Allergies, Sensitivities, Intolerances....What's the Difference?

If you are here… I’m assuming you have heard the words sensitivity, allergy and intolerance being tossed around. I often use the words interchangeably as some words sound more familiar to most, however it is important to know the differences between the three main types of food reactivity:

Food allergies: These are involved with the immune system and manifest in the most serious and immediate reaction, including rashes, itching, hives, anaphylaxis (suddenly and your airways narrow, blocking breathing), and swelling. This type of food allergy is permanent, with no cure. If you experience these symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately and have proper allergy tests done for your safety.

Food intolerances: Intolerances are usually the result of enzyme deficiencies. Intolerances don’t directly involve the immune system and normally occur when your digestive system is simply irritated by certain foods or cannot digest them properly. Intolerances can result from low stomach acid or improper digestion habits.

Food sensitivities: Food sensitivities can be more difficult to pinpoint. They are a reaction to food that may be associated with increased levels of certain IgG class antibodies. IgG antibodies are reactive to certain foods because of an imbalanced gut. Some people can tolerate small amounts of the foods they are sensitive to and not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often less severe than allergic reactions. Symptoms can include migraines, brain fog, skin issues, inflammation, digestive problems, and bloating.

You might have asked what the differences are, or maybe you haven’t even thought about it! It is important to know the differences when looking for dietary treatment of your trigger foods. All these conditions can cause reactions in the digestive system like abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea, so it is understandably confusing to know what you’re dealing with. The following will give you more clarity to help you understand which direction to take. Ultimately, food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances are distinct conditions that have different methods of approaching them.

FOOD ALLERGY

• Affects about 10% of adults in the US + 4% in Canada

• Allergies can develop at any age and to foods you have eaten before

• Common symptoms: hives, swelling of throat, lips, or tongue, trouble swallowing, warmth, redness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, pale skin

• Reactions can happen fast. Severe symptoms can lead to anaphylaxis (whole body allergic reaction) or death

• The only way to address food allergies is to strictly avoid the culprit food

FOOD INTOLERANCE

• Reactions occur exclusively within the digestive system

• Doesn’t involve the immune system, rather an abnormal functional response to a food

• Often caused by enzyme deficiencies or reactions to additives in food

• Often a tolerance level of consumption

• May be temporary 

• Much more common than food allergies.  

• Common symptoms: heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation

FOOD SENSITIVITY

• Reactions can be delayed, but there is no risk for anaphylaxis

• Involve unsuitable activation of the immune system upon exposure to certain foods

• Can increase inflammation in the body

• May be temporary

• Common symptoms: digestive issues, fatigue, headaches, skin issues (acne, eczema or dermatitis)

Despite being different food reactivities, food intolerances and immune mediated food sensitivities may present themselves in similar symptoms such as:

• bloating and gas

• abdominal pain

• nausea

• fatigue

• joint pain

The Most Common Allergens Include:

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, and walnuts)

• Sesame seeds

• Dairy

• Eggs

• Shellfish

• Soy

• Wheat

So where do we start when it comes to addressing food sensitivities?

If you have been avoiding several foods/food groups because you feel "sensitive” to them - I have good news for you!

"All disease begins in the gut” - Hippocrates. This is a quote I cannot repeat enough. Research shows alterations in the normal human gut bacteria play a role in the development of food sensitivities + intolerances. Bringing your gut microbiota back into balance can support alleviation of food allergies and potentially restore tolerance to triggering foods. I created The Good Gut Method to help you enjoy your trigger foods again and not feel trapped by a limited diet! The gold standard to pinpointing your food sensitivities is an elimination diet. This is a tool that we use in The Good Gut Method to do so.

Don’t let your food sensitivities define you! Learn how to pinpoint them + navigate them so you have more time to enjoy your life and the things you love doing to the fullest!

xo erin

Do you suspect food sensitivities? Are you ready to dig deep + get clear on the root cause?

I would be honoured to be your support + guide in understanding how food sensitivities aren’t a life sentence! Check out my the  Good Gut Method online course or work 1-on-1 with me! Let’s ditch your IBS like symptoms, regain your energy + say buh- bye to food fear.

Not sure if this program is right for you? OR want to learn more about The Good Gut Method? Schedule a FREE 15-minute discovery call.