Digestive discomfort, low energy, brain fog, headaches, asthma, & skin conditions may be signs that you are experiencing an inflammatory reaction to the foods you're eating, making you a good candidate for food intolerance testing.

IgG food intOlerance testing

Food Allergy Testing
In a food intolerance (or sensitivity) reaction, the immune system reacts to a particular food by releasing immunoglobulins known as antibodies, much like it would to a virus or bacteria. Foods that have developed this response with our immune systems are known as "antigens", or allergens. Two types of antibodies commonly produced in response to foods are IgE (an immediate anaphylactic reaction, such as your classic peanut-style allergy), and IgG (delayed response allergy), which cause less recognizable food sensitivities. Both types of antibodies can be tested, each with indications for different concerns. Know more
​Common symptoms of a food intolerance reactions include:
  • Systemic: Fever, fatigue, chills, sweating and feeling weak. 
  • Skin: Acne, itching, redness, swelling, and rashes (including eczema). 
  • Brain: Mood and memory disturbances and behavioural problems.
  • Lungs: Bronchitis and asthma symptoms. 
  • Musculoskeletal: Joint pain, muscle stiffness and swelling. 
  • Digestive tract: Nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort
These symptoms may occur hours to days after a food is consumed.
​
Research linked conditions to food allergies:How do food allergies happen?
Intestinal permeability, commonly nicknamed 'Leaky gut syndrome' is a result of inflammation in the gut lining allowing improper passage of food from our digestive system into our bloodstream. Inflammation can be caused by preservatives, stress of all types, certain drugs (like NSAIDs), and alcohol. An inflamed gut lining may result in food particles passing between the enterocytes of our gut wall, and ending up in our bloodstream. The improper presentation of food particles in the bloodstream causes the body to produce immunoglobulins to that food, as our system thinks the food particles are invaders.

Taking the Test
The food intolerance test requires a simple blood collection, and results are reported in roughly 2 weeks from the time of sample collection. Requisitions are provided in office, and sample collection is done at any LifeLabs location.

A sample graph of the IgG results appears below. The graph clearly shows reactions to each food: the longer the bar, the greater the reaction. Bars that appear in the red shaded areas are foods that are considered highly reactive. Thus, it is easy to see at a glance which foods are problematic for you. Knowing what your reactive foods may be an important variable in determining the underlying cause to a number of health concerns.
Food Intolerance testing may not be helpful for everyone. Its important to first speak with your Naturopath about the pros and cons of food intolerance testing in order to find out if this test is right for you. 
Information and photos collected and adapted from Rocky Mountain Analytical. Courtney Holmberg, ND does not endorse or professional affiliation with this lab company. The information provided is for general education, and is not intended to assist in diagnosing or treating a medical condition.

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