Are my symptoms really caused by food allergy?

Living with a food allergy is difficult, requires serious attention, and can be costly. Following a strict diet and avoiding allergens is essential, as this can protect you and your children from unpleasant or even life-threatening consequences. It is therefore crucial that allergies are appropriately diagnosed and that only those foods that need to be avoided are really avoided. It is often the case that abdominal complaints are caused by dietary errors rather than allergies or intolerances. Unfortunately, simple laboratory tests are unsuitable for making an accurate diagnosis, so it is essential to consult a specialist. A food diary, kept with the help of a dietitian, can provide vital information to aid diagnosis. After a few weeks, it will be easier to see objectively what foods/drinks have been consumed and whether the symptoms can be linked to them.

Can a strict diet lead to deficiencies?

Particularly restrictive diets, i.e., those that involve avoiding an entire food group, can lead to deficiencies and changes in body weight (significant weight loss or gain). This is especially true if several foods have to be eliminated at the same time.

For example, all dairy products and foods containing milk or milk derivatives must be avoided in the case of milk protein allergy. However, dairy products are an excellent source of protein and calcium, among other things. Care must therefore be taken to ensure that these nutrients are consumed in sufficient quantities by including other food groups in the diet. We emphasize dietary counseling to help coordinate and implement this in everyday life. It is particularly tricky when dealing with multiple allergies and having to watch out for other protein-containing foods (e.g., meat, eggs) or calcium-containing foods (e.g., soy, oilseeds).

What other risks are associated with dieting?

Especially in childhood, dieting can damage our relationship with food and lead to psychological barriers and severe anxiety. As a result, picky eating is unfortunately more common among children with food allergies. This can deprive children of additional sources of nutrients and make it even more difficult for the family to plan meals.

It is also essential to talk about the social risks. An allergen-free diet is not only expensive, but can also lead to feelings of exclusion. Allergic children must be given different food at nursery and school, may not be invited to parties, or may not be catered for at celebrations. For adults, it is difficult to order in a restaurant when in company, and constant adaptation or compromise is necessary. It is therefore essential to be prepared for these situations.

What does it mean to avoid only those substances all the time that trigger allergies or intolerances?

It makes a difference, for example, whether we are talking about milk protein allergy or milk sugar sensitivity. While milk protein allergy requires strict avoidance of dairy products, people sensitive to milk sugar can consume so-called lactose-free dairy products. The beneficial properties of these products remain unchanged: they are sources of protein and calcium and contain probiotics, which means that patients can continue to enjoy them. However, they omit the milk sugar that causes the symptoms, as this is broken down during food production.

How can a dietitian help with food allergies?

We cover all these aspects during the consultation. If necessary, we start with a food symptom diary and refer the patient to a specialist. Once a diagnosis has been made, we focus on avoiding the allergen and developing a healthy, balanced diet. This involves several tips and tricks. The goal is to help the patient develop a safer and more livable everyday routine. Nutritional supplements are often necessary; the dietitian can also help select these.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by phone or email:

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