Allergic or Intolerant?

Are you allergic – or just intolerant?

If you suddenly develop a reaction to a certain food or beverage – you’re probably intolerant, not allergic. Allergies generally start in childhood, and might even disappear over time. They involve the immune system and are generally more serious. Food intolerances tend to increase with age, are more of a digestive matter and are usually just a nuisance.

The most common food intolerances are lactose, gluten and MSG. A lot of people develop intolerance for sulfites too. That’s a compound found in beer, wine and champagne and is sometimes added to dried fruit or canned foods as a preservative. If any of those make you itchy, congested or swollen, you’re intolerant.