OptiHealth UK
Food Allergy Verses Food Sensitivity
Food Sensitivity Testing & Nutritional Advice
Food Allergy Verses Food Sensitivity
The type of test required depends on the symptoms you are experiencing. If you suffer from bloating, reflux, irregular bowels, headaches, fatigue, or nausea, a food sensitivity test may be beneficial.
However, if you experience anaphylactic shock or swelling in any part of your body after consuming certain foods, such as peanuts, you may have an acute allergy.
Symptoms like rashes, urticaria, eczema, and asthma can be caused by either allergies, sensitivities, or a combination of both. Therefore, it may be helpful to undergo an allergy test (either through your GP or privately) and a food sensitivity test. Optihealth UK strongly recommends exploring allergy testing before food sensitivity testing if you suspect you have an allergy.
Allergy
Develops at any age more often at infancy
What is a Food Allergy?
When the immune system sees a certain food as harmful and reacts by attacking the food and releasing histamine and other chemicals.
Can be severe or life-threatening
Symptoms
Hives, shortness of breath, itching, rash, swelling, anaphylaxis, tingling, nausea, vomiting, etc.
When do they appear?
Immediately to a couple hours after consuming
The most common allergies:
Nuts
Soy
Fish
Dairy
Sensitivity
Develops at any age
What is a Food Sensitivity?
Where individual components of food cannot be properly processed and assimilated by the digestive system.
Usually less serious but includes more symptoms.
Symptoms
Fatigue, weight gain, stubborn weight loss, migraines, bloating, gas, mood swings, brain fog, IBS, digestive issues, skin problems, headaches, constipation, diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, etc.
When do they appear?
Delayed response, up to 72 hours – Commonly up to 72 hours.
The most common sensitivies:
Wheat / Gluten
Dairy
Fruit / Veg
Corn
