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Food Allergy vs Intolerance vs Sensitivity

Food Allergy vs Intolerance vs Sensitivity

So What Exactly is Food Intolerance?

‘Food intolerance is your body’s reaction to certain foods which can manifest itself in a number of ways’

Although not directly life-threatening like food allergy, food intolerance should never be underestimated as its impact on sufferers can be significant, severely impacting on their ability to live normal healthy lives. Food intolerance is estimated to affect at least 45% of the population.

Essentially food intolerance is your body’s reaction to certain foods which can manifest itself in a number of ways. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms) to being in a ‘fog, feeling bloated and being tired all the time’ whilst others will be unfortunate to experience irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, skin, musculoskeletal, circulatory or respiratory conditions or even neurological symptoms. All these can affect their ability to live normal, healthy lives, leading to long term, unnecessary pain and suffering.

Realising that the food you eat is a catalyst for particular symptoms is not easy when, unlike the immediate reactive symptoms of food allergy, food intolerance symptoms can appear hours, days months or even years later. In fact, following the elimination of problem foods, many sufferers have realised that they had been experiencing minor symptoms as a result of intolerance for their entire lives.

However, there are now answers and ways to identify the cause of symptoms that can help with long term relief (see Tests below). The Ultimate Health Check uses the most up to date technology to identify the cause of the symptoms leading to understanding your body, treating it and having a healthier life.

What is the difference between Food Intolerance and Food Allergy?

Food Intolerance (Sensitivity)

Population: 45%
Reactions are usually delayed: Symptoms may take several days to appear
IgG intolerance to several different food groups at the same time
Symptoms: multiple with common ones being: migraine, bloating, diarrhoea, lethargy, generally feeling unwell

Food Allergy

Population: 2.5%
Reactions usually occur quickly: Maximum of 2 hours after exposure.
The body’s IgE immune system is activated by the immediate ingestion of the reactive food (usually peanuts, almonds, brazils, eggs, milk, fish and shellfish).
Symptoms: difficulty breathing, rashes, swelling, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting and anaphylactic shock (these can potentially be life-threatening)

Tests

Food Intolerance Test: blood test for IgG food antibodies which may be linked to many inflammatory conditions in the body.
Gastrointestinal Test: stool test to identify digestion conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial and fungal growth, immune function, stomach issues, digestion and other malabsorption issues.
Coeliac Test: blood test for Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestines caused by an intolerance to gluten.
Candida Test: a blood test for the overgrowth of Candida which can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.
Histamine Test: blood test for Histamine intolerance, which is caused by an enzyme deficiency, resulting in allergy-like symptoms when eating certain foods such as alcohol, chocolate, cheese, processed meats, yeast, dried fruit and tinned fish.

About the Author

Deborah J. Cann is the founder of ‘The Ultimate Health Check’ which is a physical diagnosis that uses advanced medical technology to help identify and treat illnesses and unresolved conditions. The UHC test current health and diagnose future risks through genetics, blood, urine, saliva, stool, physical examinations, screenings and questionnaires to produce The Ultimate Treatment Plan: The most advanced body diagnostic available.

Assessment packages are available at 7 locations in Hertfordshire and London and include the Food Intolerance Test, Genetic Diet Test, Thyroid Tests, Athletic Genetic Analysis, Gastrointestinal Test, Health and Diet Check-Up and The Ultimate Health Check to create personalised health assessments.

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