Allergies are extremely common to us. In fact, we find more and more people having an antihistamine as part of their standard medicine cabinet. Of course, most of us are aware of the most common allergens that can affect us:

Common allergens to look out for

1. Pollen
2. Dust mites
3. Dog and cat dander
4. Mold
5. Latex
6. Medicines
7. Insect sting
8. Leaves
9. Seeds

Nevertheless, there are many hidden allergens that can cause allergies to flare up. Before we look at them, let’s introduce something that is quite important to know. In addition to allergies, food intolerances should be something that we need to introduce in our vocabulary.

What are food intolerances and how do they relate to allergies?

Firstly, food intolerance differs from an allergy in the sense of effect. An allergic reaction is one wherein the immune system goes into overdrive and one can break out in hives and have trouble breathing.

Symptoms of food allergies

• Rash or hives
• Nausea
• Cramping stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Itchy skin
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the airways to the lungs

In contrast, food intolerance has a much more subtle effect on the body. Food intolerance is a digestive system response rather than an immune system response. It occurs when something in a food irritates a person’s digestive system or when a person is unable to properly digest, or break down, the food.

Symptoms of food intolerance

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Gas, cramps or bloating
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Irritability or nervousness
• Weight gain

10 Types of food allergies that one can have

Here is a list of 10 types of food that one can build intolerance to:

1. Gluten allergy to food like wheat, barley, rye
2. Seafood allergies to food like fish, shrimp, tuna
3. Nut allergy to food like peanuts, almonds, cashew
4. Fruit allergies to food like pineapple, strawberry, tomatoes
5. Vegetable allergies to food like leek, lettuce, pumpkin,
6. Caffeine intolerance to drinks like coffee, soda, tea
7. Meat allergies to food like lamb, chicken, beef
8. Yeast allergies to food like pastries, cereals, candies
9. Milk allergies to food like chocolates, cheese, butter
10. Egg allergy to food like pudding, salad dressing, pasta

However, there is hope!

Generally, one can recover from a food intolerance over time. This is different from most types of allergies. In brief, a dietitian can help you with your customised food elimination plan. And no, it is not as bad as it sounds.

It is a process of eliminating a list of foods for a period of time and then reintroducing them one by one to ascertain what the body response is. Another option is by doing a food intolerance test.

For the most part, you would cut out the food that you are intolerant to for a period of six to twelve months. After that, you can reintroduce it into your diet if you want.

Of course, you can do this on your own. there are many resources available!

6 things that can help alleviate food intolerance

1. Peppermint oil
2. L-Glutamine
3. Probiotics
4. Omega 3
5. Quercetin
6. Aloe vera