What is hidden food allergy?
Hidden food allergy is a condition or symptom caused by the immune system (Antibody) type IgG (Immunoglobulin G) that the body produces against the food consumed. It is different from acute food allergy. Most symptoms are not severe and do not occur immediately after eating but may appear several hours or even days later, causing many people to overlook the symptoms of hidden food allergy.
The difference between… hidden food allergy and food allergy
Many people may misunderstand that “hidden food allergy” and “food allergy” are the same, but in fact, these two conditions are different and everyone should know the differences, which are:
- Food allergy
mostly presents acute symptoms or within 2-4 hours after eating certain foods. The body triggers the immune system to work excessively, causing reactions such as itchy rashes on the body, swollen eyes, swollen lips, or in severe cases, shock, difficulty breathing, and even death. - Symptoms of hidden food allergy
usually do not appear immediately and have various symptoms such as- Chronic headache, migraine
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Bloating, indigestion, abdominal fullness
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Inflammatory acne on the body such as face, body, back, and limbs
“Hidden food allergy” can be tested for prevention and risk reduction
In addition to observing abnormal symptoms after eating, hidden food allergy testing is done by blood sampling to detect IgG antibodies (Immunoglobulin G). If the immune system responds to any tested food substance, it indicates that the person has a hidden food allergy to that specific food.
“Hidden food allergy testing” helps us avoid certain foods that we may be allergic to. If we are unaware, we may continue to consume those foods frequently, which can harm our body at various levels without knowing it is caused by hidden food allergy. This leads to continued consumption of those foods and ongoing negative effects on the body.
Because each person’s body… responds differently to food, we should get to know our body as much as possible for our own good health.
Lt. Col. Dr. Yongyut Mailap
Specialist in Preventive Medicine
Preventive Medicine Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
