Food and Nutrition

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Food allergies and intolerances involve adverse reactions to certain foods, but they differ in their underlying causes. Food allergies are immune system responses where the body mistakenly identifies certain proteins as harmful, leading to symptoms such as hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and shellfish. In contrast, food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, result from the inability to properly digest or metabolize certain foods, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, or abdominal pain. Managing food allergies and intolerances typically requires avoiding trigger foods and, in some cases, using medical interventions like epinephrine for severe allergic reactions.