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Food allergies sensitivities and intolerance, understand the differences

Food Intolerances are those related to autoimmune diseases such as celiac, or those illnesses within the same spectrum of autoimmune disease (autism, dermatitis herpetiformis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), which cause individuals with these preexisting conditions to react negatively to the protein found in the gluten portion of wheat, barley, and rye. These individuals may develop severe damage to the small intestine that cause digestive symptoms, rash, weight loss or weight gain, and malabsotption problems.

 

Some may suffer from other inflammatory issues, but outward symptoms may be mild or non digestive related. In almost all patients diagnosed with celiac disease, avoiding gluten containing grains 100 percent of the time for an entire life, cures symptoms and heals internal damage to the small intestine. Folks with other related autoimmune conditions often find many of their symptoms disappear, and existing inflammatory and/or behavioral conditions greatly improve if gluten is avoided 100 percent over a lifetime as well.

 

Food Sensitivities apply to those individuals that may be lactose intolerant, have trouble digesting certain fibrous or raw foods, or those with IBS, IBD, or other chronic digestive complaints that feel better when avoiding certain foods. For example, some folks with irritable bowl (IBS) and crohns (IBD) find that they feel better if they avoid most grains, especially those that contain the proteins found in gluten; dairy products, and raw nuts and seeds. Folks that suffer from GERD may find they need to avoid citrus, tomatoes, or red meat. Food sensitivities are usually troublesome enough to decide to avoid eating the trigger food item.

 

Food Allergies cause a histamine reaction similar to what happens to those that are allergic to bee stings or have environmental allergens. While some reactions may only be mild, such as a mouth that itches or lip tingling, many constitute a life threatening emergency. Folks with food allergies often carry an EpiPen with them at all times, as they may be at risk for going into anaphylactic shock. In recent years two well known and serious food allergies among many children are those related to peanuts and tree nuts. Other foods that have been known to cause severe allergic reactions among predisposed individuals may also include citrus, eggs, soy, and shellfish, though occasionally a food normally considered benign to most of the population may be the culprit, often causing a great source of frustration and trips to the emergency room until the offender is positively identified.

 

There is much speculation as to why food intolerances, sensitivities, and allergies seem to be on the rise. Most likely it is due to the fact that foods are no longer specific to a local region, many are over processed, manmade environmental toxins have increased, and people in the western world have been subjected to increased use of antibacterial products and antibiotics, likely over sensitizing their systems. This can create additional havoc in those with genetic dispositions that make them more likely to develop autoimmune diseases or food allergies.

 

     For More Info: Gluten Free Examiner