Know the distinctions and foods that can trigger allergic reactions and food intolerance

Distinctions and Foods that Can Trigger Allergic Reactions and Food Intolerance

Allergic Reactions And Food Intolerance

Nausea, abdominal cramps, gas, and even headaches. Have you ever felt like this after a meal? The consumption of certain foods can cause these symptoms when a food doesn't sit well. In many cases, it may be a food intolerance or food allergy.

"The main difference between the two is the type of response from the body. This can be noticed by the speed at which the symptoms appear - in allergies, they are always faster. Other differences are the frequency of occurrence and the predominant age groups: intolerances are more common among adults, and allergies among children," explains nutritionist Luiza Ferracini.

Here are some more differences:

• Food Intolerance: The food is not digested properly, and the symptoms are usually gastrointestinal.
• Food Allergy: The food is seen as an aggressor by the body, and the symptoms vary (such as skin rashes). The reactions go beyond discomfort: in some cases, they can be fatal.

Having a food intolerance means that the body cannot properly digest a certain food, and that food irritates the digestive system.

The most common food intolerances usually occur with the following foods:

• Gluten
  Lactose
  Sucrose
  Corn
  Chocolate
  Food additives
  Citrus fruits
  Fish
  Shellfish
  Cheese
  Egg
  Nuts

"Intolerances to gluten, lactose, sucrose, and corn are more complicated because they are present as ingredients in various foods, which means that patients need to constantly analyze labels," explains nutritionist Luiza.

Although digestive problems are often associated with children, it is adults who are most affected by them - both men and women.

According to Luiza, studies show that intolerance can develop in anyone without a family history and at any stage of life, but the incidence increases as we age: "This is because our digestion tends to slow down, and we produce less of the enzymes needed to digest food."

Food intolerance is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome or food allergy, and the diagnosis is initially made through the patient's food diary and confirmed with tests. It is important to remember that only doctors can perform this type of evaluation.

Food Allergies

In the case of food allergies, the body interprets the food as an invader. This triggers a disproportionate response from the immune system, which releases chemicals to protect itself, causing breathing problems, vomiting, throat tightness, stomach pain, hives, and decreased blood pressure, among other symptoms.

While in food intolerance, a small amount may not cause any symptoms, in food allergies, simply ingesting a microscopic amount of the food, or even touching or inhaling it, can cause severe allergic reactions. The main triggers of allergies are:

• Fish and seafood
  Peanuts
  Tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts
  Egg
  Wheat
  Soy

Treatments

Treating food intolerance often requires exclusion. "Since it is not a definitive diagnosis, sometimes it is possible to reintroduce the food into the diet after strengthening the intestinal microbiota. In some cases, such as lactose intolerance, there are enzymes that can be obtained ready-made to reduce symptoms.

It is very important to have guidance from a nutritionist to understand which treatment is most suitable for each person because excluding a food or group of foods without proper substitution can cause nutritional deficiencies," explains the nutritionist.

In the case of food allergies, the main way to deal with them is to carefully avoid the triggering ingredients.

This includes checking product labels before consumption and paying extra attention to meals prepared by others, such as in restaurants. It is also advisable to carry identification stating which foods you are allergic to and medication for crisis situations.

It is important to know that there are no natural or home remedies for food allergies. Self-medication is also extremely dangerous and can worsen the clinical condition.

If you experience any of the symptoms, don't wait to consult with specialists to diagnose and treat food intolerances and allergies.

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