ALLERGIES VERSUS INTOLERANCES

Food allergies and food intolerances can cause similar symptoms, but one is an immune system reaction  while the other is a gastrointestinal issue. Another important difference is that an allergy can cause a life-threatening reaction that makes the airways close (anaphylaxis), but an intolerance is more of an inconvenience than a risk, albeit an uncomfortable one. A food intolerance is the result of an inability to digest food. Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance (Celiac disease) are the most common food sensitivities with symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, gas, belly cramps and pain, and diarrhea. Allergies can cause these symptoms too, but also commonly cause cold-type symptoms like itching, sneezing, hives, coughing, throat tightness, and breathing problems.

P.S. Although it causes an inflammatory reaction, Celiac disease is not a true allergy.

---

< < Back to All Articles