Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities

Gluten and Dairy Allergies

May 8-14 is Food Allergy Awareness Week, and Wellbeats’ nutrition classes span a range of topics that aid in the management of food allergies, food intolerances, and food sensitivities.

According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT), food allergies affect as many as 32 million Americans, including 26 million adults and 5.6 million children. A food allergy is an immune system response to a food the body mistakenly believes is harmful; a food allergy is NOT the same thing as a food intolerance or preference.

From guidelines for reading nutrition labels, stocking a healthy pantry, and eating nutrient-dense foods, Wellbeats’ nutrition classes provide support on your nutrition journey.

A man drinks a smoothie

Food Allergies, Food Intolerance, and Food Sensitivities

Understanding the difference between allergies, intolerance, and sensitivity is important. Food allergies are very different than intolerances or sensitivities!

A food allergy is an immune response to a specific food, triggering a histamine reaction with potentially severe symptoms, such as anaphylaxis or hives, with near immediate reaction time.

A food intolerance is a digestive response due to the lack of an enzyme needed to break down a certain food.

A food sensitivity is a reaction that may be associated with an increased level of IgG, which is a class of antibodies that are reactive to that food.

Gluten & Dairy Allergies Class

Already a Wellbeats member? Take our “Gluten & Dairy Allergies” class. In this class, Wellbeats instructor Katie W., a nutritionist and co-founder of Prescribe Nutrition, explains how to navigate gluten and dairy allergies, including what nutrients and food recommendations you can substitute for each.

Gluten and Dairy Allergies
Gluten and dairy are two common food allergies.

Wellbeats’ Nutrition Classes

Explore our nutrition classes now for on-demand access to recipes, cooking demonstrations, and healthy eating tips. Whether finding ways to snack healthier, managing food intolerances, or completely overhauling your diet, you can find the right content for your nutritional needs.

About Food Allergy Awareness Week

Food Allergy Awareness Week, celebrated May 8-14, is sponsored by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT), whose mission is to educate, advocate, and raise awareness for all individuals and families affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis.

About Wellbeats, a LifeSpeak company

Wellbeats, a LifeSpeak company is a leading provider of on-demand virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes for use in workplaces of all sizes, health plans, on college or university campuses, multi-family housing, the U.S. military, and fitness and health clubs. Based in St. Louis Park, MN, Wellbeats makes fitness accessible, affordable, and approachable for everyone. More than 1,000 classes and 35+ programs are available to help members stay on track and meet their goals. To learn more, visit www.wellbeats.com or check out a sampling of the company’s fitness classes during a Facebook Live class, and follow Wellbeats on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.