Food and environmental intolerances and sensitivities have become pervasive over the past decade. So many people suffer from intolerance and sensitivities but only realize it after years of symptoms and finally being seen by an allergist. Before discussing intolerance testing, it is incredibly important to understand what an intolerance is and that it is VERY different from an allergy. Most people use “intolerances” and “allergies” synonymously and think they are the same thing. It is extremely important to distinguish the difference between an allergy and intolerance and understand how they are different and should not be used interchangeably.
What is an allergy?
Allergies happen when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as foods, environmental items, insect venoms, etc., that do not usually cause a reaction in most people. The immune system produces antibodies, which flag the “foreign” substance or food as “harmful” even when it is not. This causes an immune system reaction that can cause digestive, skin, sinus, respiratory, or digestive symptoms. The severity can range from mild to a life-threatening anaphylaxis emergency. Therefore, allergies and intolerances are clinically different and should not be used as synonyms. As I tell my patients, an allergy is cut and dry. If you’re allergic, your immune system is heavily involved; they can be life-threatening, and you avoid it.
What is an intolerance/sensitivity?
Food intolerances/sensitivities, on the other hand, often have “a grey area” that is not as easily understood. Unlike an allergy, food intolerances aren’t life-threatening – but they can cause some unpleasant symptoms that are sometimes unexplainable. Food intolerances are not immunologic allergies and do not carry the same risk as an immune system reaction from allergies. A simple way to explain the difference is that food intolerances/sensitivities generally involve the digestive system (although sometimes other body systems and symptoms occur), the amount of food ingested is directly related to the severity of symptoms, and the food causes similar symptoms with each exposure. A food sensitivity occurs when your body cannot digest certain compounds, such as the proteins found in milk, eggs, wheat, or soy etc. After you consume a food that contains these compounds, you may later experience uncomfortable symptoms. The tricky part is that these symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours. Very often, food intolerances present themselves because the gut needs support. They can occur due to imbalances in gastrointestinal pH, gut microbiome, and intestinal integrity.
Food intolerances are a subset of all adverse food reactions and are reported by 15 to 20 percent of the population in the United States as well. Food intolerances/sensitivities are even more common among patients with irritable bowel syndrome and other functional gastrointestinal disorders, with 50 to 80 percent reporting consistent problems with certain foods. The most common symptoms of food intolerances include digestive problems (bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, discomfort etc.)
Once an allergy is ruled out when someone is having symptoms, getting intolerance testing done is recommended.
Top 5 reasons to get Intolerance testing
- Intolerance testing can help identify specific food triggers that are causing reactivity, especially when allergy tests are negative.
- Most food intolerances are due to imbalances in the gut. Food intolerances can help address things like leaky gut, microbiome, digestive enzymes, and pH.
- Many people have intolerances that do not cause them distressing symptoms but can cause inflammation, headaches and other vague but annoying symptoms.
- Food intolerances can impact proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Intolerance testing can help you adjust your diet and nutrition, which will help optimize your health.
Look no further! we offer state-of-the-art, easy, and inexpensive food intolerance tests! This panel screens for 63 of the most common food intolerances. Using ELISA testing for raised IgG4 antibodies, this blood spot test offers accurate lab results to enable you to adjust your diet to reduce or avoid triggers.
Results are delivered to you via one easy-to-understand report. The personal food intolerance report includes the following key elements:
– Explanations of the testing process.
– IgG4 reactions to items screened.
– Elimination diet recommendations.
The expert team of intolerance technicians and lab managers have over 20 years of combined experience in allergy & intolerance testing and work from their category 2, ISO9001 accredited allergy and intolerance testing laboratory. Get tested today!
Take charge of your health and wellness and stop guessing which foods are causing unpleasant symptoms. This will not only help you feel better, but will also help improve your gut health, which is the cornerstone of everything!
