For many people, eating certain types of foods (e.g., gluten, dairy and fructose) can cause uncomfortable and debilitating health complications. In fact, a whopping 85 million Americans suffer from food allergies and intolerances – with allergic reactions sending someone to the hospital every three minutes. While food sensitivities can vary greatly in severity, being aware of even minor intolerances or allergies can significantly improve your health and quality of life. Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the different types of food sensitivities, possible symptoms to look out for and how to get tested.
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Food allergies are much easier to recognize than food intolerances. Symptoms of a food allergy include hives, swelling, itching, dizziness and even anaphylaxis, which requires either an epi-pen or professional emergency care. Nine out of 10 food allergies are caused by milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and/or soy. Food allergies are most commonly diagnosed in babies in children – but it’s important to remember that they can develop at any age.
A food intolerance (or sensitivity), on the other hand, can sometimes be harder to spot. Unlike allergies, where reactions are triggered by the immune system, food intolerances center around the digestive tract – and render your body unable to process a particular enzyme, chemical or additive in food. Symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping and nausea – all of which can range in severity and, consequently, impact a patient’s ability to diagnose it.
Addressing Food Sensitivity
Luckily, determining what food you’re sensitive to is a fairly straight-forward process. In some cases, your doctor may recommend beginning the process by starting a food journal and trying to eliminate “problem” foods from your diet. If you’re looking for more definitive answers however, you may want to order a food sensitivity test, which tests your level of sensitivity to 96 different foods. At Cue® Health, we’re determined to provide people with paradigm-shifting access to diagnostic and health data that can inform better care decisions – which is why we now offer an at-home food sensitivity panel for those struggling with their digestion. For more information on this panel, click here.
This information is presented in summary form, general in nature, and for informational purposes only. Content is not intended nor recommended to substitute for professional medical advice. For personal medical advice, always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. The tests offered are subject to change and subject to availability. Due to state restrictions, this Cue Product is not available for individuals located in the state of New York. Other state restrictions may apply for specific tests. Please refer to our support page for detailed product terms and conditions.
References:
- https://www.foodallergy.org/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/food-allergy-sensitivity-difference
