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Food Allergy vs Food Intolerance

Food intolerance and food allergy can make our life difficult.

Food is one of human’s basic needs, and we can’t survive without food. Food contains delicious nutrients that are giving us energy, build our bodies, and keep us healthy.

Food sounds like a superhero that always saves the day! But, what about when certain foods cause more problems than benefits? Food is a powerful source that can build, and destroy us.

The destruction of the body happens when a person suffers from a food allergy or food intolerance. In this article, you will find out why food allergy happens, can you get food allergies as an adult, and what is the difference between food allergy, and food intolerance.

Why do people have allergies?

Allergy is a reaction of the immune system to a substance (enzyme). This reaction happens when the immune system makes a mistake and as a result, marks a harmless substance as dangerous.

When the immune system detects a dangerous substance (an allergen), then it starts producing antibodies that are always alert to the allergen.

People will start having allergic reactions after they get in touch with the allergen for the second, third, and any other time after the first interaction. This happens because of the immune system. When the immune system gets in touch for the first time with the allergen, it will only create antibodies. Those antibodies will patrol the body, and always be alert, and waiting to get in touch with the allergen.

Antibodies will release immune system chemicals (the most famous one is histamine) when they get in touch with an allergen for the second time, and every time after the first interaction with the allergen. Because of those chemicals, the human body is experiencing allergy symptoms. If you are interested in learning more about food allergies, and how can you get diagnosed with food allergy, check out this article.  

Allergy symptoms can be very mild, to life-threatening.

7 types of allergies are food, drug, insect, latex, mold, pet, and pollen.

Can I suddenly get a food allergy as an adult?

Yes, you can suddenly get a food allergy as an adult, and it is called an adult-onset allergy. Without a doubt, allergies can occur at any age.

Adult-onset allergy can occur because of family history, changes in the immune system, or exposure to a new allergen in the environment.

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

Allergy is a response from the immune system. They always appear because of the immune system.
Food intolerance is being unable to process and digest specific foods. Intolerance is connected with the digestive system, not with the immune system.

However, food intolerance and food allergy sometimes have the same symptoms. Even though food intolerance usually is not a life-threatening condition, it should be taken seriously. Without a doubt, everyone with food intolerance should avoid food that is causing them problems.

When you experience food allergy or food intolerance you may need to look for recipes that support your new daily diet.

Thoughts about food allergy

  • Food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to a certain substance in food. An allergy reaction will happen every time the body comes across the allergen after the first interaction with the allergen.
  • Food allergy, like any other allergy, can occur at any point in a person’s life.
  • Food intolerance is a reaction of the digestive system to a certain food, and it should be taken seriously like a food allergy

Dora

I was diagnosed with allium allergy when I was 15. Allium allergy means that I need to avoid eating onion, garlic, leek, chives and shallot.I love cooking and creating new recipes. With my educational and medical degree I am very happy to help everyone living with allium allergy.Browse my food blog and enjoy my unique no onion no garlic recipes.

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