Food Sensitivities vs. Food Allergies

Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity: What’s the Difference?

A lot of people are concerned that they might have a food allergy or food sensitivity.  What is the difference between the two?

Food allergies usually have systemic allergic symptoms such as wheezing, rash, itching, increased secretions, cough, red eyes, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.  Common food allergy triggers include nuts, sesame, eggs, and shellfish.  Often the allergic rection is treated with Benadryl and sometimes epinephrine.

Food intolerances, on the other hand, usually produce gastrointestinal symptoms that are not systemic or allergic in nature.  Some people find that gluten bothers them even if the do not have celiac disease.  Gluten intolerance can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.  Another common food intolerance is to dairy/ milk.  This can also cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.  If a specific food is a clear trigger for causing your gastrointestinal symptoms, you can definitely avoid eating that food.

When It’s More Than Just Food

A lot of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also think that there must be certain foods that are causing their symptoms, but they often feel frustrated that they can not figure out which food in particular is the issue.  This is because lot of times gastrointestinal symptoms are due to underlying gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s, or ulcerative colitis.  In these cases, usually you can not find one clear food that is a trigger to avoid, and often people can find this frustrating.

Finding Balance in Your Diet

I suggest people eat a well-balanced diet, avoid things that really bother them lot, but also try not to over-restrict their dietary choices either.  If you think you might have issues similar to what I am describing, please talk with a gastroenterologist about what the correct approach to your symptoms would be.

Final Thoughts

Navigating food-related symptoms can be confusing and frustrating, especially when it’s hard to pinpoint what’s causing the issue. Understanding the difference between a true allergy and food intolerance is an important first step. Rather than eliminating large groups of foods without clear direction, it’s best to work with a gastroenterologist who can help you find the right balance and develop a plan that supports both your digestive health and overall well-being.

If you have concerns about your gut health, don’t hesitate to text 864-589-6714 or schedule a visit with one of our providers.

Written by Dr. Christopher Fyock, Gastroenterologist