WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?
A food allergy is not so much an allergy to that particular food, but an allergic reaction to certain proteins in the food.
The protein is normally digested, but in many people some of the protein is absorbed through the intestine intact.
The body then sees this as a foreign protein and produces antibodies to counter act this foreign protein. These antibodies attach themselves to the protein which stimulate certain cells to burst open and release a substance called histamine.
Histamine causes an inflammatory response which is why we experience the symptoms of an allergy.
Some allergic reactions can be mild and some can be life threatening. To avoid an allergic reaction, the offending food needs to be avoided.
WHAT IS A FOOD INTOLERANCE?
A food intolerance is not as severe as an allergy and is normally described as a pharmacological reaction to a food component. It is caused by natural or added chemicals in the foods. Food intolerances may produce symptoms similar to food allergies though which may be difficult to diagnose at first. By eliminating suspected foods for a while and then re-introducing them you may find the culprit and just avoid the food altogether, although it is suggested that certain foods, when eliminated from the diet for some length of time, may be eaten without any reaction when re-introduced, in certain people. Others may still have some reaction. It is a matter of trial and error.
