
When it comes to food, many people feel discomfort or have reactions after eating certain foods. Whether it’s a mild stomach ache or something more serious like swelling or trouble breathing, these reactions can make eating difficult. But it’s important to know that not all food reactions are the same. Food sensitivities can be divided into two main types: food intolerance and food allergies. While both cause uncomfortable symptoms, they are different in how they affect the body and how serious they can be. Food intolerance happens when your body has trouble digesting certain foods. On the other hand, food allergies involve your immune system. When you have a food allergy, your body sees certain foods as harmful, even though they are not. In some cases, food allergies can even be life-threatening and require immediate help.
Both food intolerance and food allergies can cause digestive issues and can make it hard for you to know if you have an allergy or intolerance. Understanding the cause of your symptoms will help you figure out the best way to handle them. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between food intolerance and food allergies. We’ll go over what causes them, the symptoms to look for, and how to manage each one.
What is Food Intolerance?
You might experience digestive issues like food intolerance when your body struggles to digest certain foods, leading to discomfort such as bloating or stomach pain. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance doesn’t involve your immune system.
You might face food intolerance, when your digestive system has difficulty breaking down certain substances in food, like lactose in dairy. Sometimes, your body might have trouble with certain food additives or sugars. While food intolerance can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not harmful and can often be managed by adjusting your diet.
Common Causes of Food Intolerance
Food intolerance occurs when your body has difficulty digesting or processing certain foods, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. Common causes of food intolerance include:
1. Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the most common type of food intolerance, where your body doesn’t have enough of the enzyme lactase to break down lactose which is a sugar found in dairy.
Without enough lactase, lactose isn’t digested properly and moves into the colon, causing discomfort like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. If you’re lactose intolerant, you might face digestive issues like milk, cheese, and other dairy products.
2. Gluten Sensitivity
Some people feel uncomfortable after eating gluten, which is a protein found in foods like wheat, barley, and rye, but they don’t have celiac disease, an autoimmune condition. This is known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
While it doesn’t cause the same damage to the intestines as celiac disease, it can still lead to issues like bloating, stomach pain, and tiredness. People with gluten sensitivity often feel better by avoiding gluten-containing foods.
3. Food Additives and Preservatives
Packed food often contains chemicals like sulfites or artificial sweeteners that can upset your stomach and can cause headaches in some people. These chemicals are added to help preserve the food or make it taste better.
While most people don’t have a problem with them, some people are sensitive and may experience bloating, stomach cramps, or even migraines. This type of sensitivity is often overlooked, but it can make everyday life uncomfortable.
4. Fructose Malabsorption
Fructose malabsorption occurs when your body has trouble absorbing fructose, a sugar found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables.
When your body can’t break down fructose properly, it can cause symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Some people also feel gassy or even nauseous after eating foods high in fructose. This condition makes it harder to enjoy certain fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms of Food Intolerance
The symptoms of food intolerance can vary depending on the type of food involved and how your body reacts to it. Common symptoms include:
1. Bloating or Abdominal Discomfort
You might feel bloated or uncomfortable when your stomach becomes swollen or full, often due to trapped gas. This can make your stomach feel tight or heavy, and it may even look larger than usual.
There are certain foods, like beans, dairy, or high-fiber foods, that are common causes of bloating. Stress and overeating can also lead to this discomfort. In some cases, digestive issues like food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may lead to bloating.
2. Diarrhea or Constipation
When you experience diarrhea, you may find yourself having frequent, loose, or watery stools. On the other hand, constipation can make it difficult to pass stools or lead to fewer bowel movements than usual.
Both issues can be caused by food intolerances, stress, or infections. A poor diet, such as one low in fiber, can lead to constipation, while certain foods might irritate your stomach and cause diarrhea.
3. Gas & Flatulence
If you’re dealing with food intolerance, you might notice more gas and flatulence. This happens when air builds up in your stomach or intestines, causing discomfort. Foods like beans, cabbage, or fizzy drinks can make things worse.
This is why healthcare professionals always suggest eating slowly and avoiding foods that tend to cause gas. When you swallow air by eating too fast, it can add to the problem.
4. Nausea (without vomiting)
Sometimes, you might feel nauseous without actually vomiting. This could be triggered by certain foods, stress, or digestive issues. If you’re experiencing this, it might be a sign that your body is reacting to specific foods or ingredients.
