Tag Archives: Food Intolerance

Gut Check: Food Allergy vs Food Intolerance — ever felt bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable after eating certain foods and wondered whether your body is trying to warn you of something? You’re not alone. Many people confuse food allergies with food intolerances, but the two trigger very different reactions in the body. While food allergies involve the immune system and can be severe—even life-threatening—food intolerances are linked to digestion and tend to cause ongoing discomfort instead.

Understanding this difference is essential for managing symptoms, protecting your health, and improving your gut wellness. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between food allergies and food intolerances, how to recognize the signs of each, and when to seek expert help from a dietitian. Plus, you’ll get dietitian-approved tips to help you feel your best—without guessing what’s triggering your symptoms.

What Is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is when your immune system reacts to a certain food as if it’s dangerous — even if it’s normally harmless. Your body releases chemicals (like histamine) to “fight off” that food, which can quickly cause symptoms like:

• Itching, rashes, or hives
• Swelling of lips, face, or throat
• Vomiting or stomach pain
• Trouble breathingEven a tiny amount of the food can trigger a strong, sometimes life-threatening reaction. That’s why people with food allergies must strictly avoid their trigger foods and often carry emergency medication (like an EpiPen).

Common food allergens: Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish

What Is a Food Intolerance?

A food intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system. Instead, it’s usually a digestive system issue—your body lacks the enzymes needed to break down certain foods, or the food irritates your gut.

Common symptoms of food intolerance include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Headaches or fatigue (in some cases)

These symptoms are uncomfortable but not life-threatening. Food intolerance symptoms are often dose-dependent—you may tolerate small amounts but not larger portions.

Common food intolerances:

Lactose intolerance (milk sugar), Gluten sensitivity (non-celiac), Fructose intolerance, Reactions to food additives like MSG or sulfites

 The Key Differences : Allergy VS. Intolerance 

How to Get the Right Diagnosis

If you suspect a reaction to food, here’s what to do:

✅ Keep a Food and Symptom Journal – Track what you eat and how you feel after meals.
✅ Consult a Dietitian or Allergist – Testing may include elimination diets, blood work, or skin tests.
✅ Don’t Self-Diagnose – Cutting out food groups unnecessarily can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Smart Nutrition Tips for Managing Sensitivities

• Read labels carefully – Look for hidden allergens or additives.
• Try enzyme supplements – For example, lactase can help with lactose intolerance.
• Cook at home more often – Control ingredients and portion sizes.
• Introduce low-FODMAP foods – Especially helpful for some intolerances and IBS(Irritable Bowl Syndrome).
• Work with our Registered Dietitians – To create a safe, balanced meal plan tailored to you.

Can You Outgrow a Food Allergy or Intolerance?

Food allergies—especially in children—can sometimes be outgrown. For example, many children with milk, egg, or soy allergies develop tolerance as they get older. However, allergies like peanut or shellfish often persist into adulthood.

Food intolerances, on the other hand, may come and go depending on your gut health, stress levels, or diet changes. For example, someone might tolerate dairy after a period of gut healing, or become sensitive to gluten due to increased inflammation or stress.

This makes regular check-ins with a dietitian.

Misconceptions About Food Sensitivities

Let’s bust a few common myths:

🔸 “If I get gassy or bloated, I must have an allergy.”
Not true. These symptoms usually indicate a food intolerance or digestive sensitivity—not an immune reaction.

🔸 “A food sensitivity test will tell me exactly what I’m allergic to.”
Many over-the-counter sensitivity tests check IgG antibodies, which are not proven indicators of food allergies and can give false positives. Work with a professional for accurate diagnosis.

🔸 “Gluten-free means healthier.”
Unless you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, going gluten-free isn’t necessarily healthier and can limit fiber and essential nutrients.

When to See a Dietitian  

You don’t need to figure this out alone. At Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness, we help you:

• Identify your personal triggers
• Get clarity through guided elimination diets or lab testing
• Create a safe, satisfying, and gut-friendly meal plan
• Heal your digestion and improve your energy

If you’ve been guessing, Googling, or stressing about your symptoms—it’s time to get expert help.

 Listen to Your Gut— and take the first step towards feeling your best today

Food reactions don’t have to be a mystery. Once you understand whether it’s a food allergy or food intolerance, you can stop guessing and start healing your gut with confidence. If you’re tired of bloating, discomfort, and confusion, let an expert guide you. At Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness, our dietitian-led team specializes in helping you decode your body’s signals and create a personalized plan for lasting relief.

✨ Your gut—and your quality of life—deserve it✨ 

Related Articles:

• How to keep your Gut Happy: Nutrition for Good Gut Health
• Nutrition FAQs