Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Medical Group
Hablamos Español

Four Physical Differences Between Food Allergies and Food Sensitivity

Four Physical Differences Between Food Allergies and Food Sensitivity

It is common for a person who feels unwell after eating a particular food to assume that they have a food allergy. The truth is that these reactions can also come from food sensitivities or food intolerances. However, there are physical differences that can help you understand which is which.

The best option is to work with Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group for food allergy testing to see what you are dealing with. Not only can we determine which foods (if any) you are allergic to, but we can create a treatment plan or help you determine what foods to stay away from. Call us at 805-658-9500 to get started.

  1. There is a Difference in the Chemistry
  2. First and foremost, know that there is a difference in the chemistry behind how food allergies and food sensitivities each cause discomfort. With allergies, it is the immune system that believes that the food or ingredient you are ingesting is actually an invader and then releases antibodies and histamines in an effort to flush out the offender. On the other hand, a food intolerance involves your digestive system’s inability to create the necessary enzymes that would break up and digest certain foods. There are also health issues that can cause food intolerances, such as stress, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
  3. There is Not Always Overlap
  4. It is true that there can be a good deal of overlap between the foods that cause food allergies and the foods that cause food sensitivities, but there are some foods that are much more likely to be one rather than the other. For example, food sensitivities most commonly involve dairy products, grains, or gluten. Compare this to the eight foods that 90% of all food allergies revolve around: eggs, shellfish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, wheat, and soybeans.
  5. The Severity and Type of Symptoms Vary
  6. Common symptoms of food sensitivities include gas, bloating, irregular bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestives symptoms. It’s often the case that small servings of these foods are fine, but with too much consumption come symptoms.

If you believe that you have a food allergy, contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 to set up an appointment right away.