In latter years, the number of people with food sensitivity has been increasing in the UK. Doctors are yet to pin-point the exact reason for this, but factors that contribute to this condition include one’s genetic order, development of the immune system right from birth and exposure to certain foods.

Food sensitivity can be classified into food allergies and food intolerance. Food allergy triggers an abnormal immune response when one takes certain foods, mostly proteins. The body reacts by releasing immunoglobulin, leading to severe symptoms.  Depending on the protein causing the allergy; the body’s reaction can be mild, severe, rapid or life-threatening. Symptoms of food allergy include breathing difficulties and swelling of the mouth and throat.

Food intolerance on the other hand happens when the body reacts to a food substance, other than a protein, mainly because it is unable to digest it, without the immune system getting involved. Symptoms of food intolerance are less severe and occur slowly. It occurs only when one eats huge amounts of the substance causing the intolerance.

Most of the foods that cause allergies are eggs, milk and fish, cereals that have gluten, peanuts, sesame seeds, soya and sulphites. Both children and adults can suffer from food allergies. In children, the condition improves as they grow older.

Get more information on food sensitivity from the main article.