The difference between a food allergy and food intolerance explained.
Did you know… Only between 1 and 3 percent of people are really allergic. Food intolerances are more common.
Allergy
In case of an allergy, your immune system makes antibodies against proteins that occur in food. Have you eaten anything you are allergic to? Then your immune system immediately springs into action. Your body makes antibodies and releases histamine, which causes an allergic reaction. Complaints that may occur:skin rash, red eyes, a swollen mouth. An allergic reaction can be very severe and in some cases fatal if you don't take immediate action. Do you think you are allergic to something? The GP can take an allergy test.
Food intolerance The symptoms of a food intolerance usually do not arise immediately. It can take a few hours, but you can also only start to feel discomfort after two days. It is therefore difficult to discover what your body is reacting to. The complaints are diverse and can be 'vague'. You would not initially link all problems directly to nutrition, such as skin problems. Complaints that can occur with an intolerance include diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, fatigue, skin problems.
As mentioned before, a food intolerance is difficult to diagnose. Your body does not react directly to food and the complaints are very personal. Someone with the same complaints as you may be intolerant to other foods. The experiences of others can give you handles, but in the end you will discover through your own search what your body responds to.
