Jen Gunter: What's a food allergy -- and what's not?

What's a food allergy -- and what's not?

People often mix up food allergies and food intolerances, even though they require completely different medical treatments. Dr. Jen Gunter explains how allergies quickly trigger the immune system, while intolerances disrupt digestion and can sometimes take days to show up. Learn how to spot the difference and get a better understanding of how your body reacts to food. (For more on how your body works, tune in to her podcast, Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter, from the TED Audio Collective.)

Food allergies and intolerances are often mistaken for each other, but they follow very different rules in the body. Allergies trigger an immediate and sometimes life-threatening immune response, often within 30 minutes, like swelling or trouble breathing after eating peanuts or shellfish. Intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, are rooted in digestion and may take hours or even days to cause discomfort like bloating or diarrhea. Understanding these differences can prevent confusion, guide proper treatment, and avoid unreliable at-home test kits.