what is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance  - Allergy vs Intolerance: What is the difference?A lot of people do not know the difference between an allergy and an intolerance. If you are one of them, do not worry, Test My Allergy are here to help. The simple way to put it is that allergies are hereditary and last a lifetime, whereas intolerances and sensitivities are manageable and may simply be a fact of overindulgence or overexposure.

What is a Sensitivity or an Intolerance?

A sensitivity can change depending on your diet and lifestyle, and it is something you can manage. By avoiding the offending item, you can even eliminate your sensitivity, or at least reduce them.

How you do this? Through an elimination diet. 

An elimination diet is when you follow a diet plan which means that you do not consume any of the offending foods. By following this diet plan for the recommended 6-8 weeks, you can manage your sensitivities and slowly begin your journey to becoming a better you. The problem is, when some people experience intolerance and sensitivity symptoms, they sometimes think they have an allergy, and they do not know the difference between an allergy and an intolerance. By taking an intolerance test with Test My Allergy, you are able to identify what foods you are sensitive to.

Sensitivity and Intolerance 

If you have developed an inability to digest an item properly, then you most likely have a sensitivity to that particular item. However, without taking an intolerance test, it is difficult to know what item you have a sensitivity to. You could have either a food intolerance or an intolerance to an environmental factor.

Allergy

Presenting themselves in various ways, allergies can have a severe impact on our body. The symptoms range from localised swelling to a rash, and some even have difficulty breathing. These allergic reactions can affect our daily routine and are hard to manage. allergy vs intolerance 150x150 - Allergy vs Intolerance: What is the difference?

Some of the most common food allergens are peanut, shellfish, egg and soya, so you should be careful when consuming these items.

So, what is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?

In comparison to allergy, an intolerance or a sensitivity is not as severe and immediate as an allergy. The symptoms of an allergy are experienced right away, whereas intolerance and sensitivity symptoms can occur up to 72 hours later! So, with Test My Allergy, you can make sure that you do or do not have an intolerance and then can look further into testing for allergies.

If you would like to know more about the tests that we offer, then please log on to www.testmyallergy.com to find out more. Unfortunately, at the present moment, we do not test for allergies, only intolerances. If you have any questions regarding this please speak to us on our Live Chat.