Allergies vs. Intolerances?

Many people are familiar with food allergies, which are the kind that causes an itchy throat, hives, and more severely anaphylaxis. These reactions involve IgE antibodies in the immune system. Food intolerances do not involve IgE, but it can include other parts of our immune system such as IgG, cytokines, leukocytes, and other inflammatory chemicals. Food intolerances are different from allergies and are usually tied to many chronic health issues. Food intolerances may not show symptoms immediately making them difficult to detect. Blood tests are now available to help detect inflammatory markers and antibodies to foods and other substances.

Symptoms and Conditions Commonly Related to Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities are usually chronic and they can affect any system in the body, often affecting multiple systems. Food that causes inflammation cause a derailment in our normal metabolism. Below are some examples of symptoms that may appear that are caused or worsened by food sensitivities. DIGESTIVE – loose stools, cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease PAIN CONDITIONS – arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, muscle pains, cramps, migraines NEUROLOGICAL – irritability, anxiety, depression, difficulty focusing, foggy brain, insomnia, hyperactivity, mood changes, fatigue HORMONES – thyroid disease, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, hormonal imbalances CARDIOVASCULAR – hypertension, high cholesterol SKIN – eczema, psoriasis, cellulite, acne, poor complexion GENERAL – fatigue, weight gain, fluid retention, puffy eyes, feeling unwell