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May
12
Written by:
Kelsey Blackwell
5/12/2010 3:04 PM
While 30 percent of the American population may believe they have a food allergy, less than 5 percent actually do. A recent report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found faulty studies and misdiagnoses are likely responsible for keeping folks in the dark about what are likely food intolerances.
So, what is a food intolerance? At the most fundamental, reactions generally don’t involve the immune system. The following are commonly mistaken for allergies:
With a food allergy, your body thinks a certain food is actually a harmful substance and release antibodies to fight it. Symptoms look more like: Rashes, hives, shortness of breath, swelling of airways and itchy skin. While food intolerances may make someone miserable, actual food allergies are much more severe and possibly life threatening.
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5 comment(s) so far...
Re: 4 intolerances commonly mistaken for food allergies
Your definition of a food allergy fits celiac desease to a large degree. In Celiac disease, the immune system regards the gluten molecule as a harmful organism (or substance) and launches an attack.
The emededicine.com website defienes an allergic reaction as:"An allergic reaction is the body's way of responding to an "invader." When the body senses a foreign substance, called an antigen, the immune system is triggered. The immune system normally protects the body from harmful agents such as bacteria and toxins. Its overreaction to a harmless substance (an allergen) is called a hypersensitivity reaction, or an allergic, reaction. " So, I do not think you have clarified the distinction between an intolerance and an allergy, though you have named a few intolerances and a condition (IBS) which is not an allergy. You have muddied the waters concerning Celiac disease and its distinction from an allergy.
By Bob Messing on
5/19/2010 12:45 PM
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Re: 4 intolerances commonly mistaken for food allergies
They all fall under "foods to completely avoid" to me. Stay away from your allergic and intolerant foods and live a happier, healthier life. I'm sure there are many people who have overlapping conditions/allergies, like me, who don't really care what the definition is. We just have to avoid, avoid, avoid at all costs. What I don't like is when people say things like "you can eat this, just this once" The temptations can be overwhelming at times (like when I'm hungry, or craving an old comfort food). I have had to surround myself with friends and family who support me and I support them.
By E Cecil on
5/19/2010 1:20 PM
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Re: 4 intolerances commonly mistaken for food allergies
There is a difference between food sensitivities and food intolerances. An example: most people in the workd can drink milk. Most people who are non-white have a food sensitivity to dairy. This sensitivity shows up as an increase in sinus infections, weight gain, digestive difficulties, constipation etc. A sensitivity can become a full-blown and dangerous allergy, as happens with ciliac disease or with bee products. This is unlikely with dairy. It would not likely be seen as a food intolerance. Food sensitivities can show up in mood disorders as well, though this is infrequest. There are excellent reports out of Canada and the UK on the most common food allergies. The Reuters report on the CDC of May 10th shows an 18% increase of food allergies in American children. It lists several foods as allergies. Please be more specific when discussing what an allergy is, what an intolerance is, and how to determine the difference. Thanks.
By Amber Erkiletian on
5/20/2010 6:39 AM
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Re: 4 intolerances commonly mistaken for food allergies
How could I know if it is a food allergy or a reaction made by my antibodies? It is uneasy for me to recognize the difference of the two. So it means, I will continue eating foods that made my body sick. But what will I do if allergy (or whatever you called it) attacks me? Having itchy red rashes are anxious to cope with.
By Facts in Food Allergy on
6/9/2010 7:13 PM
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Re: 4 intolerances commonly mistaken for food allergies
How could I know if it is a food allergy or a reaction made by my antibodies? It is uneasy for me to recognize the difference of the two. So it means, I will continue eating foods that made my body sick. But what will I do if allergy (or whatever you called it) attacks me? Having itchy red rashes are anxious to cope with.
By Facts in Food Allergy on
6/9/2010 7:14 PM
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