So how do you know what the difference is between a food allergy and a food intolerance? Both can give a person mild symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. But an allergy may trigger more severe reactions ranging from hives to anaphylaxis.
A food allergy is an immune system response.
A food intolerance is a digestive system response.
ALLERGY SUMMARY:
Since the body mistakes a food ingredient as harmful, it creates a defense system (antibodies) to fight it. The symptoms develop when the antibodies (IgE or immunoglobulin) are battling the "invading" food. The allergies arise from sensitivity to chemical compounds (proteins) in food. When we eat those foods again the IgE is released with other chemicals, including histamine. The symptoms depend on where the histamine is released (i.e. itchy nose, trouble breathing, etc.). Peanut allergy is common.
INTOLERANCE SUMMARY:
Something in a food irritates a person's digestive system or when a person is unable to properly digest or breakdown the food. Usually a person lacks the chemicals (enzymes) necessary to properly digest certain proteins found in food. Lactose intolerant is common.
How to test between the two?
Allergy testing is usually performed through an IgE panel for known allergens (strawberry, nuts, etc.). Intolerance testing is usually just food avoidance.
Summary: I like to think that a true allergy is more of an immediate response of symptoms and an intolerance is one where a delayed reaction or response is observed.
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