Food sensitivity testing may be a tricky topic for many people because it involves clinical terms. It is also because there are numerous versions on the internet of what it entails. You need to know, though, some of these conclusions lack credible evidence to back them up.
Taking a food sensitivity test is an easy and fast way to determine what could be wrong with your body on the brighter side. The exercise, however, needs to be done by the right health specialist or under proper guidance.
Before using any intolerance lab test or seeking a health practitioner’s help, do a little research to ensure it is the right move. Lucky for you, this guide will provide a good portion of all that you need to know.
Food sensitivity tests have gained popularity in recent years as individuals seek to identify potential food triggers for various symptoms. However, there is a growing need to address misconceptions surrounding these tests. While some people find food sensitivity tests helpful, it is essential to understand their limitations and the scientific consensus regarding their validity. This article aims to clarify misunderstandings and provide a balanced perspective on food sensitivity tests, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Understanding Food Sensitivities: Food sensitivities refer to adverse reactions to specific foods that may manifest as digestive issues, skin problems, migraines, or other symptoms. Unlike food allergies, which involve an immune system response, food sensitivities often involve non-immunological mechanisms and are more challenging to diagnose accurately. Symptoms of food sensitivities can be subjective and vary from person to person, making them challenging to pinpoint without comprehensive evaluation.
The Difference Between Food Sensitivity and Food Allergy
People often confuse the two terms, but they are very different, let’s break them down. Food allergies are dangerous and may require immediate medical attention. They cause body reactions such as fainting, throat swelling, rashes, or difficulty in breathing. These are a bit more serious than food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities, on the other hand, take around 30 to 45 minutes to show a reaction. For instance, you might take food and feel your tummy fills up with gas after some time. Yes, that’s food sensitivity. They show gut-related symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and nausea.
These discomforts don’t necessarily need you to get medical attention, but taking a food sensitivity test would help. The test can help you discover whatever food did not sit well with your tummy and avoid it in the future.
General Body Reaction to Food
You need to understand that just like you react when you see danger approaching, it is the same way your body reacts to dangerous foods. Your immune system does this naturally, producing antibodies to fight any foreign antibodies.
The immune system has five main molecules called immunoglobulin (Ig) that help fight foreign antibodies. These five include IgG, IgM, IgE, IgD, and IgA. Out of the five, the two most important involved with food sensitivity, IgG and IgE. IgE is involved with fighting food allergies, while IgG fights food sensitivity just a few minutes after consumption.
Myths Associated with Food Sensitivity Tests
Some people assume that IgG is a natural response to food ingestion, so the high levels of IgG are a natural reaction to ingestion. Well, that’s not true, and you will find out why. Food digestion is a long process that starts in your mouth until ejection, with each food, digested at a different destination.
Research shows that 15% of some of the proteins we consume are not digested, which means the body produces IgG to counter that. Therefore, high IgG levels in a test indicate that the immune system is fighting a foreign antibody. If you conclude that ingestion causes high IgG levels, you are implying that the body is always fighting every type of food you have, which is not the case.
Correct Way to Use IgG Test
Food sensitivity tests like IgG are more suggestive tools rather than diagnostic tools. The tests help you understand what could be happening along with the digestive system. High levels of IgG, as mentioned earlier, indicate the fight of the immune system against foreign antibodies.
With the test, you can work with a health practitioner to develop a suggestive diet to avoid such reactions in the future. Failure to handle the digestion issue leads to prolonged discomfort.
Examples of Food Sensitivity Tests
There are various such tests available that you can take either at home or hospital. They vary in cost depending on different factors.
- Check My Body Health: It tests over 970 food and non-food intolerance in your digestive system, and you can access your results between three to five days. It is also very affordable.
- EverlyWell: It is a very convenient at-home kit that guides you on carrying out the test, and you have access to a health specialist for advice. It is also very affordable.
