What are Food Sensitivities?

Humans are very different from each other which is why, they normally differ in all aspects of life. One tends to see a lot of variety in the aspects related to humans. Food, for instance, is a good example in this scenario. A particular food which is well digested by one person might not be that stomach friendly with the other. There are varieties of abnormal responses that one can exhibit towards food. These are: Food sensitivity, Food intolerance and Food allergy. Despite the fact that these terms seem to be inter related, these are quite different practically. These terms differ on the basis of their causative agent, duration and the appearance of signs and symptoms.
Food sensitivity: Food sensitivity refers to the sensitivity exhibited by a person towards some particular foods. The reason behind this complexity is quite confusing and cannot be easily studied. That is why, proper and timely response is not made and delayed symptoms are presented by the patient. In short, these food sensitivities can be due to the toxic response of people towards food and can be further divided into: Food intolerance and Food allergy.
Food intolerance: This is a food sensitivity that is non allergenic in nature. It is a delayed reaction to particular food items such as some food additives, beverages or dairy items. Because of the absence of the Ig E antibody, this reaction cannot be deemed as an allergy. The symptoms exhibited by the patient can be either in the form of gastric disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation. It may also be exhibited in the form of skin reactions such as rashes, etc. General reactions such as stomach cramps can also be exhibited by the patients.
Food allergy:
Food allergy is a severe response to particular food that is exhibited by the immune system of the body. it is quite different from other food sensitivities such as food intolerance. In this response, the IgE mediator is present in the blood stream which is triggered by the allergic food material. The reaction to this particular food item is quite quick and can even be dangerous. The symptoms are dermatitis – skin reaction such as rashes and eczema, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, nausea or constipation – gastrointestinal reactions and cough, breathlessness and asthma – respiratory reactions. The responses of the individuals vary from being very mild to extremely severe. These allergies are resolved via anti allergic medications or by using the desensitization technique.