What causes shellfish intolerance?
Shellfish intolerance occurs when the body lacks the enzymes necessary to digest shellfish proteins, leading to inflammation and digestive problems, whereas a shellfish allergy triggers an immune response with more severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms. While intolerance requires consumption, allergies can be triggered by touch or cooking. Additionally, a negative reaction to shellfish could also be due to food poisoning rather than intolerance. Keeping a food diary is recommended to identify problem foods.
Signs of Shellfish Intolerance
Shellfish sensitivity can cause digestive symptoms like stomach ache, bloating, nausea, vomit, and diarrhea within 72 hours of consumption.
Shellfish Sensitivity Test
Where to find shellfish
Avoiding shellfish is important, but reading food labels can help avoid accidentally consuming seafood. Allergies can also be managed by familiarizing oneself with types of seafood like white fish, oily fish, molluscs, and crustaceans.
Changing foods when you are allergic to shellfish
The USDA advises consuming 8 ounces of seafood per week for a balanced diet, as it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. If seafood is not an option, try incorporating alternative foods like leafy greens, avocado, nuts, oils, eggs, butters, tofu, and coconut oil.
