Return to site

Food Allergy V

Food Intolerance

· IgG,IgE,allergy,Food senstivity

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.

broken image

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 outside New Ross

Betty - Nutritional Therapist

"Changes thru Nourishment"