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Food Allergies And Intolerances
Food intolerances and allergies are one of the most hotly debated health topics of the moment.
There's no doubt that these conditions - which can be hugely debilitating and even life-threatening - are on the rise.
But many medics claim poor methods of diagnosis and the celebrity trend of giving up wheat and dairy are leading many people to misdiagnose themselves with such conditions.
The lack of specialist help in this area coupled with an increasing number of dubious High Street diagnostic tests complicate the matter even further, leaving many sufferers at a loss to where to turn.
Those who are correctly diagnosed often find it hard to eat a balanced diet once they've stopped eating the foods that are making them ill.
Here, as part of femail.Co.Uk's week-long look at allergies, we present a guide to food intolerances and allergies. Click on the links on the right to start reading our guide.
Find out all about the most common food allergies, the difference between a food allergy and intolerance, which tests you should use to diagnose your condition and how to get the nutrients you need in your diet if you have to give up a food group.
We even show you which chocolate you can eat if you have to ban dairy and wheat from your diet!
{"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=116615, assetTypeId=1"}The Tell-tale Signs Of Popular Food Intolerances, According To A Nutritionist
Your symptoms could be telling you you have a food intolerance. (Getty Images)
Food intolerances – when your body isn't able to digest a certain food or ingredient – are common. But not all of us realise which symptoms might be a sign of one, or put off actually figuring it out.
So, if you've been experiencing uncomfortability, digestive issues and a whole host of other symptoms you think could be related to what you're eating, take this as your reminder to finally take that first step towards getting to the bottom of it.
"Symptoms of food intolerances are specific to each individual and can vary in severity from person to person. However, they most commonly involve the digestive system, the respiratory system, and the skin," says nutritionist Shona Wilkinson.
"Most people also assume that symptoms of an intolerance start to show up immediately after consumption – this is wrong! In some cases, symptoms of an intolerance have even been shown to arise 48 hours after consumption."
Here the expert runs through the most common foods you might be intolerant to and the tell-tale signs, plus what to do if you think you do have an intolerance to something.
GlutenGluten is a protein found in things like wheat, rye and barley. (Getty Images)
"Gluten has certainly become the thing to avoid for many in recent years, with over one in ten people now steering clear due to its association with symptoms such as bloating, poor digestion, and IBS. While not as severe as celiac disease, a gluten intolerance can still significantly impact an individual's quality of life," says Wilkinson, lead nutritionist at ethical supplement brand DR.VEGAN.
Here are some of the common signs she says to look out for if you think you could be intolerant to gluten:
Poor digestion and stomach issues: Poor digestion is a very common symptom of a gluten intolerance and includes things like excess bloating, constipation, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms typically occur shortly after eating gluten-heavy foods such as bread, pasta, and cereals
Fatigue: An intolerance to gluten can also leave your insides struggling to absorb all the nutrients they need, leaving you feeling like you have no energy throughout the day. This, combined with consistent abdominal pain, disrupted sleep, and general inflammation of the stomach can lead to chronic fatigue
Brain fog: An intolerance to gluten can leave you experiencing brain fog, characterised by difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, and feelings of general fogginess. This is caused when the brain is 'starved' of key nutrients due to damage within the intestinal lining, meaning it's unable to act in the way it needs to in order to help you feel 'on the ball' throughout the day
Swelling or itching of the throat: If your intolerance to gluten extends into the realms of a wheat allergy, you may also experience a swelling or itching of the throat following consumption, typical of an allergic response. In this case, it's worth seeking medical help immediately after to help manage your allergic reaction
Don't just put up with possible food intolerance symptoms. (Getty Images)
It is worth noting that a gluten intolerance and coeliac disease are separate things. Coeliac is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues when you eat gluten, damaging the lining of the small intestine and preventing the body from absorbing nutrients properly. If you are confirmed not to have coeliac disease but still have symptoms, you could have a gluten intolerance.
