Allergy Testing and Food Intolerance – Which test is right for me?
We all respond best to a diet rich in wholefoods and limiting any processed foods, additives and sugars. However sometimes we can experience food reactions that give rise to a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Alongside thorough history taking, questioning and assessment, there are a number of tests that can prove very useful in identifying food reactions. Sandra Tenge of Allergy Testing and Food Intolerance gives a summary of those available.
Food Intolerance Testing – IgG
Testing by finger prick blood sample or blood draw.
Identifies delayed immune system reactions. Usually occurs hours to days after exposure.
Symptoms may include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, pain, foggy thinking, fatigue, eczema, congestion, sinusitis, migraine, feeling generally unwell.
Testing of 96 foods. Can be combined with IgE testing.
True Allergy Testing – IgE
Tested by blood (RAST) test - (we don’t offer skin scratch testing in our clinic, please see your doctor for this option)
Identifies immediate immune system reactions. Usually occurs minutes to hours after exposure.
Symptoms may include swelling of the tongue or mouth, itchy rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, hay fever, anaphylaxis.
Testing of foods and inhalants such as animal dander, dust, dust mite, pollens and grasses.
FODMAP Testing – Fructose, Lactose, Sorbitol and SIBO (Small Bacterial Overgrowth) Testing
Testing by breath test.
Identifies malabsorption issues or SIBO.
Symptoms may include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, pain, wind, burping, reflux.
Coeliac Screening or Non Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity
Tested by blood test or finger prick sample.
Specifically tests for reactions to gluten in the diet.
Elimination Diets
Customized elimination diets such as dairy, gluten, FODMAPs.
Food chemical elimination diets – salicylates, amines, histamine, additive free.
Guided challenges after elimination show which food group is a problem
Symptoms may include IBS type symptoms, migraine, rashes, restless leg, ticks, mood, behavioral, learning, sleep and energy disturbances.
Other Gut Tests
Working with the gut is key to resolving food reactions. Testing that allows us to do this include;
Microbiome Testing
Parasite Testing, PCR
ALCAT – Intolerance / sensitivity to food, chemicals, additives, moulds, environmental chemicals and supplements.
Zonulin, leaky gut, intestinal permeability
Organic Acids Testing
Digestive enzyme function
Helicobacter pylori test
Secretory IgA
Nutritional Analysis
Heavy Metals
Book a consultation today to let us help you decipher which test is best suited to identify possible food reactions.
Support with your diet and what healthy wholefoods to include for optimum nutrition and a healthy gut is offered after testing with us.
