Do you have a Food Sensitivity?

Isn’t it time you take the guesswork out of what you should and shouldn’t be eating? Food allergy and sensitivity testing can help you eliminate the foods that could be harming your body. Even healthy foods can be contributing to unhealthy reactions within the body.  People often confuse food allergies and food sensitivities. Food allergies are often severe and can be life threatening. A true IgE food allergy creates an immediate immune reaction. Food sensitivities are usually less severe, however, they still create numerous health problems.  A food sensitivity is often defined as a delayed IgG reaction. Some people report having symptoms up to 72 hours after they eat a specific food. Since reactions can be delayed for several days it makes it hard to differentiate which foods are aggravating you.

Common Food Sensitivity Symptoms

• Weight gain or Loss that is unexplainable

• Constipation or Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Headaches or Migraines

• Fatigue

• Brain Fog

• Poor Concentration

• Joint Pain

• Skin Rashes

• Eczema

• Acne

• Heartburn

• Chronic Pain

• Autoimmune Disease Flares

Testing Options

Food Sensitivity

We are highly selective on which food allergy and sensitivity test we offer to you.  For the most part food sensitivity testing is not covered by your health insurance. You may be special and have an awesome health insurance, unfortunately it isn’t the norm.  We have various testing kits for our patients.

Alletess Is the most affordable testing option.  Alletess offers 96 IgG and 184 IgG food sensitivities.  It is a finger prick test that the patient is able to do at home.   

Cyrex Laboratory is highly regarded for their immune screens.  They offer a Wheat/Gluten Array and Gluten Cross Reactivity Array.  Cyrex offers Food Immune Reactivity Screens. If you have an autoimmune disease or want to determine your reactions to gluten, then this is the lab for you.  Cyrex Testing can be expensive and requires testing gluten first, then gluten cross reactivity, and finally food reactions. They have 90 or 180 different foods/spices/food additives to test.  

Dunwoody Labs has set themselves apart from other labs by offering Complete Dietary Antigen testing.  They take 88 Foods and compare IgE, IgG, IgG4, C3d for all foods. This gives more comprehensive information for your immune health.  

Food Allergy

We blood test for the most common food allergies with True Health Diagnostics. Dunwoody does test for IgE responses to 88 foods as well.  Again, this will test only for immediate IgE reactions. It may be necessary for us to refer you to an allergist for further testing. If you have an IgE food allergy then it is necessary to always carry Benadryl and an Epipen.  

Common Food Allergies

• Egg

• Milk

• Wheat

• Sesame

• Peanut

• Soybean

• Hazelnut

• Almond

• Shrimp

• Tuna

• Salmon

• Cashew

• Walnut

• Scallops  

What to Do When You Have A Food Sensitivity or Food Allergy?

Food Sensitivity Testing confirms that gastrointestinal work is needed.  Food Sensitivity Testing may not be 100% accurate when you have leaky gut. It is important to eliminate the bothersome foods while you are working on your GI health.  Enzyme Science Intolerance Complex can help you while you are figuring out which foods to eliminate. Taking one capsule with meals may help if there is a possibility of cross contamination.  Caution- this is not to be taken if there is a known diagnosis of an immediate allergy or celiacs disease. If needed there are more specialized testing for leaky gut, LPS, and Gluten Cross Reactivity. Often times you are able to add food sensitivities back into the diet if you were diligent with the treatment plan.  

True food allergies must be avoided from your diet.  Children can sometimes outgrow their allergies. It is important to be careful in not cross contaminating your food.  Always carry an epipen and antihistamine medications. Always work with your doctor.

If you are in the greater Spokane area and want to know if foods are bothering you, then schedule your appointment now.  Dr. Julie George enjoys helping patients restore their gut health. This is for your information and is not a substitute for medical advise from your doctor. If you have questions or comments concerning your own health please schedule an appointment with our office or with your physician.