Glossary

Food Intolerance

Updated February 28, 2026

Food intolerance is a dose-dependent digestive response, while allergy includes immune signaling. Keep the distinction clear for safe action.

Distinctions and mechanism

ConditionMechanismPractical signal
Intolerancedigestive handling limitationdose-related GI symptoms
Allergyimmune activationrapid systemic signs

Elimination then reintroduction

Use controlled blocks to identify thresholds.

StepAction
1remove suspected food classes for 10 to 14 days
2reintroduce one item with measured dose
3monitor timing, severity, and context

Escalation criteria

TriggerWhat to do
Persistent symptoms after protocolseek clinician-guided testing
Severe systemic or breath-shortness signsurgent care pathway
Repeated severe GI spikes with multiple foodsevaluate broader protocol with dietitian

Use lactose intolerance and food allergy tracking for cleaner separation.

Related

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance is a digestion limit, and tolerance is often tied to total dose and timing.

Gluten Sensitivity

Many users report symptoms after gluten exposure, but the underlying cause is often not one pattern

Food Allergy Tracking

Food Allergy Tracking logs exposure and reaction timing, then separates probable allergy patterns from noise.

Guides

Setup

Help