Food Allergy and Food Sensitivity
What Is Food Allergy and Food Sensitivity?
A food allergy occurs when our immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance—specifically a food—as a harmful one. When a person consumes the same food again, the immune system releases large amounts of chemicals and histamine. These chemicals trigger a range of allergic reactions that can affect the respiratory, digestive, skin, and cardiovascular systems. Food allergies can appear as early as infancy, even starting in the womb.
In food allergies, the body’s immune system reacts immediately to a specific food. In such cases, the immune system perceives the food as an invader and responds within minutes. Typical acute symptoms may develop within seconds or minutes, and in extreme cases, the reaction may even be life-threatening. Food sensitivity, on the other hand, is defined as non-allergic food hypersensitivity. It refers to adverse reactions that occur after every consumption of certain foods or their ingredients.
Food sensitivity occurs when the body cannot properly process certain foods. This condition may affect specific organs or systems without causing a full allergic reaction. The most common food sensitivity is to cow’s milk, typically due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, which is normally produced by cells lining the small intestine. Individuals lacking this enzyme cannot break down milk sugar (lactose) into simpler forms that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Infants with a family history of allergies (such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies, or eczema in at least one parent or sibling) may have up to a 20% risk of developing a food allergy within the first 5–7 years of life. Food allergies can also develop in infants through the ingestion of small amounts of allergens passed through breast milk. Babies at risk of allergies may become allergic to cow's milk or soy proteins found in infant formulas.
Common Symptoms of Food Sensitivity
Abdominal pain, acne, bloating, constipation, chronic fatigue, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, eczema, exhaustion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), itching, fluid retention, headaches, hyperactivity, loss of appetite, as well as migraines, nausea, diaper rash, breathing difficulties, restless leg syndrome, rhinitis, sinusitis, stomach cramps, blood pressure fluctuations, weight gain, and wheezing in the lungs.
How Is Food Sensitivity Treated?
Once it’s determined which foods a person is sensitive to, the best treatment is to eliminate those foods from their diet. While doing so, it is essential to add appropriate alternative foods to maintain a balanced diet. Therefore, professional nutritional advice is recommended. With food sensitivity testing, problematic foods can be identified one by one and personalized diets can be created, aiming for a healthier and higher-quality life.
Since foods often contain a mix of ingredients, identifying which specific substance causes the allergic reaction can be challenging. Diagnosis and treatment of food allergies should always involve a specialist.
To get tested in Northern Cyprus, please visit our branches in Nicosia or Kyrenia. Wishing you good health!