Food Allergies and Intolerances: How to Identify and Manage Them

Written By: Laila Ibrahim and Eshrat Quader

 In the United States, there are nine main food allergies. Approximately 1 in 3 children have an allergy to a certain food, these foods include: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (hard-shelled nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, pecans etc.), wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame. The effects of food allergies on an individual can range from something as small as hives, so something as severe as death from asphyxiation.

But, what's food intolerance? 

Allergies and intolerances are completely different, but can be triggered by similar food groups. A food intolerance is when an individual's body has trouble digesting a certain food or ingredient within said food. Food intolerances are not life threatening, but can cause individuals to feel severely unwell, as they usually cause digestive issues (bloating, diarrhea and excessive gas).

The most common food intolerance is lactose intolerance, which is a sensitivity to dairy products. Other food intolerances can include: gluten, histamine (e.g. wine and cheese), caffeine, alcohol, sulphites (e.g. cider, beer, wine), salicylates (found in some vegetables, fruits, spices and herbs), monosodium glutamate (also known as MSG, typically found in cured meats), and benzoate (a preservative added to soft drinks, jams, salad dressings, etc.)

To sum it up, food allergies involve the immune system, while intolerances involve the digestive system. The difference between a milk allergy and an intolerance to lactose is obvious. One can be fatal, while the other can cause extreme discomfort. 

If you suspect you may have an allergy or intolerance it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you’re not putting yourself in danger, or causing yourself digestive issues.

For a suspected food allergy, you will need to consult a healthcare professional. It’s recommended to do both a skin test and a blood test. During a skin test, a doctor will use a need to prick your skin and expose you to small amounts of proteins found in potential allergies. During a blood test, a blood sample will be sent to a lab to see if you are sensitive to specific allergens. 

The process for food intolerances is slightly different. For a suspected food allergy it may require an individual to log everything they consume within a day. Food logs can be highly beneficial in diagnosing someone with a food intolerance. Consulting a medical professional is important, as it can help them rule out certain conditions that can mimic food intolerances, such as, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn's Disease, or Celiac Disease. Fully diagnosing a food intolerance might need a breath test or food elimination diet. A breath test is typically used to diagnose lactose intolerance, the process includes consuming dairy, breathing into a bag numerous times, and if an intolerance exists, hydrogen will be present. An elimination diet is simply a diet that excludes some foods that usually cause digestive issues such as milk, eggs, gluten, etc.

Whether you suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance, the first and most crucial step is to consult a healthcare professional. If you are diagnosed with either an allergy or intolerance, do not feel discouraged. Even though sometimes you may have to completely cut out your favorite food, health is wealth! It’s important to feel good in your own body!

References:

“Diagnosing Food Allergies and Intolerances: Steps and Tools» Dietetics Academy.” Dietetics Academy, 31 Dec. 2024, dietetics.academy/clinical-therapeutic-nutrition/diagnosing-food-allergies-intolerances/.

Everlywell. “How Do Food Intolerance Tests Work? Understanding Types, Accuracy, and Results.” Everlywell.com, Everlywell, 25 Nov. 2024, www.everlywell.com/blog/food-sensitivity/how-do-food-intolerance-tests-work/. 

Lillis, Charlotte. “How Can Someone Tell If They Have Allergies?” Medicalnewstoday.com, Medical News Today, 3 Oct. 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-know-if-you-have-allergies. 

NHS Choices. “Food Intolerance.” NHS, 25 Nov. 2022, www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-intoleranc

­