Food Intolerance and Food Allergies
Food allergy or intolerance?
One out of 3 North Americans believe that they are allergic to
certain foods, but fewer than 1 percent have genuine allergies
a> . For most people food intolerance is the reason for this
confusion between the two. The other 29 percent are usually just
unable to tolerate certain foods, often because they lack an
enzyme needed for proper digestion.
Although, some people are sensitive to lactose, a sugar found in
milk, however, they can tolerate other dairy products like
cheese, yogary and sourcream. This is an example of food
sensitivity or intolerance, NOT an allergy to diary products. A
person with an allergic reaction would have a reaction to most
types of dairy, and usually the symptoms are worse, and longer
lasting.
Sometimes children cannot tolerate gluten, found in wheat
products, but will grow out or the intolerance. On the other
hand this could also be a allergic reaction to a protien in
wheat. But the child would also react to anything that has wheat
in it. Children can outgrow an allergy aswell, so sometimes it
may be hard for even a doctor to tell weather or not it is an
intolerance or an allergy without a blood test.
MSG (Mono-soduim glutamate) a flavor in foods, is a common
trigger for a food intolerance.It is used as a flavor enhancer
and can cause flushing, headaches, and numbness in certain
people. Its not known how much MSG is needed to trigger a
reaction, but it varries from person to person. Generally large
amounts cause more severe reactions.
Sulfites, used as a preservitive in many foods and wines, can
cause sensitivity as well as trigger allergic reations. It
depends on the person, the best way to check is to have a blood
test done by a allergy specialist. They will be able to
determain which type of reaction is causing you or your child
problems, and properly treat what ever it is.
What you need
to know about allergies and how the effect you