SAN ANTONIO — South Texas loves to eat! But in today's Healthy SA, we find out that knowing the difference between food allergies and sensitivities could allow you to eat that food you once thought was out for good.
A food allergy forces people to avoid certain foods to prevent severe physical problems. But food sensitivity means a small amount of the food can be ingested without any problems.
Victoria Allen, a personal trainer with Camp Gladiator told us, "A food allergy is something like celiac disease, which I happen to have. It makes it to where processed wheat does not go through and work."
She knows a food sensitivity is quite different. Allen added, "Something that just kind of upsets the stomach, may cause a little bit of bloating. You may feel a little bit sluggish and just not feeling as well."
33 million people in the U.S. have food allergies. 1-in-10 adults suffer from food allergies, with 51% saying they have experienced a severe allergic reaction. 1-in-13 children suffer from food allergies, with 42% saying they have experienced a severe allergic reaction.
Gina Snow, also a personal trainer with Camp Gladiator said, "If you've already identified that you have an allergy or food sensitivity, then we can help you kind of navigate, healthy options from protein, carbohydrates and fats."
The symptoms to look out for with a food allergy are vomiting, skin rashes and hives, swelling and itching, trouble breathing, and anaphylaxis. If it is a food sensitivity the symptoms may be bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramps.
Both Allen and Snow work with dietitians and their clients to find out what foods they may be allergic or sensitive to. "You do the blood test and just simply mail it back in. Or you can go directly through your dietician or physician to be able to go through and work through that part as well," Allen said.
Everlywell has an at-home food allergy test kit for $149. 5Strands has a food intolerance test kit that runs a bit cheaper, at $88. You can also go to checkmybodyhealth.com for a survey that will help you narrow down which test is right for you.