A
true food allergy is present when your body's immune system makes an allergy antibody to
something you have eaten. For instance, if you have a dairy allergy and consume a
form of it, your body will produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to the food.
When the IgE binds the food protein and the allergy cells, histamines and other chemicals
are released that cause allergic reactions. These reactions can include hives,
itching, rash and potentially fatal breathing problems.
Food Intolerance
A
food intolerance occurs when your body reacts negatively to a food and the immune system
is not involved. Many have heard of lactose intolerance, which is a good example of
this. Some symptoms of a food intolerance include
gas, bloating, difficulty digesting and headaches or migraines.
Food
Journal
In addition to meeting with an
allergist, you can keep a
food journal to determine which foods may be causing allergic or
intolerant symptoms.
