WHILE FOOD ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCE CAN LOOK ALIKE, HOW DO YOU TELL THE TWO APART?
Food allergy involves an immune system response soon after eating a particular food. Even a tiny amount of allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways. A food allergy can cause severe symptoms and even life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis) in some people.
Food intolerance is a less severe condition involving a reaction from the digestive system (usually 2 to 72 hrs after ingesting the offending food), not being able to properly digest (or break down) certain foods or substance(s)/ingredient(s) in particular foods, often because of enzyme deficiency. Food intolerance or food sensitivity is commonly caused by a “leaky gut” or impermeability. Potential symptoms include lethargy, headaches and trouble concentrating, joint pain, frequent gas, bloating, indigestion, skin issues, depression or anxiety, and increased susceptibility to catching colds and viruses.
COMMON FOOD SENSITIVITIES INCLUDE
- Lactose: People who are lactose intolerant do not make enough lactase enzyme to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This food intolerance is the most common.
- Histamine: People who are histamine intolerant do not make enough diamine oxidase enzyme to break down histamine, a naturally occurring chemical in foods like cheese, pineapples, bananas, avocados and chocolate. Red wine and some white wines also have histamines.
- Gluten: Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten sensitivity isn’t the same as having celiac disease, an autoimmune disease. When one has celiac disease, gluten damages the small intestines. If one has a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the body has a harder time digesting gluten.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF FOOD INTOLERANCE?
- The reaction occurs from two to 72 hours after ingesting the offending food.
- It’s triggered by food eaten frequently and often in larger quantities.
- It frequently involves four, five or even more types of food.
- Although the symptoms tend to be low grade, the problem is often chronic, recurrent and associated with inflammation in multiple organ systems.
WHY FOOD INTOLERANCE TEST?
Food intolerances tend to be lifelong. Most people can manage symptoms if they reduce or cut out foods that cause digestive problems. Food intolerance may be an inconvenience (and the symptoms unpleasant). When food particles enter the bloodstream, your immune system can sometimes identify these food proteins as ‘foreign’ and produces IgG antibodies to ‘attack’ the particular food in question. This response is the immune system’s natural defence mechanism to ward off harmful invaders in the body, which can create inflammation. This inflammation can trigger troublesome symptoms, which may persist if neglected.
WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE DOCTOR?
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience extreme abdominal pain or diarrhea, severe reaction to food, and/or unexplained weight loss.
If you suspect you or your family member is suffering from a food allergy or food intolerance, please call our Reception to book an appointment at Raffles Medical for assessment and test(s).
- Hanoi: (024) 3934 0666 | frontdesk_hanoi@rafflesmedical.com
- HCMC:(028) 3824 0777 | frontdesk_hcmc@rafflesmedical.com
- Vung Tau: (0254) 385 8776 | frontdesk_vungtau@rafflesmedical.com
