05/07/2025
FOOD REACTIONS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Not all food reactions are created equal—and understanding the difference can be the key to unlocking better digestion, more energy, and clearer thinking.
Let’s break it down:
🥜 Food Allergies
These reactions are immediate and involve the immune system. Think swelling, hives, or even anaphylaxis. Common triggers include peanuts, shellfish, and dairy. This is your body sounding the alarm—fast.
⏱️ Food Sensitivities
Much trickier to pinpoint, sensitivities involve a delayed immune response. You might feel fine after eating something, but symptoms like bloating, fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog could appear 3–4 days later. Think of it like a slow burn rather than a fire alarm.
⚙️ Food Intolerances
These aren’t immune-related at all. Instead, your digestive system is missing the enzymes needed to properly break down certain foods. Lactose intolerance is a classic example. The result? Gas, bloating, and discomfort.
Why it matters:
You could be avoiding the wrong foods or missing hidden triggers altogether. The better you understand your body, the more empowered you are to support your health.