What's the Difference Between a Food Allergy and Sensitivity, and How Can I Know Which I Have?

You eat a healthy meal, yet minutes or hours later, your body disagrees. Perhaps it’s bloating, a headache, or a sudden rash. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Millions of Americans experience food-related reactions, but determining whether it’s an allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance can be frustrating and confusing.

At Executive Medicine of Texas, our multidisciplinary specialists help patients uncover what’s really behind those reactions with advanced ALCAT food and chemical sensitivity testing. Knowing the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity is the first step toward restoring digestive wellness.

Food allergies: An immediate immune system response

More than 20 million adults and children have food allergies. This is an immediate immune response that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a particular protein in food, mistaking it as harmful. 

An allergic reaction can occur within minutes, even with a trace amount of the food. If you have a food allergy, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Hives or swelling
• Itching or rash
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting

In rare cases, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Food allergies involve IgE antibodies, which cause the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals. 

Because of their severity and unpredictability, food allergies often require complete avoidance of the offending food and access to emergency treatment like epinephrine.

Common culprits include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Milk
• Eggs
• Soy
• Wheat

While these are the “Big 8,” it’s possible to have an allergy to any food, and new onset food allergies can develop at any age.

Food sensitivities: A delayed and often misunderstood reaction

Food sensitivities involve an often delayed cellular response. These reactions can sometimes appear hours or even days after eating the trigger food. Food sensitivity reactions aren’t life-threatening, but can significantly affect your quality of life.

Symptoms often include:

• Bloating or gas
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Headaches or migraines
• Joint or muscle pain
• Skin issues like acne, eczema, or rashes
• Inflammation

Unlike food allergies, sensitivities are typically linked to non-IgE immune responses or difficulty processing certain foods. This can make them harder to pinpoint without testing since symptoms are varied and timing is inconsistent.

ALCAT testing detects food reaction culprits

At Executive Medicine of Texas, we use the ALCAT test, a proven method that analyzes how your white blood cells respond when exposed to over 290 foods, additives, and environmental chemicals. 

This highly detailed approach measures cellular-level reactions, providing a clear window into what’s triggering inflammation and discomfort in your body.

With a simple blood draw, we can detect your unique food sensitivities and guide you through an elimination and reintroduction plan to reduce symptoms and restore balance. 

The ALCAT test results include a comprehensive color-coded report, rotation diet, and personalized food list, empowering you to take charge of your wellness.

Why knowing the difference matters

Knowing whether you have a true allergy or a sensitivity helps you make informed dietary decisions and avoid unnecessary restrictions. 

For instance, someone with a peanut allergy must avoid peanuts entirely, while someone with a sensitivity to chickpeas may tolerate small amounts without danger, but might still benefit from reducing exposure to improve digestion, mood, or energy levels.

Unaddressed food sensitivities can contribute to chronic inflammation, fatigue, autoimmune flare-ups, and gut health issues. Identifying and addressing them early can transform how you feel day to day.

Take control of your health with personalized testing

If you experience persistent fatigue, digestive issues, skin flare-ups, or joint pain, food testing can uncover the hidden triggers impacting your wellness. 

At Executive Medicine of Texas, our physicians provide a holistic approach to care, combining diagnostic precision with personalized guidance to help you feel your best.

To schedule your ALCAT food sensitivity test, call our Southlake, Texas, office at 817-552-4300 or use our convenient online booking feature today. Discover which foods truly fuel your health, and which ones might be holding you back.