While food intolerance may cause symptoms that are similar to afood allergy, the two are not the same.
Food allergies could potentially be life-threatening; however, food sensitivity is not as serious.
It can, however, cause unpleasant symptoms and interfere with your quality of life.
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This article lists the most common food intolerances and explains how these differ from a food allergy.
8 Surprising Sources of Common Food Allergens
What Is a Food Intolerance?
Food intolerance relates to a problem digesting certain foods.
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Identifying a food sensitivity requires careful observation of cause and effect and the process of elimination.
You may have an intolerance for a group of foods such as those derived from cow’s milk.
However, some people are intolerant to food additives, like artificial flavorings, dyes, and preservatives.
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With food allergies, your immune system reacts to foods or certain parts of foods that are allergens.
Here are a few key differences between having a food intolerance and a food allergy.
It must be totally avoided by individuals who haveceliac disease.
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People with celiac disease are truly allergic to gluten.
Some people refer to the digestive symptoms they get from eating gluten as “gluten sensitivity.”
Not all grains have gluten.
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If you’re trying to eliminate gluten, check food labels carefully.
However, they may need to stick to very small servings to avoid symptoms such as jitteriness or headaches.
The smaller you are or the less you weigh, the more sensitive you might be to caffeine.
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Keep in mind, too, that decaf coffee may have anywhere from 1 to 25 milligrams of caffeine.
Symptoms are similar to allergic reactions: hives, fever, and sinus inflammation.
However, you may also experience diarrhea or abdominal pain.
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Those with salicylate intolerance should not take aspirin.
Coffee is also known to contain high levels and should be avoided.
However, another fraction of the population suffers from peanut sensitivity.
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They may not be at risk of anaphylaxis, but they do display intolerance.
Some people are not able to tolerate foods that are high in FODMAPs.
Symptoms of FODMAP Intolerance
High-FODMAP foods can cause digestive symptoms for some people.
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Research studies have found that following alow-FODMAP dietreduces IBS symptoms in approximately 76% of IBS patients.
Corn
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Cornis an ingredient in a variety of foods.
You’ll need to read labels carefully and avoid foods that are made with corn products.
Mache Seibel, MD
Symptoms of Soy Intolerance
Anecdotally, many adults attribute their gastrointestinal IBS symptoms to eating soy-based products.
Foods to Avoid
Like corn, soy and its derivatives are now found in many food products.
Preservatives, dyes, or other ingredients may be behind their symptoms.
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Aspartame:Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a sugarsubstitute.
While research is conflicting, some studies have reported depression and irritability in people with a sensitivity to aspartame.
Yeast:Symptoms are typically limited to the digestive system for people with a yeast intolerance.
They are generally less severe than those of a yeast allergy.
Sugar alcohols:These are often used as zero calorie alternativesto sugar.
Some people can experience major digestive issues, includingbloating and diarrhea.
How Is a Food Intolerance Diagnosed?
If you notice that your symptoms ease, slowly reintroduce the food.
You should work with your healthcare provider to do an elimination diet.
You should not follow an elimination diet for a long period of time.
A person with a food intolerance gets digestive symptoms like gas and bloating when they eat a particular food.
While food intolerances can be difficult to identify, they are rarely life-threatening.
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How can I replace eggs?
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