There are plenty of things you need to know about food allergies versus food intolerance. Some people mistakenly believe they're suffering from a food allergy because they've had a reaction after eating a certain food. However, it could actually be food intolerance, which is a totally different condition.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is a digestive system response. This can occur when something in a particular food irritates your digestive system and is unable to properly digest or breakdown the food. Being lactose intolerant is one of the most commonly known issues. This includes milk, as well as most dairy products. Typical symptoms you may notice with food intolerance are headaches, heartburn, irritability, nausea, bloating, cramps and possibly vomiting.

As a person who has food intolerance, your body lacks enzymes, a chemical that helps digest proteins found in food. Foods with added ingredients are another form of food intolerance. Although some of the added chemicals are meant to protect food against bacteria, they are not easily broken down digestively.

Some of these additives, which provide enhanced flavor or eye catching color, include dyes and monosodium glutamate better known as MSG. MSG is a well-known trigger for headaches for many people although this has never been fully proven.