Understanding Food Allergy and Intolerance | Symptoms | Causes | 3 Best Treatment Options
Food allergy and intolerance are conditions in which the body has an adverse reaction to a particular food or food group. Allergies involve an immune system response, while an intolerance involves an inability to digest or process a certain food. Both can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and should be taken seriously.
Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a food as a threat, and produces antibodies to fight it. The most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. These allergens can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, are caused by an inability to digest or process certain foods. This can be due to a lack of enzymes necessary for digestion, or to an adverse reaction to certain food components, such as gluten or lactose. Unlike allergies, intolerances are not life-threatening and do not involve the immune system. Symptoms of Food Allergies and Intolerances
The symptoms of food allergy and intolerance an vary greatly depending on the food and the person. In general, however, the most common symptoms of food allergies and intolerances include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Hives
- Swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
In addition to these symptoms, food intolerances can also cause headaches, fatigue, and skin rashes.
Causes of Food Allergies and Intolerances
Food allergy and intolerance can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. It is also believed that certain medications, such as antibiotics, can increase the risk of food allergies and intolerances.
In terms of genetics, some people are born with a predisposition to food allergies and intolerances. This means that they are more likely to have adverse reactions to certain foods.
Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals, can also increase the risk of food allergies and intolerances. For example, some people may be more likely to develop a food allergy if they have been exposed to certain pesticides or chemicals.
Finally, lifestyle choices, such as diet, can also increase the risk of food allergy and intolerance. For example, a diet that is high in processed foods or low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of food allergies and intolerances.
Treatments for Food Allergies and Intolerances The best treatment for food allergy and intolerance is to avoid the food or foods that are causing the reaction. In some cases, an allergist may be able to help identify which foods are causing the reaction.
In addition to avoiding the foods that cause reactions, there are a few other treatments that may help reduce the severity of symptoms. These include:
- Antihistamines: These medications can help reduce the severity of symptoms, such as hives or swelling.
- Epinephrine auto-injectors: These devices can be used to quickly and effectively treat anaphylaxis.
- Corticosteroids: These medications can help reduce swelling, itching, and other symptoms.
Food allergies and intolerances are conditions in which the body has an adverse reaction to a particular food or food group. Allergies involve an immune system response, while an intolerance involves an inability to digest or process a certain food. Both can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and should be taken seriously. The best treatment is to avoid the food or foods that are causing the reaction, and to take medications such as antihistamines and epinephrine auto-injectors to reduce the severity of symptoms.