3.1.7 (allergies + intolerances) Flashcards
Food allergies
An abnormal immunological reaction to food caused by a foreign substance, usually protein) and some severe food allergies can cause an anaphylactic reaction + as a result are life threatening.
What happens when the body consumes an allergen
Consuming an allergen causes the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to fight against the substance.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction
- Swelling of facial area.
- Tingling sensation in mouth
- Redness/hives
Symptoms of a severe/anaphylactic reaction
- Swelling of tongue and/or throat.
- Difficulty breathing
- Noisy breathing
Common allergies
Nuts, milk, eggs, fish, sesame seeds, soy, lupin, wheat, etc.
Food intolerance
A chemical reaction in the body to particular foods.
Gluten intolerance
The body is unable to digest gluten.
Symptoms of gluten intolerance
- Cramping/bloating
- Constipation
- Flatulence
Lactose intolerance
Body can not digest lactose because it does not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase to break down the lactose into simple sugars for digestion.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
FODMAP intolerance
Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, + polyols.
- They are not absorbed in the gut properly.
FODMAP intolerance symptoms
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Unpredictable bowel habits
Oligosaccharides
Fructans + GOS
- Wheat, rye, onions, garlic, legumes/pulses.
Disaccharides
Lactose
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc.
Monosaccharides
Fructose
- Found in honey, apples, high fructose corn syrups, etc.
