FOOD ALLERGY
A true food allergy produces IgE antibodies in response to a food, drink or other substance the body mistakenly thinks is attacking it. The issue can be restricted to one area (your digestive system, skin and so on) or the whole body, where the immune system triggers widespread inflammation and swelling – anaphylaxis – which can be deadly. The reaction is often immediate.
If you think you have a food allergy, you can often get tested free of charge via your GP.
If you have a food allergy, you will need to avoid the food forever.
FOOD INTOLERANCE
When you have a food intolerance, it can be very difficult to spot the problem food because the reaction can happen quite some time after eating – hours or, in some cases, days after eating something your body doesn’t like. This makes it really hard to spot connections.
These food sensitivities cause the body to produce IgG antibodies, and raised levels to specific foods can cause low level inflammation through the body and a huge variety of symptoms. Signs of food intolerance vary greatly from one person to the nest but some of them are listed below.
Asthma
Arthritis
Blocked nose
Ear Infections
Eczema
Sinusitis
Urticaria
Colitis
Weight that won't shift
Bloating
Migraines
Headaches
Coughs (frequent)
Runny nose
Itchy or overly waxy ears
Stomach ache
Irritable Bowel
Hives
Fatigue
Now, I’m betting you identify with one or two of those in the list or, if you’re unlucky, even more. True? Do you want to do something about it?
HOW TO TEST?
This kind of test is a fingerprint blood test. You send the test back to the lab and get the results within a week or so.
WHAT DO TESTS COST?
Various tests at different price points are avaiable (just depends on whether you want to do a test that sees how you stack up against anywhere between 60 and 200+ foods). My advice woudl be to get the most comprehensive you can afford.
If you have any questions about food intolerance testing and whether it's right for you, get in touch.