Food Allergy and Intolerance: What's the Difference?
There is much confusion, especially in the media over the words food allergy
and food intolerance and many people think the terms are interchangeable. Some
people complain about symptoms related to food allergy, when they might be suffering
from food intolerance. According to the charity Allergy UK, up to 45% suffer from
food intolerance. Of those coming to YorkTest with chronic ill health symptoms,
around 75% will have a positive IgG reaction to one or more foods. Therefore,
from this rather enlightening statistic it is important to be aware of the differences
between food intolerance and allergy so you can appropriately and effectively
deal with your condition.
Food Intolerance Explained
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Produces delayed symptoms
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Can make you feel very unwell but it is not life threatening
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Measured by analysing IgG antibodies
Food Allergy Explained
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Very fast reaction, usually within minutes but generally within a maximum of two hours
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Can range from minor rashes to being potentially fatal
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Reactions can occur with only small amounts of food consumed or present in the atmosphere
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Harmful response of the immune system as the IgE antibody treats normal substances as invaders
The NHS recognises food intolerance and recommends food diaries and elimination
diets as the preferred method of treatment. However, this can be a long process
and almost impossible to identify the foods that are causing you problems. The
FoodScan 113 by YorkTest Laboratories has produced impressive results for countless
people and you only have to look at our testimonials to see how we have improved
their lives. A survey commissioned by Allergy UK of over 5,000 YorkTest customers
found that over 75% people enjoyed symptom relief as a result of acting on their
test results, 68% of which found that relief within three weeks!
For further information or to buy the FoodScan 113 Food Intolerance Test, please
click here.
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