Allergies vs. Intolerances
Food allergies are different from food intolerances. A food intolerance refers to the inability to digest and process food correctly, usually due to a lack of one or more enzymes. A food allergy, on the other hand, occurs when your immune system generates an antibody to the ingested food.
A food intolerance may lead to a food allergy if particles of undigested food manage to enter the bloodstream and cause a reaction, as occurs in leaky gut syndrome. Consequently, promoting and maintaining the integrity of the digestive tract is essential in combating and preventing food intolerances.
Symptoms and Signs:
Signs of food allergies in children include asthma, behavioural problems, chronic illness, chronic (noncyclic) fluid retention, chronically swollen glands, colic, constipation, diarrhea, ear infections, fatigue, headaches, learning problems, skin rashes and eczema, sleep disturbances, spitting up, and puffiness and dark circles under the eyes ("allergic shiners").
Many of the above mentioned symptoms and signs may occur in adults as well. In addition, the following symptoms may be observed: an irritating cough or tickle in the throat, tight or closing throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, coughing, wheezing, itching, hives, red, watery eyes, runny nose, colour change, stomach cramps, vomiting, swelling or itching lips, tongue and mouth, voice change, dizziness, fainting, aches and pains in the joints or abdomen, and nasal congestion.
