by Sofia Moreau

There are countless misunderstandings that muddy the waters when it comes to distinguishing food allergies from food intolerances. These misconceptions often lead people to avoid certain foods they believe they’re allergic to inadvertently. Today, we’re aiming to debunk some of these myths, and guide you towards a healthier relationship with your diet.

Food Allergy vs Food Intolerance: They’re not the same

Contrary to popular belief, a food allergy drastically differs from food intolerance or sensitivity. The key difference lies in the body’s system involved in responding to the specific type of food. When it comes to allergies, it’s the immune system that stages an inflammatory reaction to a perceived threat. Just as the human body combats viruses and bacteria, it essentially attacks itself when it identifies a harmless food item as a potential danger.

On the other hand, food intolerance springs from the digestive system and is not related to the immune system. Considered as a sophisticated blending machine, the digestive system break downs food into the smallest molecules possible. Intolerance occurs when the body lacks certain digestive enzymes or stomach acid, leading to incomplete digestion and a myriad of stomach complains like bloating, gas, and constipation.

Outgrowing a Food Intolerance: Possible or Not?

A common misbelief states that if you have a food intolerance, you’re stuck with it for life. That’s not entirely true. Sometimes, the lack of necessary enzymes could be traced back to elements such as genetics, stress, dehydration or diet. But with a strengthened digestive system and a healthier lifestyle, the severity of the intolerance can fade over time. In newer cases or if conditions started later in life, introducing digestive enzyme supplements into your routine can effectively alleviate symptoms and allow broader dietary choices.

Can we eliminate Food Intolerances? May be.

Certain intolerances, particularly the genetically inclined ones, cannot be eliminated; for instance, lactose intolerance, which arises due to the deficient production of the enzyme lactase. However, consuming digestive enzyme supplements, especially lactase for lactose intolerant individuals, can lessen the strength of reactions and facilitate easier digestion. On a brighter note, children prone to food intolerance can potentially outgrow it as their digestive systems develop.

Lactose Intolerance and Milk Allergies: Two separate concepts

Misconceptions often tangle lactose intolerance and milk allergies together when they’re unrelated. A milk allergy is an immune response to proteins in cow’s milk, whereas lactose intolerance, associated with the digestive system, comes about due to a lack of lactase enzyme. While the latter results in discomfort, it doesn’t pose life-threatening risks.

If you grapple with food intolerance and struggle with eliminating triggering food items, incorporating well-formulated digestive enzyme supplements can significantly reduce the intensity of reactions, bringing you a step closer to a less restrictive diet and ultimately, food freedom.

Food allergies, food intolerances, digestive system, immune system, digestive enzymes, lactase, allergic reactions, bloating, food freedom, enzyme supplements, lactose intolerance, milk allergies, discomfort, food restrictions.