Food allergies vs. food intolerances
Food allergies are classified as a severe medical condition, as the symptoms associated with this particular food can range from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis shock. The particular food can start a reaction where the immune system produces an antibody (IgE) in response to the protein in the food. It can start with itching, eczema, stomach issues, headache and congestion, and if it’s bad enough it can become severe with hives; swelling of the mouth, throat and tongue, and difficulty breathing.
Food intolerances occur when the body is unable to digest or absorb a particular food. This intolerance does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. The symptoms are fatigue, headaches and gastrointestinal irritation.
The Food Allergy Research and Education center indicates that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies. One in 13 children has food allergies. Food allergies appear to be on the rise; from 1997 to 2011 food allergies among children have increased by 50 percent.
There are eight Major Food Allergies. These account for 90 percent of all food allergies.
1) Wheat. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. You could eat rye and barley if you have only a wheat intolerance but not if you are allergic to gluten.
2) Milk. Casein is the protein found in milk and dairy. If you are allergic, avoid these foods.
3) Peanuts. Anaphylaxis shock is the most severe allergic response.
4) Tree Nuts. Anaphylactic shock is common with this food allergy.
5) Eggs.
6) Soy.
7) Fish.
8) Shellfish.
Gluten is the name used for proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten is found in our foods, such as bread, pasta, baked goods, and even in soy sauce, malt vinegar, malt flavoring, licorice, beer, processed meat, cosmetics and medications. It is the most common food allergy.
Celiac is a common autoimmune disease with a genetic component, and it occurs when gluten is consumed. One in 133 people has celiac disease. The small intestines are accreted and in response to the gluten they attack their own lining and the body is unable to absorb the nutrients from the food.
According to the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, food intolerances appear to be affecting over 30 million Americans. The most common food intolerance is lactose which is found in milk and dairy products. Food intolerances are difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are varied and can take up to three days to show up. The elimination diet and some special tests can help you figure out what is adversely affecting you when it comes to food intolerances.
As a physical therapist, we see that what people are eating and drinking every day affects their quality of life. We see how it affects the body’s ability to heal and how the daily inflammation from the food you are ingesting is leading to a decline in your health.
We need you to begin to think about the nutritional part of your health, as it is just as important as the exercise you do, whether it’s your stretching or strengthening regime. If you are not getting the nutrients from your food as you should, your ability to be successful at your exercise regime decreases, as does your quality of life. You need to be looking at all these components of your health to be well. You can do this one step at a time moving forward towards wellness.
If you are not sure whether you have food allergies or intolerances, please get tested. A food allergy is usually diagnosed by an allergy specialist with skin and blood tests. Elimination diets and nutritional health counseling can be helpful as well. We have two health coaches with our team who do this work, if you are interested, as we understand the importance of treating the whole system for wellness.
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Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy and she and her incredible staff want you to take care of yourself and be well. Please take the step, we can help. Call today! Hayden, 208-762-2100; Coeur d’Alene; 208-667-1988; and Spokane Valley, 509-891-2623.