DairyCould something in your diet be causing your symptoms? (Getty Images)
"Signs of dairy intolerance, also known as lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity, can vary from mild to severe and typically manifest after consuming dairy products," says Wilkinson. These, she explains, include:
Digestive issues: One of the most prominent signs of dairy intolerance is digestive discomfort. Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhoea, or nausea. These symptoms occur due to the inability to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria and subsequent digestive trouble
Increased gas: When lactose remains undigested in the intestines, it's fermented by bacteria in the gut and gas is produced as a byproduct. If you find yourself feeling particularly gassy after consuming dairy, it may be that you're intolerant…
Skin problems: A dairy intolerance can also manifest itself in the skin, leading to conditions such as eczema, acne, or dermatitis. In others, consuming dairy may trigger an allergic response, leading to immediate inflammation, rashes, or general irritation
Nausea: A study revealed that nausea was the second most common symptom associated with a lactose intolerance in children, after abdominal pain. When lactose ferments in the gut, the resulting gas can leave you feeling sick, often leading to vomiting
If you have a food intolerance, eliminating it from your diet with advice from a professional could help ease symptoms. (Getty Images)
Unlike gluten in coeliac disease, lactose does not damage your body, you just may get these symptoms from not digesting it properly.
Other intolerances and allergiesThere are some lesser known intolerances to ingredients too. (Getty Images)
"Though intolerances to gluten and dairy are amongst the most common out there, there are certainly some other intolerances and potential allergies you should be aware of," Wilkinson points out.
"This includes a sensitivity to caffeine, which tends to be determined by genetics and can manifest itself in the form of a rapid heart-rate, insomnia, and general restlessness. This also includes an intolerance to salicylates, found in fruits, vegetables, spices and teas, and an allergy to histamines, which can often trigger the body's immune response.
What to do if you think you have a food intoleranceAlways consult a professional about symptoms. (Getty Images)
"If you suspect you have a food intolerance, it's essential that you take proactive steps to identify and manage it effectively," says Wilkinson. Here are top steps you might want to follow to help identify and tackle the problem:
Keep a food diary: Start by keeping a detailed food diary of what you're eating and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Once you start noticing a pattern between what you're eating and how your body reacts, you should be able to identify what it is that's wreaking havoc on your insides
Eliminate certain foods: Once you've identified any problematic foods or ingredients, eliminate them from your diet for up to four weeks to see if symptoms improve. If they don't, gradually reintroduce these into your diet before deciding what to eliminate next
Consider testing: If symptoms continue, consider contacting a medical professional who can recommend specific tests that are able to rule out certain intolerances
Take good care of your gut: Having a healthy gut microbiome will help combat the symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain, gas, and bloating where possible, so try eating gut-friendly foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut, or incorporate a daily supplement into your diet [if safe and right for you]
"IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, meaning the function of the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed. This means things like intestinal movement is sometimes disrupted and digestion is often impacted leading to pain, bloating, diarrhoea and gas," explains Wilkinson.
"Similarly, a food intolerance affects the digestive system, meaning it can't break down certain foods. This comes from either a lack of or absence of certain digestive enzymes, meaning the food often ferments as it travels slowly through the intestines.
"Of course, the symptoms of the two are incredibly similar, and IBS often involves the presence of a food intolerance, though not exclusively. In DR.VEGAN's research, they found that gut health can be massively impacted by diet, with refined bread and alcohol being the main culprits when it comes to bringing about digestive discomfort.
"The reality is, however, the two often go hand-in-hand and are important to keep on top of in order to combat the symptoms of both where possible."
Many of the symptoms mentioned can be a sign of many different things, so you should always consult your doctor who can advise what the best next steps are. Also consult a healthcare professional before changing or eliminating anything from your diet.
Signs Of Food Allergies In Children
Food allergy signs and symptoms vary but may include wheezing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Reactions may be immediate or delayed, though immediate reactions are more common.
Every parent knows that kids can be picky eaters, especially when it comes to nutritious foods such as broccoli and spinach.
But pickiness has nothing to do with some kids' refusal to eat certain dishes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 of every 13 children has an allergy to at least one food.
A food allergy is serious and can be potentially life threatening. According to a 2018 study, 40% of children who have a food allergy have experienced severe reactions requiring treatment in the emergency department. Many foods can cause allergic reactions.
An allergic reaction may be mild, causing hives or minor abdominal pain. But it may sometimes lead to serious negative health effects, including anaphylaxis — a severe reaction in which your body goes into shock and loss of consciousness is possible.
A true food allergy can affect your child's breathing, intestinal tract, heart, and skin. A child with a food allergy will develop one or more of the following symptoms within a few minutes to an hour after eating the food:
Young children can't always clearly explain their symptoms, so you may sometimes have to interpret what your child is feeling. Your child might be having an allergic reaction if they say something like:
Most parents have no idea that their child has a food allergy until the child tries a food for the first time and has a reaction. That's why it's important for parents — as well as teachers, babysitters, and everyone else who spends time with the child — to be alert for symptoms of a food allergy.
