Having a bad reaction to a particular food does not necessarily mean that you are allergic to that particular food, it can also mean that you have a food intolerance and there is a difference.

A food allergy requires that the body’s immune system must be involved in the reaction.  In an allergic reaction the body’s immune system sees the proteins from a particular food as a threat to the well being of the body.  The body then reacts by releasing large amounts of anti-bodies, chemicals and anti-histamines to fight off this “invader”.  This release of chemicals results in a variety different “allergic reactions” that can affect one or more of the body’s systems.

Food intolerance is something completely different even though most people tend to think of them as the same thing.  Where a food allergy is caused by a reaction within the body’s immune system, food intolerance occurs within the body’s digestive system.  Food intolerance is normally caused by the digestive system’s inability to produce the required enzyme to break down that particular food for digestion.

Doctors say that while between 25 and 35 percent of all adults believe that they suffer from food allergies in truth only two percent of adults actually suffer from true allergies.  In children the numbers are a little higher averaging six to eight percent.  This number drops in adults because most food allergies are outgrown by the time a child reaches the age of five.

It is possible to differentiate between food allergies and food intolerance to a certain extent by the symptoms that occur when a person is exposed to a particular food.  In the case of food allergies the reactions tend to be more in line with the body’s life sustaining functions such as breathing and consciousness, whereas for most intolerances the reactions tend to be more in the gastro intestinal area such as excessive gas and bloating.

However in many cases the symptoms can be similar including skin reactions like rashes, itching, swelling and hives.  Food poisoning can cause many reactions that are similar to food allergies such as vomiting, stomach cramps and even breathing difficulties.  Should these symptoms occur seek medical help immediately to ensure that proper treatment is given.

In order to determine whether a person is suffering from food allergies or intolerances a trip to an allergist is the best solution.  An allergist can perform a series of scratch tests to see if the person’s skin reacts to the food in question.  If the person’s skin turns red or a hive breaks out then it is safe to assume they are allergic to that food, if there is no reaction then odds are that they suffer from intolerance to that particular food.
It is always better to be tested for an allergy as this allows the person to take the appropriate steps necessary to protect themselves in case of accidental exposure to a particular food.  It also helps them to let other people know about their allergies in case of emergencies. True allergies can be life threatening so it is important to get yourself tested and learn everything you can about your allergy.