What is the Difference Between Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities?
Our immune system is complex, and it has evolved in so many ways to protect us against all sorts of foreign offenders. However, sometimes the immune system produces antibodies towards substances we do not necessarily want to fight off or consider as harmful, such as foods. The main two types of allergic reactions we see are differentiated based on the type of antibody produced in response to the offending agent, the type of symptoms we see, and how long it takes for these symptoms to show up. Here is a quick rundown:
Food Allergy: Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction (IgE mediated) which is considered a true allergic reaction involving the release of substances that causes hives, swelling, itching and redness. This comes following to histamine release from mast cells into the bloodstream. These symptoms arise only few minutes after exposure to the offending agent. IgE mediated allergic reaction can be life threatening on some occasions as it can lead to constriction of the bronchus and as a result the person is unable to breathe and might die (anaphylactic reaction) if no immediate intervention is administered.
Food Sensitivity: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reaction (IgG mediated) is trigger a different kind of antibodies known as IgG. Symptoms associated with this type of hypersensitivity reaction appear either immediately or up to 48–72 hours post-exposure to the trigger. Examples of reactions we can see with IgG mediated hypersensitivity can include but not limited to skin reactions such as itching, joint pain, headaches, abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits.
