Could I Be Intolerant to Onions?

Onion is a staple food that can be found in almost 80% of British dinners, usually used as the start of meal preparations to add both flavour and texture. What's more, onion powder is a key indigent in various ready meals and foods, used to intensify the flavour. Due to this, many of us consume a lot more onion than we may think, which can be problematic for some. In fact, onion intolerances are more common than you may think and can present themselves in many different ways, making them hard to diagnose.

What is an Onion Intolerance?

An intolerance to onions involves the immune system responding negatively when onion products are consumers. People who have an allergy or intolerance to onions may also experience responses when consuming other foods within the allium family. These include garlic, chives, scallions and shallots.

While still rare, onion intolerance can be found in various age groups and is not specific to any demographic. The primary substances in onions that trigger allergies are All c 3, a type of lipid transfer protein, All c 4, known as profilin, and All c Alliin lyase.

How Do I Know If I Have an Onion Intolerance?

If you have an allium intolerance, your body will react. This can materialise in various ways, with symptoms presenting differently from one sufferer to the next. Common reactions include, but are not exclusive to, the following:

• Stomach pain
• Stomach cramps
• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling of the lips
• Swelling of the throat
• Itchy mouth and/or lips
• Nasal congestion
• Hives
• Itchiness
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Flatulence

What is the Difference Between an Allium Intolerance and an Allium Allergy?

The main difference between an allium intolerance and an allium allergy is that an allergy is far more severe. As well as the aliment mentioned above, those with an allergy could also cause breathing difficulties and even anaphylaxis.

What to Do if you Suspect you Have an Intolerance

If you are experiencing issues you believe to be related to your diet, we received taking a home food intolerance test is a great way to take matters into your own hands. Here at Supply Life, we offer a range of tests to suit all, with our fast turnaround intolerance tests having helped thousands of people live happy, healthier lives. Order yours today!