Food Allergy VS Food Sensitivity
FOOD ALLERGY VS FOOD SENSITIVITY
From gluten free to paleo to autoimmune diets how does one chose which specific diet is right for them and more importantly how does one decide if they are having a reaction to food and what type of reaction they are having?
The terms food allergy and food sensitivity are often confused or used interchangeably. While both reactions typically involve an inflammatory response the mechanism and timing of the reaction is quite different.
A food allergy occurs when the body produces immunoglobulin E, a particular type of antibody, in response to a specific food. This reaction occurs immediately or within minutes and is often referred to as an IgE reaction or a “food allergy”. Common symptoms of an IgE reaction or food allergy include swelling of the lips eyes or throat, gastrointestinal distress, a skin rash or hives if the food is ingested. Food allergies can cause severe reaction such as anaphylaxis shock both…If the food only come in contact with the skin symptoms are typically seen topically.
A food sensitivity involves a delayed reaction to a particular food and involves the production of Immunoglobulin G antibodies. This reaction can be referred to as an IgG reaction occurs after ingestion of a particular food and can occur a few hours or up to 72 hours after ingestion of a particular food. Symptoms of a food sensitivity might include headaches or migraines, fatigue, muscle aches or pains, gastrointestinal disturbances like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Food sensitivities are also closely related to autoimmune disease and may exacerbate a current autoimmune disease or excel the development of an autoimmune disease as food sensitivities are taxing to the immune system.
Following a diet free of allergens and food sensitivities is the best way to ensure that your diet is custom tailored to fit your body and ensure your diet is specifically anti-inflammatory. Because each person is biochemically unique we often rely a specific laboratory test to uncover what specific foods a person responds inflammatory VS anti –inflammatory. This allows us to build a specific anti-inflammatory diet rather than using a general approach to address inflammation in the diet.
Check out my next blog on the MRT lab test that gives valuable information regarding an individual’s inflammatory response to food and my protocol to reset and repair the immune system!
Quick Recap:
Food Allergy:
- Involves an IgE or immediate response
- Symptoms include hives, swelling, rash etc.
- Involves absolute avoidance of food
Food Sensitivity:
- Involves IgG or delayed response
- Reaction could occur 1 hour – 72 hours late
- Symptoms could include: headaches, skin rash, bloating, irregularities in digestion and bowel movements, fatigue, muscle/joint aches and pains, flairs of autoimmune disease
- Involves avoidance and proper digestion for a period of time to allow the immune system to heal
General Inflammatory Foods: Corn, Soy, Gluten and highly processed foods, refined sugar, an individual’s food sensitivities.
