Food Allergy, Intolerance, or Sensitivity? How to Tell the Difference—and Why It Matters
If you’ve ever felt bloated, foggy, itchy, or just “off” after eating, you’re not alone. But what’s really going on? Is it an allergy? A sensitivity? Or just a food your body doesn’t tolerate well?
Let’s clear up the confusion.
🚨 Food Allergy: An Immune Response
A food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening immune response. Your body sees a specific food protein (like peanuts or shellfish) as a threat and attacks it—fast.
Common symptoms:
Hives, swelling, rash
Shortness of breath, wheezing
Vomiting or diarrhea
Anaphylaxis (emergency!)
Onset: Usually within minutes to 2 hours
Diagnosis: IgE testing, skin prick tests
Management: Total avoidance, EpiPen
😣 Food Intolerance: A Digestive Struggle
A food intolerance means your body can’t properly digest something. It may be due to an enzyme deficiency (like lactose), poor gut function, or chemical triggers (like histamines).
Common symptoms:
Bloating, gas, cramping
Fatigue or brain fog
Loose stools
Delayed onset (hours later)
Onset: Delayed, not immediate
Diagnosis: Food diary, elimination diet
Management: Dose-dependent, often manageable with enzymes or gut support
🌿 Food Sensitivity: A Delayed Immune Response
Food sensitivities are tricky. They're usually driven by a delayed immune response (IgG or non-IgE pathways). These reactions can be subtle, cumulative, and hard to nail down.
Common symptoms:
Headaches or fatigue
Joint or muscle pain
Skin issues (eczema, acne)
Mood swings, anxiety
Onset: Hours to days after eating
Diagnosis: Elimination diets, or more controversial testing of IgG or MRT testing ( e.g. GI Mapping and/or food sensitivity)
Management: Root cause work —often gut healing, immune modulation
🧠 Why Knowing the Difference Matters
Allergies need immediate action and clear avoidance.
Intolerances can often be managed or minimized.
Sensitivities often signal a deeper issue in the gut or immune system.
At Seeds of Health DPC, we help patients identify the root cause, not just treat symptoms. Want to know more? Email us at info@sohdpc.com.
