Food is an important component of everyday life. In addition to three meals a day, most people enjoy a couple of snacks and, of course, the occasional dessert. But, sometimes, food causes serious concerns, especially for those suffering from Food Allergies in Jasper IN. It’s important to know the difference between being intolerant of a certain type of food and having an actual allergy.
Food Intolerance
Sometimes food just doesn’t sit well with a person. It may be that after consuming something, the stomach begins to react to its contents. That’s what makes it easy to confuse an intolerance and an allergy. Sometimes, it may be possible to eat a small amount of a substance without even noticing a problem. Consider documenting all of the incidences that occur around a certain type of food and make sure to write down all of the symptoms. Most of the time, intolerance doesn’t affect the whole body but focuses more on the digestive system.
Food Allergies
Food Allergies in Jasper IN cause an actual reaction in a person’s immune system. This is the biggest difference between an allergy and intolerance. Instead of just affecting a person’s digestion, it can affect his or her whole body. This is the reason why even a small amount of a food or beverage can have serious consequences. Continuing to ingest these items can cause both short- and long-term physical issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, without working with a medical professional, it can be difficult to get a clear understanding of whether a condition falls into the category of intolerance or allergy.
If you aren’t sure if you have an intolerance or an allergy to a certain type of food, make an appointment with an allergist. There are several tests that can be run and questions that can be asked to narrow down exactly what is going on. It’s always a good idea to bring along any notes or information that you have about what you’ve eaten and the symptoms you’ve experienced. Learn more about Dr. Smith, and make an appointment today to get the answers that you need.