Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance

 Understanding Your Body’s Reaction to Food

 Keeping cultural foods while staying safe

Food is central to culture, celebration, and family. But some people notice that certain foods cause unpleasant or even dangerous reactions. Food allergies involve the immune system and can cause serious reactions like hives, swelling, and trouble breathing. Intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, often cause stomach upset, gas, or diarrhea but are usually less dangerous.

Common foods in Latin cuisines—including dairy, shellfish, nuts, and wheat—may cause problems for some individuals. You do not have to guess forever; testing and careful observation can help you figure out what your body can and cannot tolerate.

Tips for identifying and managing food reactions

● Keep a food diary: note what you eat and any symptoms that follow.

● Notice if symptoms happen every time you eat a specific food or only in certain combinations.

● Seek medical advice and possible allergy testing if reactions are strong or involve breathing or swelling.

● Learn how to read labels for common allergens.

● Ask your provider or nutritionist for safe substitutions so you can still enjoy traditional dishes.

When to call your doctor or 911

● Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; or feeling faint after eating—call 911 immediately.

● Repeated vomiting, severe stomach pain, or widespread hives after certain foods.

● Ongoing digestive issues that do not improve with simple diet changes.