Allergy or Intolerance?
The difference between allergies and intolerances is simple.Sensitivity, Intolerance or Allergy? What you need to know.
An intolerance is when the body reacts in a negative way when exposed to certain items. This should not be confused with an allergy, which is a more severe reaction and tends to be lifelong condition.
What exactly is an intolerance?
An intolerance is the body’s inability to digest an item properly, whether this is a food intolerance or an environmental factor (a non-food intolerance). Intolerances can occur due to a number of reasons, the two most common are:
- The body is lacking the necessary digestive enzymes(s) for the certain food and therefore cannot digest the item properly or efficiently take the nutrients from it. A sensitivity resulting from over-consumption or overexposure.
- Many symptoms are the result of a sensitivity to a particular item. A sensitivity can occur from overconsumption or overexposure of an item.
To find out if you have an intolerance or a sensitivity to a food or non-food item, you can purchase our test today.
Allergy or Intolerance. What’s the difference?
The difference between allergies and intolerances is simple; in most cases, allergies are mainly hereditary and you have for life. Many children and babies suffer from allergies to tree nuts, peanut, egg and dairy. However, a lot of the time, they will grow out of these childhood allergies. An intolerance on the other hand can and does change depending on diet and lifestyle. You can work with your intolerances to reduce them and even eliminate them.
Detecting allergies
Allergies are detected by measuring the Immunoglobulin E count (IgE) in the blood, as these are specific blood cells that help to combat allergies. If you have an allergy to a particular food or non-food item, your body will begin to react the moment it comes into contact with it.
Common allergic reactions can include localised swelling (i.e. of the throat or tongue), a rash, or difficulty breathing. Peanut, shellfish, egg and soya are among some of the most common allergens.
By comparison, an intolerance is not as severe and immediate as an allergy. These symptoms come on gradually; anything from 30 minutes up to a 48 hours later. Symptoms such as headaches, bloating, localised itching or skin irritations such as eczema, excessive mucous production, excessive gas, diarrhoea, and fatigue.
Diagnosing allergies
The most common method of diagnosing allergies is with a simple blood test, usually testing the IgE or IgG levels in the blood. IgE allergies are immediate responses to a foreign substance that has entered the body. These foreign substances can come from food or can come from inhalation. IgE allergies can cause very serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, and hives. In even more serious cases IgE reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock.
IgG4 food sensitivities are generally less severe than IgE food allergies and typical symptoms can include; headaches and nausea, seizures and hyperactivity. These may occur hours or even days after the offending food has been ingested. The degree and severity of symptoms vary because of the genetic makeup of the individual. IgG4 food sensitivities are generally treated by removing problem foods from the diet and by helping digestion with probiotics.
IgG4 food sensitivities are generally less severe than IgE food allergies and typical symptoms can include; headaches and nausea, seizures and hyperactivity. These may occur hours or even days after the offending food has been ingested. The degree and severity of symptoms vary because of the genetic makeup of the individual. IgG4 food sensitivities are generally treated by removing problem foods from the diet and by helping digestion with probiotics.
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- 400 food items
- 400 Non-food Items
- Nutritional Items
- Metals (Toxicity) Items
- Environmental Triggers
- E-numbers and food additives
- Gut Biome Test
- Hormonal Level Analysis
- Free exclusive 19 page guide
- 6 week food diary
- Over 10 Years Testing