The difference between allergies and intolerances
There is a lot of confusion between allergies and intolerances and their symptoms.
Allergies
Typical allergic reactions are swelling, rashes, sneezing.
The immune system reacts to something in iteself considered harmless. The body produces immune cells, IgE, in people who have allergies and intolerances, when it encounters the specific food or substance. These IgEs can be measured in the blood, which is probably the best way to test and pinpoint the guilty substance.
Intolerances
These symptoms are not as clear cut as they can appear slowly and wide ranging. Symptoms are low energy, bloating, running nose, tinitus, weight gain. With ingolerances, the immune system releases IgG cells, which again can be measured in the blood. Some experts say that raised levels of IgG are natural, and signs of a raised IgG have no connection to an intolerance. Therefore, in these cases alternative tests could be used to test for an intolerance such as muscle testing or electrical impulse.
