If you think certain foods cause you distress, then you may have a food sensitivity. Signs of a food sensitivity include bloating, gas, diarrhea, fatigue, skin rashes, runny nose, headache as well as other adverse symptoms. Even the most observant people may still not be able to pinpoint the exact foods that are causing them issues. That is why you should consider trying food sensitivity testing to gather information.
There are several types of food sensitivity testing, ranging from old-school, simple methods to more complex analyses of hundreds of foods. Regardless of which food testing method you choose, it is important that you do so under the discretion of your doctor and Registered Dietitian. These medical professionals know how to analyze the data, recognize patterns, manage your symptoms, and can create a personalized nutrition plan.
Types of Food Sensitivity Testing
For those interested in finding out if their chronic symptoms are due to a food intolerance or food allergy, here are several types of methods to consider:
- Consultation with a Registered Dietitian
- Keeping a food diary and recognizing patterns (leading to trial and error in identifying problematic foods)
- Elimination diet with reintroduction of certain foods
- Food intolerance test (blood test)
- Food allergy test (skin prick)
- Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test (ALCAT)
- Mediator Release Test (MRT)
- Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT)
- Gastric Juice Analysis Test
As you can see, there are many types of food sensitivity tests out there! Currently, there is limited research that supports the accuracy of many of these tests, however, you can still gather valuable information from some of these tests. If you choose to try one of the tests, rather than accepting the data as is, take the data with a grain of salt. Use your test results to springboard making changes to your dietary habits.
What to Look for in a Food Sensitivity Test
Even though you can’t fully rely on food sensitivity tests being 100% accurate, you and your healthcare team can gain lots of information from these tests. Here is what you can expect from a good quality food test:
- List of foods to which you have a reaction
- Foods that are categorized based on various levels of sensitivity (i.e. mild, moderate, and severe sensitivity)
- Suggestions on how to change your diet based on your results
- Contact information to a food allergy and/or food sensitivity specialist
- Contact information to a Registered Dietitian
The Immufood Food Sensitivity Test
Now that you know what a good sensitivity test should include, consider the Immufood food intolerance packages. With various packages to fit any budget, you can get a good food intolerance analysis to help you pinpoint which foods are the most problematic.
With these results, talk to a doctor or Registered Dietitian so that they can formulate a practical and personalized nutrition plan. Despite what you may think, you can live a life free from gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, skin problem and respiratory ailments! A better life is possible!
