On Nutrition: Food intolerance or allergy?

We were smothered in 88 degree weather last week. Today the weatherman sent out freeze warnings. I'm not sure my shivering flower pots fully understood why I whisked them into the house for the night.

We don't always understand what's happening to our nutritional health either. But it's important to heed any warnings signs we might experience. Uncomfortable symptoms after eating, for example. Is a food allergy? A food intolerance? And why does that distinction even matter?

It does matter, because there really is a difference between a food allergy and food intolerance. And the correct remedy relies on the correct diagnosis.

What's often frustrating however is that these distinct food sensitivities often exhibit similar symptoms. Here's a quiz to help understand the differences:

--A true food allergy a) causes your immune system to over-ignite. b) is triggered by eating junk food. c) is the body's reaction to specific types of protein. Answers: a, c.

--Food allergies are caused by a) a poor diet. b) naturally occurring proteins in foods like peanuts, milk and eggs. c) over-eating. Answer: b. A true food allergy can be triggered by even small amounts of the offending protein.

--Common symptoms of food allergy include a) hives. b) swelling of eyes, lips or face. c) a craving for sweets. Answers: a, b.

--A person with food intolerance a) is just making it up. b) is unable to fully digest certain components in food. c) may have symptoms similar to a food allergy. Answers: b, c

--Common symptoms of a food intolerance include: a) tummy ache. b) diarrhea. c) yucky taste. Answers: a, b

--Lactose intolerance is a) an allergy to lactose. b) an inability to fully digest a natural sugar in dairy foods. c) not an true allergy. Answers: b and c.

--Most food intolerances are related to a) how many vitamins you take. b) how much of a certain food you eat. c) how much exercise you get. Answer: b

--Celiac disease a) is a serious form of gluten intolerance. b) different from wheat allergy. c) causes damage to the intestines. All are correct.

--Gluten is a) a composite of proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. b) an artificial ingredient hidden in bread by unscrupulous manufacturers. c) off the list for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Answers: a, c.

--Food intolerances a) are often confused with food allergies. b) often exhibit the same symptoms as food allergies. c) are caused by different mechanisms. All are correct.

--If you suspect you have a food allergy, you should: a) cruise the internet. b) ask your hairdresser's advice. c) seek out a professional allergist or immunologist. Answer: c

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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 1:07 AM.