Food Allergies vs Food Sensitivities
It seems like now, more than ever, a lot more children and adults are struggling with symptoms of food allergies or sensitivities.
You may know that you react to a certain food, but do you know if it’s an allergy or a sensitivity? It’s important to know which one you’re dealing with but, in either case, avoidance is the number one strategy to prevent reactions from occurring in the first place.
So what are the most common food allergies and what’s the difference between an allergy and a sensitivity?
The Top 8 Food Allergies
Peanuts
The most common food allergy among kids under age 18 and the third most common one among adults is peanuts. Peanuts are actually legumes, which are different from tree nuts. Peanut allergies are usually lifelong, and only about 20% of children outgrow this allergy over time. Symptoms can be mild or severe and, in some cases, life-threatening as exposure can cause swelling of the mouth and throat and difficulty breathing.
Tree Nuts
The 6 most common tree nut allergies reported by both children and adults include walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews and pistachios. About 50% of children who are allergic to one tree nut are allergic to another tree nut.
Shellfish
There are two groups of shellfish- crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crabs) and mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, snails, scallops, octopus and squid). Allergies to crustaceans are more common than allergies to mollusks, with shrimp being the most common one for children and adults. This type of allergy typically remains with you throughout your life.
Eggs
Allergy to hen’s eggs is one of the most common food allergies among infants and young children, but is less common in older children and adults. 71% of children outgrow their allergy to eggs by age 6, although some people remain allergic to eggs throughout their lives.
Milk
Cow’s milk allergy is the most common allergy among infants and young children. Although many children do outgrow it, the allergy to cow’s milk is also one of the most common food allergies among adults. Dairy is not easy for humans to digest, so this may be the reason so many experience digestive or other discomfort after consuming it.
Wheat
Although one study found that two-thirds of children who are allergic to wheat outgrow it by age 12, some people remain allergic to wheat throughout their lives. The allergy to wheat is different from Celiac disease which is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten, the protein found in wheat. If you have symptoms after consuming wheat, it’s important to get tested to rule out Celiac disease.
Soy
Soybeans are part of the legume family along with beans, peas, lentils and peanuts. One study found that 88% of people allergic to soy were also allergic to peanuts, or were significantly sensitized to peanuts.
Sesame
The edible seeds of the sesame plant are a common ingredient in cuisines around the world, from sushi to baked goods. However, this allergy has increased significantly around the world in the last two decades.
Signs of Allergies and Sensitivities
Allergy symptoms to all of these foods can vary, but typically include:
hives, rash or itching
tingling inside the mouth
swelling of tongue, face, lips or throat
congestion or wheezing
dizziness/lightheadedness
nausea or abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting
When you have a food allergy, your immune system is triggered and begins to release antibodies as if the offending food is a threat. Even a small amount of a food will trigger an immune response and these an be severe, including anaphylaxis.
A food sensitivity or intolerance, on the other hand, will not cause anaphylaxis. It is triggered by the digestive system and may be due to the body’s lack of a chemical or enzyme needed to digest a particular food. The signs are less severe.
Signs of Food Sensitivity
bloating and gas
abdominal pain/ upset stomach
diarrhea
heartburn
nausea
headaches
Avoidance is the best strategy if you suspect that you or your child have a food allergy. It’s best to do some testing to confirm so you know which foods to avoid. With food sensitivities and intolerances, often an elimination diet can help you discover what your body is reacting to, so that you can limit or avoid the offending foods along with unpleasant symptoms.
Be Well!
Source: www.foodallergy.org