A food allergy happens when your immune system has a specific response to a certain food or foods. Instead of protecting your body, as it typically would, your immune system reacts as though it's in danger because of a harmless food protein or allergen.
It's unclear what causes food allergy in kids, though family history may play a role.
There's no cure for food allergies. Avoiding the food that causes the allergic reaction is the only way to prevent a reaction.
When a child has a food allergy, their immune system overreacts, producing antibodies to the food as if it were a virus or another dangerous foreign invader. This immune reaction produces allergy symptoms.
The most common food allergy triggers in kids are:
Some kids develop anaphylaxis in response to foods such as peanuts or shellfish. If your child has trouble breathing or swallowing after eating something, call 911 right away for emergency medical help.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Caregivers of any child who has a known food allergy should ask the child's allergist whether they should have an epinephrine auto-injector. If the allergy is serious enough to warrant the use of an auto-injector, both the child and their caregivers should learn how to use it.
Even if your child has a reaction to a particular food, it doesn't necessarily mean they have a food allergy. Some kids have intolerances to certain foods. The difference is that a food allergy involves the immune system, while a food intolerance is usually based in the digestive system.
Food intolerance is more common than food allergy, occurring in roughly 20% of the population.
Food allergies, which can cause anaphylaxis, are far more dangerous than food intolerances. A child with a food allergy will usually need to avoid the offending food entirely. But in the case of a food intolerance, the child may be able to eat small amounts of the food without experiencing any symptoms.
Examples of food intoleranceThe following sections describe some types of food intolerance.
Lactose intoleranceLactose intolerance happens when your body lacks the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar in milk. It can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Gluten sensitivityGluten sensitivity happens when your body reacts to a protein called gluten, which is found in some grains, including wheat. Symptoms include headache, upset stomach, and bloating.
Although celiac disease — the most severe form of gluten sensitivity — does involve your immune system, its symptoms are usually centered in your gut. Celiac disease can affect other systems of your body but doesn't cause anaphylaxis.
Sensitivity to food additivesThis happens when your body reacts to dyes, chemicals such as sulfites, or other additives in foods. Symptoms include rash, nausea, and diarrhea. Sulfites can sometimes trigger an asthma attack in someone who has asthma and is sensitive to them.
How to tell the differenceBecause the symptoms of a food intolerance are sometimes similar to those of a food allergy, it can be hard for parents to tell them apart. Here's a guide to distinguishing a food allergy from an intolerance:
While there is currently no cure for food allergy, there are treatments that can reduce the risk of anaphylaxis when children consume small amounts of foods that cause allergic reactions.
In addition, there is some recent research to support giving allergenic foods to infants to try to decrease the incidence of food allergy. Researchers believe that if this approach became standardized, it could help reduce the overall prevalence of food allergy.
Talk with your child's allergist to develop a plan for dining in restaurants and other places where you're not preparing the food.
A food allergy does not mean you have to give up on enjoying restaurant meals. Waitstaff at many restaurants ask whether anyone at the table has any food allergies or dietary restrictions while taking the order. This is a good opportunity to explain your child's food allergy.
Communication is important. You might want to call the restaurant in advance to ensure that they have menu items that are safe for your child to eat. It's also a good idea to talk with a manager when you arrive, even if you've called in advance.
You can also explain that cross contamination must be avoided for your child's safety. However, a restaurant may be unable (or unwilling) to guarantee this. In that situation, you may want to choose a restaurant that does not use the allergen at all.
Another possible strategy is to present an allergy card, often called a chef card, before or after you are seated. This card should clearly state the foods that should be avoided.
If you notice that your child gets hives after eating certain foods or regularly experiences itching after eating specific items, make an appointment with a healthcare professional. They may suggest an allergy medication and advise you to avoid the food.
If the symptoms persist or worsen and your child isn't responding to the allergy medication, a healthcare professional may refer you to an allergist. In addition to taking your child's history, the specialist may order skin-prick tests, patch tests, or blood tests to find out whether your child has an allergy.
They may also recommend trying an elimination diet to find the cause of the allergy.
If your child has a food allergy and carries an epinephrine auto-injector, use it immediately if they experience throat tightness or difficulty breathing. Hives with vomiting is another indication to use the epinephrine auto-injector or call 911.
If you suspect that your child has a food allergy, contact a pediatrician or an allergist. A healthcare professional can identify the food that is causing the problem and help you develop a treatment plan.
Your child may need medications such as antihistamines to treat the symptoms.
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