Food Allergy, Sensitivity, and Intolerance: The Difference and Why it Matters
By Susan Tanner, MD – complete article written originally for and found at SinusitisWellness.com.
A “true” allergy is usually manifest as a rash, itching, hives, or in more severe cases, as extreme swelling of respiratory passages and wheezing that can become life-threatening. But what about a delayed allergy, intolerance, or general sensitivity? The difference lies in the specific way that the body’s immune system and the autonomic nervous system responds to the irritant.
Seeking care from an Environmental or Functional medicine doctor can help you figure out your allergies and reactivities. The right doctor can help you to pinpoint the disruptors in your diet and in your other exposures (air, water, etc.), and will find the treatment path that helps you recover.
