How Food Intolerances and Allergies Work

Understanding whether you have a food allergy or intolerance empowers you to react accordingly, alleviating discomfort and making informed dietary decisions. This also helps you efficiently communicate your concerns to an allergy doctor (if necessary) for a more effective and tailored approach to managing your health. While both conditions can cause comparable discomfort, the underlying mechanisms and symptoms differ significantly. 

Food intolerances happen when your digestive system is not able to process certain foods. While they may not be as life-threatening as allergies can be, food intolerances can cause distressing symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. A food allergy, on the other hand, is a quick and sometimes intense reaction triggered when a person’s immune system identifies a usually harmless food or substance as a potential threat. 

What Are the Symptoms of Food Intolerances?

Food intolerances can manifest in various ways, often leading to discomfort and distress. Here are specific symptoms associated with food intolerances: 

1. Abdominal Pain and Cramping

Food intolerance reactions can lead to abdominal discomfort, typically involving sharp or dull pain and cramping. These sensations arise from digestive disturbances triggered by certain foods, leading to inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. 

    2. Diarrhea or Constipation

Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, may occur due to food intolerance. These symptoms often stem from the body’s inability to properly digest or absorb specific food components, disrupting normal bowel function. 

    3. Bloating and Gas

These reactions can lead to excess gas production and abdominal bloating, causing discomfort and distention of the abdomen. These symptoms often arise from the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the gut, producing gases such as methane and hydrogen. 

    4. Nausea and Vomiting 

Specific individuals might feel sick and throw up after eating particular foods, even if they don't have a genuine food allergy. This can be caused by the irritation of the stomach lining or delayed stomach emptying, resulting in sensations of sickness and the desire to vomit.

    5. Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Food intolerance reactions can exacerbate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Certain types of food can also cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation.

    6. Headaches and Migraines

Some individuals may experience headaches or migraines due to food intolerance. Some types of food have components that can stimulate the brain to release certain chemicals, causing blood vessels to change and resulting in headaches.

    7. Fatigue and Malaise

Food intolerance may contribute to fatigue and malaise, leaving individuals tired and sluggish. These signs can occur because of the body's response to specific food elements or disturbances in energy processing after eating.

    8. Skin Problems (e.g., Eczema, Rashes)

Skin problems such as eczema and rashes may occur. Certain foods can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, leading to redness, itching, and rashes in some people. 

Read More: 4 Telltale Signs That Your Rash Is Eczema

Understanding the symptoms of food intolerance reactions can help you effectively identify and manage their dietary triggers, improving overall health and well-being. If you're facing ongoing or severe symptoms, seeking advice from an allergist is crucial to ensure accurate assessment and effective food intolerance treatment.

What Causes Food Intolerances?

• Food Additives

Artificial preservatives, colorings, and flavor enhancers found in processed foods can trigger food intolerance reactions, leading to symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and skin rashes. 

• Histamine Intolerance

Some foods, like aged cheeses, preserved meats, and fermented items, have elevated histamine levels. Individuals with histamine intolerance may experience symptoms resembling allergic reactions, including flushing, itching, and abdominal cramps. 

• Sensitivity to Food Components

Some people may have sensitivities to specific food components, such as gluten in wheat or lactose in dairy products. These sensitivities can cause digestive issues, fatigue, and joint pain. 

• Cross-Reactivity

Cross-reactivity occurs when proteins in one food resemble those in another, leading to allergy-like symptoms. For instance, people allergic to birch pollen might encounter oral allergy symptoms when they eat certain fruits and vegetables. This happens because the proteins in these foods are similar to those found in birch pollen, causing a cross-reaction.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 

IBS is a frequent digestive problem known for causing stomach discomfort, swelling, and alterations in bowel movements. Certain foods, such as high-FODMAP foods, caffeine, and spicy foods, can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with IBS despite not being allergic triggers. 

Diagnosis of Food Intolerance Reactions

When it comes to identifying food intolerance reactions, your doctor may recommend several methods that can catch the culprit behind your discomfort. Two common approaches include: 

1. Elimination Diet

This method involves systematically removing potential trigger foods from your diet for a certain period, typically two to four weeks. By gradually reintroducing these foods one by one, you can pinpoint which ones elicit adverse reactions, helping you identify specific intolerances. 

    2. Food Diary 

Keeping a detailed record of everything you eat and any symptoms you experience can provide valuable insights into potential food intolerances. By documenting your dietary intake and corresponding symptoms over time, patterns may emerge, guiding you and your allergy doctor toward a diagnosis. 

Finding Relief and Support with Texas Food Allergy Doctors

If you think you might have a food intolerance or allergy, it's crucial to seek advice from a certified allergist. These specialists can conduct comprehensive evaluations to accurately diagnose your condition, including skin prick tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges. Once diagnosed, managing food intolerances and allergies involves strict dietary avoidance of trigger foods. Your Texas allergist can provide the following:

• Personalized advice on reading labels
• Dining out safely
• Navigating social situations with food restrictions



Your Guide to a Safer Relationship with Food

Take charge of your dietary health again by identifying the distinct signs and symptoms that set allergies and intolerances apart, and seeking prompt help from specialists when the need arises. Remember, your well-being is the top priority, and with the proper support, managing food-related conditions can become more manageable than ever. 

Ready to take control of your dietary health and uncover the root causes of your food intolerance reactions? Our board-certified allergist, Dr. Mark Stahl, and his expert team at Apex Allergy and Asthma are here to help. With years of experience and safe, effective treatment methods, we’re dedicated to providing optimal protection against these conditions. Don’t wait any longer – schedule your appointment today by calling (210) 490-2051 or clicking “Schedule Today” at a time that works best for you. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!