Food Sensitivity Testing
Food sensitivity testing has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people become aware of the potential impact that food can have on their health.
While food allergies are well-known, food sensitivities are a different type of reaction that can be more difficult to identify as a person can have a delayed reaction or a cumulative reaction to the offending food.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what food sensitivity testing involves and whether it’s worth considering.
What is food sensitivity testing?
Food sensitivity testing is a type of test that aims to identify foods that may be causing a negative reaction in your body. These differ from food allergies, which are an immediate and severe immune response to a particular food. Symptoms of food sensitivities can include headaches, bloating, fatigue, skin rashes, and digestive issues.
There are several types of food sensitivity testing available, including blood tests, elimination diets, and biofeedback systems.
Blood tests measure the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in your blood, which are produced in response to specific foods.
Elimination diets involve cutting out certain foods from your diet for a period of time and then reintroducing them to see if any symptoms occur.
Biofeedback units are non-invasive (needless) measures of the electrical resistance in the skin.
Is food sensitivity testing worth it?
While food sensitivity testing may seem like a good way to identify foods that are causing negative reactions in your body, it’s important to note that food sensitivity tests can produce false positives. In addition, elimination diets can be difficult to follow and may not provide clear results.
That being said, some people may still find food sensitivity testing very helpful in identifying foods that trigger symptoms for them.
It’s important to approach these tests with caution and to work with a qualified healthcare provider to interpret the results and develop a plan for managing food sensitivities.
It’s also worth noting that food sensitivities are not the same as food allergies and should not be confused. If you are experiencing severe symptoms after eating a particular food, such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
Food sensitivity testing can be a useful tool for some people in identifying foods that may be causing negative reactions in their body. However, it’s important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to interpret the results and develop a plan for managing food sensitivities.
With supervised guidance, food testing can offer incredibly positive results to your overall health, improve your microbiome, and offer you insight to what’s happening on the inside of your body.
Get in touch with Arbour Wellness Centre, we are naturopaths in Nanaimo BC, and we offer food sensitivity testing and other services that support your health and wellbeing!
