Becky SolomonSo often people claim to have “intolerance’s” or allergies to food without really understanding the nature of them. They consider the slight bloating of wheat or discomfort of milk must be an allergy; whereas the truth distinguishes the two and and these differences are crucial for the sufferer to understand.
Food allergy and Intolerance week runs this year between 23rd-29th of January, hoping to raise awareness for those affected. Around 2.5% of the adult population suffer from food allergies and around 7% of children. Is is thought that food intolerances however, could affect up to 45% of the population. It is important to have both diagnosed to receive help; intolerances can cause severe stress and discomfort and allergies can be fatal.
Food allergies are a very serious reaction by the immune system to a specific food. Symptoms can include rashes, swelling, runny nose, breathing difficulties, asthma, diarrhoea and vomiting. In severe cases it can causes anaphylaxis. (swelling of the lip, tongue, face, shortness of breath, throat constriction, loss of consciousness.) Symptoms normally occur within few minutes of eating or coming into contact with the specific food, although they can be delayed up to a couple of hours. Common allergy foods include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish and sesame.
Food intolerances can be much more difficult to determine, due to the slower reaction to the food. Reactions can be delayed by hours or even days. Although food intolerances aren’t life threatening, they can have a dramatic and unpleasant impact on the sufferer’s life. Symptoms can include migraines, bloating, diarrhoea, lethargy and a general feeling of unwellness.
Food allergies and intolerances can make things like food shopping, or eating a meal become and incredibly complicated and stressful task. It can take a lot of will and determination to cut out foods, and sometimes to even gain understanding from peers. However things are slowly starting to change and food allergies and intolerances are getting a lot more recognition. There are many food products that eliminate problem foods, such as ‘free from’ ranges. Now, most supermarkets include these ranges and mark out problem foods on packaging. Some really helpful websites on allergies and intolerances.
In York there are restaurants and cake shops that provide for allergy and intolerance sufferers. So if you fancy a treat without the worry, have a look at our Dairy Free York and Gluten Free York pages. If you know of any more places that provide free from foods then please share!
