All too often, people confuse food sensitivity symptoms with food allergies, thinking that these terms can be used interchangeably. The reason these terms are often confused with one another is because sometimes food sensitivities are similar to food allergies in that both can produce some of the same signs and symptoms. The difference is food allergies actually involve the immune system, whereas food sensitivities normally only involve the digestive tract. For children who have problems with various foods, it is vital for parents to know the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities and obtain the proper help to enable their children to enjoy optimal health and wellness.
Food Allergies
When food allergies are present, even consuming the smallest amounts of the offending food can trigger a reaction. Reactions to these foods are immediate, and they involve the immune system. Signs and symptoms of food allergies in children include, but are not limited to:
- Skin rashes
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or gums
- Difficulty breathing
- Tingling of the mouth or throat
- Diarrhea, stomachache and vomiting
- Extremely low blood pressure
If food allergies are a problem, the offensive food must be avoided at all costs.
Food Sensitivity Symptoms
According to Colorado Springs food sensitivity experts, reactions to offending foods are not always immediate when food sensitivities are involved. Usually, reactions are gradual and consist of digestive troubles. Signs and symptoms of food sensitivities in children include but are not limited to:
- Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
- Gas
- Bloating of the stomach
- Fatigue
In the cases of Celiac Disease and Chronic Systemic Candida, food sensitivities can produce reactions similar to food allergies as these conditions do involve the immune system.
Diagnosing Food Sensitivities in Children
There are steps that can be taken to diagnose food sensitivities in children as recommended by Colorado Springs food sensitivity experts. These are as follows:
- Observe which foods bring on a reaction.
- Eliminate these foods from the child’s diet for about two weeks to one month.
- Reintroduce these foods again to see what happens.
It is important that while taking these steps, a food journal must be kept. In this journal, parents need to write down which foods trigger a reaction and what happens when these foods are consumed. The journal then needs to be taken to a doctor at a food sensitivity testing clinic as this will aid the doctor in providing the proper help and guidance. At the food sensitivity testing clinic, children may be required to eat foods that cause sensitivity symptoms and will be monitored to see the results.