Is It an Allergy, Sensitivity, or Something Else?
This special series explores why more seniors are struggling with digestive issues — even if they haven’t changed their diet. We’ll walk through what’s changed in our food, how aging bodies react, how to tell what your gut is really saying, and what to do about it.
From ultra-processed foods to hidden sensitivities, this guide is designed to help you understand what’s really going on in your belly — and how to take control of your health, one bite at a time.
Introduction: When "Healthy" Hurts
At 69, Harold was trying to clean up his diet: oatmeal for breakfast, a turkey sandwich for lunch, and a big salad for dinner. But somehow, he felt worse than ever — gassy, fatigued, foggy-headed. "I was doing everything right," he said, "but I felt like I'd been hit by a bus."
What Harold didn’t know was that his so-called “healthy” diet was filled with ingredients that didn’t agree with him. The sliced turkey had preservatives. His oatmeal was instant and flavored. And his salad dressing came from a bottle with 18 ingredients — most of them unpronounceable.
Harold wasn’t allergic to any of those foods — at least, not in the way his doctor tested. But he was reacting to several ingredients his body could no longer tolerate.
What’s the Difference Between Allergy, Sensitivity, and Intolerance?
- Food allergies involve an immune system response. Symptoms are usually immediate and can be severe: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing. These show up on IgE blood tests or skin-prick allergy tests.
- Food sensitivities are delayed reactions that cause inflammation or symptoms hours or even days later. These are harder to detect and usually show up on IgG or MRT tests.
- Intolerances are digestive issues — like lactose intolerance (lack of the enzyme to digest milk sugars). They don’t involve the immune system but still cause discomfort.