- The CRI Genetics Test is considered the most effective food sensitivity test, with results taking six to eight days. It is done by just doing a mouth swab and is cost-effective.
- FoodMarble: It is a unique app test that tests your breath. It comes with a breath-testing device and can track your results through the app for better advice. It is very affordable.
- Vitagene: The test provides more than just food sensitivity records by giving you a detailed history of how your body responds to a different thing. You need to do a cheek swab and send it to the lab. It helps you plan your diet and health as well, but it is a bit expensive.
Types of Food Sensitivity Tests:
IgG Testing: IgG blood tests measure the levels of immunoglobulin G antibodies thought to be associated with food sensitivities. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the use of IgG testing to diagnose food sensitivities. High IgG levels do not necessarily indicate a food sensitivity, as these antibodies can be present even in healthy individuals who tolerate the tested foods well.
Elimination Diets: An elimination diet involves removing potentially problematic foods from the diet for a period and then systematically reintroducing them to identify reactions. While elimination diets can be helpful in identifying food triggers, they require careful planning and guidance from a healthcare professional to ensure proper nutrition and accurate interpretation of results.
Oral Food Challenge: This is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies, but it can also be used to evaluate food sensitivities. Under medical supervision, individuals consume gradually increasing amounts of a specific food to determine if it triggers symptoms. This method allows for immediate observation of reactions, providing more reliable results.
Limitations and Controversies:
Lack of Standardization: There is a lack of standardized testing protocols for food sensitivity tests, leading to inconsistencies in results between different testing methods and laboratories. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to compare and interpret test results accurately.
False Positives and False Negatives: Food sensitivity tests can produce false positive or false negative results. False positives may lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and potentially inadequate nutrition, while false negatives may fail to identify genuine food triggers, causing ongoing symptoms and frustration.
Personal Variability: Food sensitivities are highly individualized, and what may trigger symptoms in one person may not affect another. Food sensitivity tests often provide a list of potential triggers based on antibody levels, but this does not necessarily mean those foods are problematic for everyone.
Limited Scientific Evidence: The scientific community has raised concerns about the lack of robust clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness and accuracy of food sensitivity tests, particularly IgG testing. The consensus among medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, is that IgG testing is not recommended for diagnosing food sensitivities.
Is Canada food intolerance test legit?
It is recommended to approach such tests with caution and consider the following points:
Scientific Validity: It is essential to evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the accuracy and reliability of the specific test being offered. Look for studies published in reputable scientific journals that demonstrate the test’s effectiveness in diagnosing food intolerances.
Professional Guidance: Consult with healthcare professionals, such as allergists, immunologists, or registered dietitians, who can provide expert advice and guide you through the process of diagnosing and managing food intolerances. They can help determine which tests are appropriate and interpret the results accurately.
Recognized Testing Methods: Consider tests that are based on recognized and validated testing methods, such as elimination diets followed by controlled reintroduction or oral food challenges. These methods are generally considered more reliable and are often recommended by medical professionals.
Individualized Approach: Keep in mind that food intolerances can be highly individualized, and the presence of antibodies alone may not indicate a clinical intolerance. A comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, symptom assessment, and potentially other diagnostic tests, may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Risks and Limitations: Understand the potential risks and limitations of food intolerance tests. False positive or false negative results are possible, leading to unnecessary dietary restrictions or failure to identify genuine intolerances. Additionally, relying solely on test results without considering other factors may overlook other underlying health conditions.
Ethical Considerations: Consider the transparency and credibility of the company or provider offering the test. Research the company’s reputation, customer reviews, and any potential conflicts of interest that may impact the test results or their interpretation.
Ultimately, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances. They can help you navigate through the available options and make informed decisions regarding food intolerance testing and management.
Conclusion
When you decide to take food sensitivity tests, it is advisable to consult with the right professional for better results. For example, an immunologist is great when dealing with food allergies, and a medical doctor is the best at handling food sensitivities.
