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Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities: What Your Immune System Is Telling You

Immune hypersensitivities encompass a wide range of symptoms from itchy skin and watery eyes, to anaphylaxis and digestive upset. Some reactions are considered allergies and others are sensitivities. All of these reactions are the immune system’s response to a specific stimulus that would not normally cause a reaction.


IgE, immunoglobulin E, is the antibody response that is produced by true allergies, or type 1 hypersensitivities. The body produces IgE antibodies after exposure to an environmental or dietary stimulus and this triggers a response within minutes to a couple hours. Allergic reactions can range from a runny nose and itchy eyes to anaphylaxis and hives. IgE reactions can be the most severe and are easily identified due to the quick response to the triggering substance. Allergic reactions do not vary based on the quantity of the stimulus that exposure. Blood tests and skin prick tests are the most common ways to identify IgE allergens.


Type 2 hypersensitivities are commonly known as autoimmune conditions. These conditions are the result of the body mistakenly attacking its own cells as if they were pathogenic. IgM and IgG antibodies are produced by the body and trigger the complement cascade of enzyme reactions.


Gut and mucus membranes can produce an IgA, immunoglobulin A, response to protect the body against pathogens or substances identified as pathogens. Symptoms of IgA responses typically take longer to appear and include:

  • digestive upset

  • sinus irritation

  • eye irritation

  • chronic inflammation


IgA hypersensitivities are rare and likely triggers are:

  • inflammatory foods

  • stress

  • disease

  • alcohol


Blood tests are the best way to identify IgA responses.


Delayed sensitivities, or type 3 hypersensitivities, can take several hours to a month to occur after exposure to a stimulus. These sensitivities are due to IgG, immunoglobulin G, reactions. Symptoms are more generalized and include:

  • headaches

  • fatigue

  • rashes

  • eczema

  • joint pain

  • digestive issues


It is very difficult to identify triggers, even while on an elimination diet, because the body can respond up to 45 days after being exposed to the stimulus. However, IgG triggers are nearly always foods. If chronic inflammation and discomfort are present, it is often wise to have an IgG food mapping blood test completed to identify the specific foods that are causing the reaction.


If you suspect that you may be experiencing food sensitivities, contact Renewed Hope Nutrition to order an IgG food mapping test and schedule a consultation to address your dietary needs.



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