The Difference Between Allergies and Food Intolerance
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- By Dr. Jill Tack
- Posted in allergies, allergy, allergy vs intolerance, Food, food allergy, food intolerance, intolerance
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Knowing the difference between allergies and food intolerance is a crucial part of getting your animal back on the road to wellness. Today, we're discussing the difference between these two and why it matters.
Knowing the difference between allergies and food intolerance is a crucial part of getting your animal back on the road to wellness. Today, we're discussing the difference between these two and why it matters.
Allergies
Allergies are most often the first sign that the vital force is in disarray. A true food allergy requires the presence of immune mechanisms (for instance Immunoglobin E - IgE antibodies) against the food. On the other hand, a food intolerance does not. Food allergens can be fatal and should be taken serious if there is difficulty breathing or the face/throat begins to swell.
Food Allergies and Symptoms
Food allergies are an excessive immune reaction to a particular food. This is often due to the fact that the food is either improperly digested or incompatible with a person or animal’s basic blood chemistry.
Food allergy symptoms are many and varied, but may include gastrointestinal disturbances (IBS, leaky gut), respiratory and lymphatic congestion (excess mucus, swollen lymph nodes), rashes, fatigue, headaches, autoimmune disorders, and emotional disturbances. Food allergies may also be responsible for hyperactivity, restlessness, irritability, anxiety and depression.
Respiratory Allergies and Symptoms
Respiratory allergies are caused by an overly sensitive immune response reacting to environmental substances. The immune system reacts to neutralize irritants by causing mass cells to burst, which releases histamine into the respiratory tissues.
Respiratory allergy symptoms include respiratory congestion, sinus discharge, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy eyes, sinus pain/pressure, coughing, and sore throat.
Food Intolerances
"Food intolerance is a detrimental reaction, often delayed, to a food, beverage, food additive, or compound found in foods that produces symptoms in one or more body organs and systems, but it is not a true food allergy."
Many of our pets' food intolerances are acute symptoms that present as skin rashes, dermatitis, yeast, eczema, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. When left untreated, they begin to morph into more serious issues.
If you think your animal is suffering from allergies or food intolerance, we encourage you to take a look at our wellness services or give us a call at (248) 548-3448 to set up a consult or assessment.
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