Food allergies and intolerances have a way of arriving unannounced. For the allergy sufferer, eating can be a minefield. The last thing you want to experience is a flare-up in your travels. 🤧
Are you a traveller who suffers from a food allergy or intolerance? Do you know the difference between them? Let’s find out more now.
Food allergy
What is a food allergy? A allergy flare up happens when the immune system reacts to an allergen. The immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin.
When antibodies and allergen meet, it triggers the release of histamine and other defensive chemicals into the body. The body’s immune system sees the food as an invader. Symptoms are usually immediate.
Did you know that it’s common to have an allergy as well as an intolerance?
So what is a food intolerance?
Food intolerance
An intolerance is a range of adverse reactions caused by eating an offending food. It affects the digestive tract and is the most common trigger of gut symptoms.
Symptoms can happen immediately or be delayed. The symptoms appear once food hits the digestive tract, which can be within 6-8 hours or the next day.
Intolerances are often mistaken for allergies. It’s common to have an allergy and an intolerance.
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So, the major differences between a food allergy and an intolerance is the part of the body it affects. Allergies hit the immune system and intolerances attack the gut. So how do you avoid food allergies while travelling?
How to avoid food allergies while travelling
To avoid allergy flare-ups, try these suggested tips:
- Avoid eating out at restaurants
- Cook your own food if accommodation has facilities and allows it 🍳
- Buy supermarket food. The less processed the food the better. Raw is great especially for fruit. 🍓
- If travelling in a foreign country, learn how to say what you are allergic to in the local language. 🍝
- Bring allergy medication with you just in case.
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Suggested post: 5 tips for travellers with food allergies
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Linda is an Amazon author, writer and travel blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
