The main differences between food allergies and food sensitivities (also termed food intolerances) include the type of symptoms, how quickly symptoms appear, and the type of antibody produced in response to the food. An antibody is a protein that your immune system makes to attack something that is harmful (or something your body thinks is harmful). With food allergies or sensitivities, your immune system can make an antibody to attack the food, which then causes the symptoms of allergies or sensitivities.
With food allergies, symptoms can include hives, itchy watery red eyes and/or nose, sneezing, wheezing or diarrhea. Very severe allergies can produce an anaphylactic reaction that may include tongue or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure, or fainting. Anaphylactic reactions can be life threatening, and those at risk should carry an Epi-pen (injectable epinephrine) to use if they experience these symptoms.
Value |
Food Allergy |
Food Sensitivity/Intolerance |
Food Sensitivity/Intolerance |
Body’s response |
IgE antibody attacks food |
IgG antibody attacks food |
Lack of enzymes to break down food |
Timing of Reaction |
IMMEDIATE: Seconds to hours after consuming food |
DELAYED: Hours to days (up to 72 hrs) after consuming food |
Depends on type of enzyme & cause |
Symptoms |
Hives/rash Headaches Itchy red watery eyes/nose Sneezing Wheezing Nausea/Diarrhea Swelling Anaphylaxis |
Digestive symptoms Skin rash Headaches Fatigue Brain fog Psychological symptoms/behavior Joint pain Insomnia Chronic infections Many other potential symptoms |
Digestive symptoms Skin rash Headaches Fatigue Brain fog Psychological symptoms/behavior Joint pain Insomnia Chronic infections Many other potential symptoms |
Permanence |
USUALLY PERMANENT Can be outgrown or treated with desensitization programs |
TRANSIENT Dependent on levels of gut inflammation & foods eaten |
Depends on type of enzyme & cause |
Food sensitivities or intolerances can be caused either by the body attacking certain foods with an antibody called IgG, or because someone doesn't have adequate digestive enzymes to break down certain foods. The symptoms are can be general & vague compared with food allergy symptoms and include headaches, fatigue, and brain fog.
Food sensitivity/intolerance symptoms can be more general and vague compared to food allergy symptoms. They include fatigue, headaches, and brain fog—difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating. Frequently, there are issues with digestion, such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, chronic inflammation, and chronic infections, like recurrent ear infections. In addition, eczema can be related to food sensitivities or allergies. Even psychological symptoms like mood and behavior can be affected by food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities or intolerances can be caused either by the body attacking certain foods with an antibody called IgG, or because someone doesn't have adequate digestive enzymes to break down certain foods. An example of food sensitivity caused by inadequate digestive enzymes is lactose intolerance. Lactose is the sugar in milk products. People who are lactose intolerant don’t make an enzyme called lactase needed to break down lactose. As a result, when they consume products with lactose, they can have digestive symptoms like abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can sometimes be aggravated by food sensitivities. With kids who have autism or ADHD, food intolerance can manifest as difficulty concentrating or “problem behaviors” like tantrums. Food sensitivity reactions can be annoying or debilitating, but they do not cause anaphylactic, life threatening reactions like a true allergy.
Both food allergies and sensitivities can be treated with dietary changes and supplements to bring the body back to balance.
Both food allergies and sensitivities can be treated with dietary changes and supplements to bring the body back to balance. Food allergies can also be treated through desensitization programs like allergy shots or sublingual allergy drops. I can prescribe sublingual allergy drops individually tailored to a person’s specific allergies.
When working with patients who have the vague symptoms—headache, sleeplessness, fatigue, hormonal problems—I start with a detailed medical history. As an N.D., I have extensive training in how nutrition affects the immune system. For example, artificial, processed foods can diminish the effectiveness of the immune system. Based on a patient’s medical history, lab tests, and other factors, I will recommend specific dietary changes to improve patients’ health. In my experience, when patients make modifications to their diet and food habits and add high quality supplements, they can enjoy significant improvement.
Food sensitivity/intolerance symptoms can be more general and vague compared to food allergy symptoms. They include fatigue, headaches, and brain fog—difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating. Frequently, there are issues with digestion, such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, chronic inflammation, and chronic infections, like recurrent ear infections. In addition, eczema can be related to food sensitivities or allergies. Even psychological symptoms like mood and behavior can be affected by food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities or intolerances can be caused either by the body attacking certain foods with an antibody called IgG, or because someone doesn't have adequate digestive enzymes to break down certain foods. An example of food sensitivity caused by inadequate digestive enzymes is lactose intolerance. Lactose is the sugar in milk products. People who are lactose intolerant don’t make an enzyme called lactase needed to break down lactose. As a result, when they consume products with lactose, they can have digestive symptoms like abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can sometimes be aggravated by food sensitivities. With kids who have autism or ADHD, food intolerance can manifest as difficulty concentrating or “problem behaviors” like tantrums. Food sensitivity reactions can be annoying or debilitating, but they do not cause anaphylactic, life threatening reactions like a true allergy.
Both food allergies and sensitivities can be treated with dietary changes and supplements to bring the body back to balance.
Both food allergies and sensitivities can be treated with dietary changes and supplements to bring the body back to balance. Food allergies can also be treated through desensitization programs like allergy shots or sublingual allergy drops. I can prescribe sublingual allergy drops individually tailored to a person’s specific allergies.
When working with patients who have the vague symptoms—headache, sleeplessness, fatigue, hormonal problems—I start with a detailed medical history. As an N.D., I have extensive training in how nutrition affects the immune system. For example, artificial, processed foods can diminish the effectiveness of the immune system. Based on a patient’s medical history, lab tests, and other factors, I will recommend specific dietary changes to improve patients’ health. In my experience, when patients make modifications to their diet and food habits and add high quality supplements, they can enjoy significant improvement.