We suggest eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding foods that tend to make you feel uncomfortable. If you’re noticing this feeling regularly, it could be helpful to track which foods are causing the nausea.
What is a Food Allergy?
Food allergies are much more serious than food intolerance and actually involve the immune system. When someone with a food allergy eats something they’re allergic to, their immune system treats a harmless part of the food, like a protein, as a threat.
In response, the body releases chemicals like histamine to protect itself, which causes an allergic reaction. These reactions can be severe and happen quickly, sometimes leading to symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis. Unlike food intolerance, food allergies can be life-threatening and need immediate medical attention.
Common Food Allergies
Common food allergens are foods that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The most common food allergens include:
1. Nuts
Some people are allergic to nuts, like almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios. Even a small amount can trigger a reaction, which can range from mild symptoms like itching or swelling to more severe issues like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
Nut allergies are often lifelong, so it’s important to avoid nuts and foods that might contain them. Always read food labels carefully, and when eating out, don’t hesitate to ask about the ingredients to make sure you’re staying safe.
2. Fish and Shellfish
Some non-veg lovers may not realize that fish and shellfish, like shrimp, crab, and lobster, can cause serious allergic reactions for certain people.
These reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives or swelling to more severe issues such as difficulty breathing or even anaphylaxis. Sometimes, even a tiny amount of fish or shellfish can trigger a reaction in those who are allergic.
3. Eggs
Egg allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, like rashes, stomach discomfort, or even more serious reactions like difficulty breathing. The allergy usually involves proteins found in egg whites, but some people are allergic to both the whites and yolks.
It’s important to avoid not just eggs themselves but also foods that may contain eggs as ingredients, like cakes, mayonnaise, or certain processed foods. Since egg allergies are often lifelong, staying vigilant is essential.
4. Wheat & Soya
If you’re allergic to wheat or soy, it’s really important to be careful with what you eat. Wheat allergies can cause issues like rashes, stomach pain, or even trouble breathing if you eat foods with wheat, like bread or pasta.
A wheat allergy isn’t the same as celiac disease, but it still means avoiding wheat-containing foods. If you’re allergic to soy, you’ll need to steer clear of things like tofu, soy sauce, and even some processed snacks that contain soy.
Symptoms of Food Allergies
Food allergy symptoms can appear immediately or within a few minutes to two hours of consuming the allergenic food. These symptoms may range from mild to severe and can include:
1. Hives, Itching, or Swelling
When your body reacts to certain foods, you might notice red, itchy patches on your skin or swelling around your mouth, lips, or face.
It can feel uncomfortable and annoying, but in mild cases, it usually goes away on its own. Sometimes, the reaction can get worse, and the swelling might make it hard to breathe or swallow.
2. Shortness of Breath or Wheezing
Sometimes, your stomach might not agree with certain foods, causing pain, cramps, or even vomiting. It usually happens soon after eating and can make you feel really uncomfortable or tired.
Sipping water and taking it easy might help, but if it gets too bad, it’s good to see a doctor. You should keep track of what you eat and can help you figure out which foods are causing the problem.
3. Abdominal Pain, Cramps, or Vomiting
Your stomach might react badly to certain foods and can lead to pain, cramps, or even vomiting. This will happen shortly after eating and may leave you feeling weak or uncomfortable.
Drinking water and resting can sometimes help, but if the symptoms are severe, it’s best to consult a doctor. Keeping a food diary can help you figure out which foods are causing the problem.
4. Anaphylaxis
This is a very serious and life-threatening allergic reaction that needs immediate medical help. It can cause breathing problems, a drop in blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness.
If someone is having an anaphylactic reaction, using an epinephrine injection (like an EpiPen) and calling emergency services right away is critical.
Take Charge of Your Food Sensitivities with Expert Guidance
Food sensitivities, including food intolerance and food allergies, are common but distinct conditions that can greatly affect your health and quality of life. While food intolerances are often manageable through dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments, food allergies can be life-threatening and require strict avoidance and emergency preparedness.
Understanding the differences between the two can help you better manage your symptoms and seek the right treatments to improve your well-being. If you’re unsure about your symptoms or need help diagnosing food sensitivities, you should consult a Gastroenterologist in Centurion, as a professional can provide you with accurate testing, tailored advice, and effective treatment options.