Food allergy and food intolerance are not interchangeable. A food allergy involves the immune system and can cause itching, hives, vomiting, wheezing or swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat. Severe reactions can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis and require immediate emergency treatment.
Food intolerance usually reflects difficulty digesting a food or ingredient. Symptoms often appear several hours later and may include bloating, wind, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, headache or fatigue. Lactose intolerance, caused by reduced lactase enzyme activity, is a familiar example. Intolerance is unpleasant but does not cause anaphylaxis.
Diagnosis needs structure
Recurring symptoms should be discussed with a GP. Allergy assessment uses the history alongside appropriate skin-prick or specific-IgE blood testing; a positive result alone does not prove clinical allergy. Supervised food challenges may sometimes be needed.
For suspected intolerance, a food-and-symptom diary followed by a short, planned exclusion and reintroduction can be useful. Commercial IgG “intolerance” tests, hair analysis and similar home kits are not recommended because results may encourage unnecessary restriction. Coeliac disease testing must be completed while gluten is still being eaten.
Recognising serious symptoms
Anyone with a diagnosed serious allergy should have an emergency plan, understand food labels and carry prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors as directed. Sudden mouth or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse, severe dizziness or an unresponsive child requires emergency help.
Keeping the diet adequate
Removing a staple food can reduce protein, calcium, iron, fibre or vitamins. A dietitian can identify suitable alternatives, particularly for children, pregnancy or multiple exclusions. Avoiding foods “just in case” can increase anxiety and make future diagnosis harder.
The original source attributes intolerance to adrenal exhaustion and recommends routine caffeine avoidance. These are not universal explanations or requirements. The aim is to identify reproducible reactions and the smallest necessary restriction, while maintaining dietary variety.
Useful supplements
Supplements should be selected for the individual rather than used automatically. Product directions and advice from an appropriately qualified professional should take precedence over general information.
| Supplement | Effects |
|---|---|
| Multivitamin and mineral formula containing zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins and selenium | Intended to support immune function, antioxidant protection, histamine metabolism and energy production. |
| High-strength, multi-strain probiotic | Intended to support immune and inflammatory regulation, nutrient absorption and elimination. |
| Plant-based digestive enzyme formula | Provides enzymes intended to assist digestion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, lactose and plant fibres. |
| Whole-leaf aloe vera juice | Described as supporting bowel-flora balance, digestive-enzyme activity and intestinal health, with an anti-inflammatory effect. |
| Krill oil | Provides EPA and DHA, used to form compounds involved in inflammatory regulation. |
| Magnesium citrate | Intended to support the stress response, histamine metabolism and normal energy production. |
| Spirulina powder | Described as providing antihistamine, immune and detoxification support. |
These effects reword the original “Why?” column; they do not mean the products prevent allergic reactions. Digestive enzymes cannot make an allergenic food safe, and “gluten-digesting” enzymes do not protect someone with coeliac disease. Probiotics and aloe may cause adverse effects, while krill oil is unsuitable for someone allergic to crustaceans unless specialist advice says otherwise.
The safest process is precise rather than expansive: distinguish allergy from intolerance, use validated testing where appropriate, confirm suspected intolerance through planned reintroduction and protect nutritional adequacy throughout.
Looking for personalised nutrition and lifestyle support? An FNTP member may be able to help you explore an approach suited to your individual needs. Find an FNTP practitioner.
This article is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
