Food Allergies Vs. Food Sensitivity: What You Should Know in Hamilton

Did you know that there are two different types of reactions that people can have to food? The first type is called a food allergy, and the second type is called a food sensitivity. While both of these reactions are unpleasant, they are quite different from each other. Let’s take a closer look as a Hamilton compounding pharmacy at the differences between food allergies and sensitivities.

What is Food Allergy?

A food allergy is an immune response that occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful. As a result, the body produces antibodies to fight against the “invader.” These antibodies then trigger a series of reactions in the body that can cause symptoms such as hives, wheezing, or even anaphylactic shock. Food allergies are relatively rare, affecting only about 2% of adults and 6% of children in the United States.

What is Food Sensitivity?

On the other hand, food sensitivity does not involve the immune system. Instead, it is caused by something called “leaky gut syndrome.” Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the intestinal wall becomes damaged and allows toxins and undigested foods to pass through into the bloodstream. This can cause a wide range of symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, migraines, fatigue, etc. Food sensitivities are much more common than food allergies, affecting an estimated 15-20% of the population.

Things to Do About Food Allergies and Sensitivity in Hamilton

So, what can you do if you think you might have a food allergy or sensitivity? The first step is to see your doctor in Hamilton. They will likely recommend that you keep a food diary and avoid any foods that seem to trigger your symptoms. If you have a food allergy, you must be careful to avoid all traces of the offending food, as even a small amount can trigger a reaction. If you have food sensitivity, you may be able to eat small amounts of the problematic food without experiencing any symptoms. However, it is always best to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

Why Should You Know the Difference Between Food Allergies and Sensitivities?

It is important to be aware of the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities, as they can seriously impact your health. Food allergies are caused by an immune system response to a specific allergen, while a chemical reaction to a food causes food sensitivities. Both can cause problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps, but food allergies can also lead to more serious conditions such as anaphylactic shock. If you think you may have a food allergy or sensitivity, it is important to talk to your doctor about it.

How Can You Prevent Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities?

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent food allergies or sensitivities:

1. Make sure to clean all surfaces that come into contact with food. This includes countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and cooking equipment.
2. Always cook food thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may be present.
3. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping food that is cooked separately from raw food.

If you have questions about preventing food allergies or sensitivities, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.

How Can Hamilton Compounding Help With Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities?

Compounding is the process of customizing medication to meet the specific needs of an individual patient. This means that your compounder can work with you to create a medication free of any ingredients you are allergic to or sensitive to. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, compounding can be a great way to help you manage your symptoms. Compounding also allows your medication to be created in various forms, such as capsules, creams, suppositories, and more. This can make it easier for you to take your medication and get the relief you need. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor today if you think compounding might be right for you.

Compounding can be extremely helpful for people who have food allergies or sensitivities. By working with a Hamilton compounding pharmacy, you can get medication free of any ingredients you are allergic to or sensitive to.

Final Thoughts

If you think you might have a food allergy or sensitivity in Hamilton, you should talk to your doctor. They will likely recommend that you keep a food diary and avoid any foods that seem to trigger your symptoms. If you have a food allergy, you must be careful to avoid all traces of the offending food, as even a small amount can trigger a reaction. If you have food sensitivity, you may be able to eat small amounts of the problematic food without experiencing any symptoms. However, it is always best to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.