Struggling to Pinpoint What’s Triggering My Reactions

[eric]

I have caught random pushes, sometimes he tired and aquatic eyes, other times, these are abdominal pain or itching skin. I tried to keep the food newspaper, cut a few products the lates, but not only a clear answer. Some days, I feel good, from the other days, hits by swimming.
Did someone find a reliable way of finding, either is a allergy or intolerance?

 

[sara]

It really sounds like your symptoms are coming from different angles, which makes it tricky to figure out whether it’s an allergy (immune reaction) or an intolerance (digestive or metabolic issue). Allergies tend to show up quickly after exposure — things like itchy skin, watery eyes, or swelling are classic immune-related responses. Intolerances, on the other hand, can cause delayed or mixed symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, or fatigue because your body just can’t process certain substances well.

Since your food journal hasn’t given a clear answer yet, you might try these steps to narrow it down:

Track timing as well as food. Write down how long after eating symptoms appear. Allergies are usually minutes to a couple hours, while intolerances can take longer.

Test one item at a time. Instead of removing several foods at once, take out just one for a week, then reintroduce it and note changes.

Look beyond food. Sometimes medications, supplements, or even environmental triggers (like pollen or fragrances) combine with food to set things off.

Consider professional testing. Skin prick tests, blood tests, or supervised food challenges can sometimes confirm an allergy. Breath tests can help with lactose or fructose intolerances.

 

[khanyi]

That’s tough allergies usually react fast (hives, swelling), while intolerances can hit hours later, making them harder to track. Testing or a guided elimination diet can help tell which it is.
Have you noticed any non-food triggers like stress or routine changes making it worse?

 

[Buhle]

Sounds like the only sure way is testing, because allergies and intolerances mimic each other. Skin prick or blood tests can show if it’s immune reaction, food diary helps but not always clear. Elimination diets done step by step sometimes show trigger. Doctors sometimes suggest cutting one thing at a time for weeks. keeping note of timing with symptoms makes it easier to spot patterns.