes the reaction without major problems. Meanwhile, a person with a food allergy can have severe reactions simply by touching the food.
Causes of Food Allergy
There are more than 170 foods capable of causing allergic reactions. These food substances are called allergens because they are capable of triggering allergic reactions. The eight most common ones include fish, wheat, egg, milk, shellfish, tree nuts, soy, and peanuts.
The immune system of a person with a food allergy sees these food substances as foreign and harmful, and hence produces antibodies to destroy them. When this individual eats any of the food substances triggering the allergy, a reaction occurs.
Causes of Food Sensitivity
Sometimes, it is not clear why a person reacts to certain foods. In other cases, professionals can easily determine the root of your issues. For example, you may have lactose intolerance if your symptoms happen after consuming dairy products. It means that your body cannot break down lactose, which is natural sugar found in soft cheese, yogurt, and milk.
Other causes of food sensitivity include:
Caffeine. This is a stimulant used to reduce fatigue and heighten alertness. It can also result in reactions in people with sensitivity even after they take a small quantity. Anxiety, jitters, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, and rapid heartbeats are some of the caffeine sensitivity symptoms.
Alcohol. It can cause major digestive problems. Bloating and diarrhea are the most common symptoms.
Monosodium glutamate is often used to enhance flavor in foods. For people with sensitivity, it can result in hives, headaches, and chest pain.
Artificial sweeteners. They are also known as aspartame, often used instead of sugar. It can lead to side effects in people with sensitivity.
Histamine. This is present in cured food, pickles, Quorn, alcoholic drinks, and mushrooms.
Artificial colors, preservatives, and flavor enhancers can cause symptoms such as a stuffy nose, hives, and skin swelling in people with sensitivity.
Foods contaminated by toxins, viruses, bacteria, or parasites can also cause a reaction.
Gluten sensitivity/intolerance. Those who experience symptoms after eating wheat may cut gluten from their diet. An immune reaction to eating gluten results in inflammation that causes damage to the small intestine’s lining, resulting in a condition where the body cannot absorb food nutrients.
Allergy or Sensitivity?
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