Health Habit of the Week: All about allergies
Q. How do I know if I have a
food allergy or food intolerance?
A. A food allergy involves the immune system (your body's selfdefence mechanism). When you are exposed to an allergen, your body releases a chemical called histamine to protect your body from this food. This can result in a breakout of hives, swelling or a rash. Unfortunately, the only treatment for an allergy is avoidance, especially if it's an allergy to peanuts or shellfish.
On the other hand, a food intolerance does not involve the immune system. Symptoms of an intolerance are nausea, cramps or digestion problems. Treatment for a food intolerance may be as simple as portion control. Yes, that means you MAY still be able to eat small amounts of this food. Basically, you have an intolerance because your body does not have the proper amount of enzymes to break down the food properly, or the ones you do have aren't working properly. Introducing small amounts of this food may allow your body to be able to handle the consumed food and break it down accordingly, leaving you satisfied without the upset stomach.
If you are unsure of the difference for any particular foods, contact your physician to get an allergy test right away.
Submitted by second-year Fitness and Health Promotion students.
A. A food allergy involves the immune system (your body's selfdefence mechanism). When you are exposed to an allergen, your body releases a chemical called histamine to protect your body from this food. This can result in a breakout of hives, swelling or a rash. Unfortunately, the only treatment for an allergy is avoidance, especially if it's an allergy to peanuts or shellfish.
On the other hand, a food intolerance does not involve the immune system. Symptoms of an intolerance are nausea, cramps or digestion problems. Treatment for a food intolerance may be as simple as portion control. Yes, that means you MAY still be able to eat small amounts of this food. Basically, you have an intolerance because your body does not have the proper amount of enzymes to break down the food properly, or the ones you do have aren't working properly. Introducing small amounts of this food may allow your body to be able to handle the consumed food and break it down accordingly, leaving you satisfied without the upset stomach.
If you are unsure of the difference for any particular foods, contact your physician to get an allergy test right away.
Submitted by second-year Fitness and Health Promotion students.
