A food allergy is different from a food intolerance. Milk is one that is often misinterpreted by some as a food allergy when in actuality may just be a food intolerance. “A food intolerance is the body’s abnormal reaction to a food but in a way that does not involve the immune system. A food allergy is triggered by an immune response…and poses a much greater health risk” (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

A doctor can confirm the presence or absence of a food allergy and/or food intolerance. Some ways they may diagnoses is through a skin prick test that exposes a person to a tiny amount of suspected food allergens on the skin and observing what cause a reaction. They may also have an individual keep a diet diary to record foods eaten and his or her reaction to them and then eliminate suspected foods from the diet and observe results there after.

Food Allergy

• Food allergies are different from a food intolerance
• A food intolerance is the body’s abnormal reaction to a food but DOES NOT involve the immune system
• A doctor can confirm the presence or absence of a food allergy and/or food intolerance

Food Intolerance

Types of Food Intolerance:

• Lactose Intolerance
• Food additives
• Gluten Intolerance
• Food poisoning
• Histamine toxicity

Signs & Symptoms:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea & vomiting

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