Food Allergies vs Sensitivities 

Food allergies and intolerances are increasingly common. You’ve likely heard of nut-free schools and gluten-free foods. While some people must avoid even the tiniest traces of certain foods, millions of Americans experience allergic reactions to foods each year. While most reactions are mild, some can be life-threatening and require emergency treatment or hospitalization.

So, where do food allergies and sensitivities come from? How do we know whether our symptoms are due to an allergy or a sensitivity? And what are the best ways to prevent, treat, and live with them? Keep reading to find all the essential answers in this blog post.

Food Allergies vs. Sensitivities

Food allergies are an abnormal response to food triggered by the immune system, which normally fights infections. This response occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a non-harmful food, like peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, soy, fish, eggs, or wheat, as a serious threat. The immune system creates a specific type of antibody called IgE, which is responsible for most symptoms of true allergies. These IgE-mediated allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and life-threatening.

Allergies are often first noticed during childhood but can develop at any age and may last a lifetime. Mild allergic reactions to a food may result in more serious symptoms the next time it is consumed. So, after your first reaction—even if it’s mild—it’s crucial to speak with your healthcare provider to see if you should undergo allergy testing or carry emergency medication.

It’s unclear exactly where food allergies originate. Research suggests that they could be partly genetic, meaning they can be inherited from your parents. Additionally, gut microbiota may influence the likelihood of developing food allergies. Interestingly, new studies indicate that introducing young children to peanuts may reduce their chances of developing serious peanut allergies. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before introducing peanuts to your child.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies, but reactions can be prevented. During an allergic reaction, the production of IgE antibodies is triggered by a protein in the offending food. Any food can potentially cause an allergic response, but a short list of foods accounts for most reactions. According to the FDA, these common food allergens must be declared on package labels. Common food allergens include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• Fish (e.g., cod, bass, flounder)
• Shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Wheat
• Soy

Many food sensitivities or intolerances are often mistaken for allergies. Food intolerances can cause various symptoms after eating certain foods, but these symptoms are not caused by IgE antibodies. This difference is what makes them a sensitivity and not an allergy.

Common Food Allergies and Sensitivities

There are several different types of food allergies and sensitivities. Here is a short list of the most common reactions.

Anaphylaxis or Anaphylactic Shock

This is usually a very fast, life-threatening reaction that can occur when exposed to specific foods, medications, or stinging insects (e.g., bees). Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, itching, hives, swelling, blood pressure drop, abdominal pain, dizziness, tightness in the throat, and shortness of breath. The main treatment for an anaphylactic reaction is an epinephrine auto-injector and calling 9-1-1. Avoiding the trigger is necessary to prevent future life-threatening reactions, which may be even worse than the first one.

Oral Allergy Syndrome or Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome

When symptoms such as rash, itching, sneezing, and swelling occur around the mouth, lips, and tongue, this is called oral allergy syndrome. Foods commonly associated with this syndrome include raw apples, bananas, cherries, kiwis, peaches, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, melons, and hazelnuts. This type of allergic reaction is not life-threatening and is common among those who are also allergic to grass and ragweed pollen (hence the name pollen-food allergy syndrome). Cooking the fruit or vegetable often reduces the symptoms because the heat breaks down the proteins responsible for this type of non-life-threatening reaction.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Heartburn-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing after eating certain foods may indicate eosinophilic esophagitis associated with food allergies. If this happens, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to see if you should get tested for allergies or need medications. Avoiding foods that cause this reaction is key.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose is a sugar found in milk that can cause gas to build up in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is not an allergy but rather an inability to effectively digest it. Lactose is a two-part sugar molecule that needs the enzyme lactase to break it down. When someone does not have enough active lactase in their digestive tract, lactose remains intact and causes abdominal pain, nausea, excess gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance

Gluten is a protein found in many grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. While intolerance to gluten involves the immune system, it differs from allergies by the specific antibodies involved (allergies involve IgE antibodies, while gluten intolerance does not).

Living with Food Allergies and Sensitivities

The best way to manage food allergies and sensitivities is to avoid the foods that cause reactions. Here are my best strategies to help you navigate this:

1. Read Your Food Labels Carefully: Most pre-packaged foods must clearly identify if they contain any of the major food allergens or the immune-triggering protein of the major food allergens. Look at the list of ingredients, “allergen-free” claims, and also for statements like “may contain” or “produced in a facility that also uses.”
2. Prevent Cross-Contamination: Wash your hands, surfaces, dishes, and utensils well to prevent accidental cross-contamination between offending foods and other foods.
3. Confirm Ingredients When Eating Out: If you’re eating out, confirm whether the meal is free from the food you’re allergic to before placing your order.
4. Check Medications and Cosmetics: Food allergens may also be added to certain medications and cosmetics. Check those labels or ask your pharmacist before purchasing.
5. Initiate Treatment Immediately for Anaphylaxis: If you experience an anaphylactic reaction, the FDA advises that “persons with a known food allergy who begin experiencing symptoms while, or after, eating a food should initiate treatment immediately and go to a nearby emergency room if symptoms progress.”
6. Carry an Epinephrine Auto-Injector: If you have had a serious anaphylactic reaction, it’s important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of accidental exposure. This lifesaving medication can help maintain your blood pressure and restore your ability to breathe. Ask your pharmacist whether a prescription from a medical doctor is needed. Learn how to use it properly and replace it as it reaches the expiry date.
7. Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet: For those with severe allergies, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace to inform others of your condition in case of an emergency.
8. Manage Lactose Intolerance: For lactose intolerance, milk products do not need to be strictly avoided if consumed with the lactase enzyme (available as a dietary supplement) or if they have been pre-treated with the lactase enzyme (e.g., lactose-free milk). These options ensure that the lactose has already been broken down for you, preventing symptoms of intolerance.
9. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you believe you may have a food allergy or sensitivity, see your healthcare provider to discuss getting tested.

Check out our free e-book to dive deeper into navigating the world of food sensitivities and allergies.

Conclusion

Food allergies and sensitivities are increasingly common and can lead to a range of unwelcome symptoms. While many are not life-threatening, managing them effectively is essential for your overall well-being. As a general rule, avoiding the offending foods is highly recommended, and this post has provided essential tips on how to navigate life with food allergies and sensitivities.

If you suspect you have a serious food allergy, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if you need to carry emergency medication for future exposures. If you think you may be sensitive to certain foods, I offer several allergy-free recipes and meal plans that you can try to help you enjoy delicious meals without discomfort.

For a customized plan designed to help you enjoy the meals you love while avoiding foods that may cause issues, consult with a certified nutrition professional who can provide personalized, research-based nutrition advice tailored to your health, lifestyle, and goals.

Ready to get to the bottom of your food allergies or sensitivities and feel your best? Click here to book a chat with me and start your journey to better health!

Let’s work together to ensure you meet your dietary needs and thrive.