You’ve landed on this page because you have taken a food intolerance test and you would like to know what the difference is between a food intolerance and a food allergy. Keep reading our blog and you will find out what steps you need to take in order to ensure that you take the right steps to improve your health.
So, what is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
Well, a food allergy as defined by many health organisations as an abnormal immune system response to a substance which is usually considered harmless. The reaction occurs within minutes and can be life-threatening, and it doesn’t normally even matter how much food is consumed. One of the most common food allergies is peanuts, but there are eight major items which must be listed on the products over in America.
What symptoms should you be looking out for?
Symptoms of food intolerances are not always the same, and it can be hard to identify exactly which item is causing you distress without an intolerance test. This is because symptoms can sometimes appear up to 72 hours after a food is ingested. So, if you have experienced any symptoms such as bloating, trapped wind, diarrhoea, nausea, and indigestion then please do order an intolerance test here. If you suspect that you have a food allergy then we recommend that you immediately consult a Health Professional
How to diagnose an intolerance (a food intolerance test, of course!)
If you have ordered a food intolerance test then you will receive a detailed report from us outlining your intolerances and advice on how to best cope and manage your symptoms. If your symptoms persist then you should consider an elimination diet. This is when you remove all the foods which you suspect may be causing you harm. After the recommended time has passed, you can reintroduce the foods slowly back into your diet, and if the symptoms reappear then it is likely that you have a food intolerance. A food intolerance test should give you an indication of what foods need to be removed from your diet.
Patience is key
Remember, patience is key when undertaking an elimination diet. It can be a slow, but frustrating process. It is important that you do stick to it though, as it could change your life for the better. You should definitely complete the elimination diet, despite the urge to eat the foods that you are intolerant to, as being free from symptoms is definitely worth it!
To find out more about the common culprits of a food intolerance, please log on to www.testyourintolerance.co.nz and see how we can help. If you need help distinguishing the difference between a food allergy and intolerance, then please feel free to talk to our Customer Service advisors via our LiveChat service, as they will be happy to help you in any way they can.
