How Can a Food Sensitivity Test Help You?
The life-threatening risk that can be associated with allergies makes finding an effective food allergy treatment all the more important. But what about food sensitivity that brings discomfort without the severe risk? While the issue is not life-threatening, many Atlanta residents do suffer from food sensitivity that causes headaches, bloating and diarrhea. Discovering the cause of the problem is the first stage in getting people on the road towards full health.
What Is Food Sensitivity?
Food sensitivity can be hard to define, as the term is sometimes used interchangeably with “food allergies” or “food intolerance.” A food allergy is a serious immune system condition involving immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. In contrast, food intolerance does not involve the immune system, but means difficulty digesting certain foods.
As mentioned above, food sensitivity is regarded as a condition that involves the immune system. And, symptoms usually take longer to appear – making it more difficult to diagnose. However, the dangers of severe illness from the condition are minimal.
What Type of Food Sensitivity Tests Are Available?
Understanding the precise food causing health issues enables individuals to follow an avoidance diet or food desensitization process. Here are some tests used in a diagnosis.
Blood Test
Blood tests are used to monitor antibodies, with the presence of an excessive number of IgE antibodies potentially indicating sensitivity to specific foods. Blood tests can check a wide variety of foods, aiding an allergist with diagnosing a condition.
Mediator Release Test
A mediator release test is an alternative type of blood test. A blood sample is taken and exposed to a food antigen to see if white blood cells shrink. The test aims to monitor whether exposure to an antigen leads to a reaction. If chemicals are released during the exposure, it suggests an individual would experience symptoms of food sensitivity.
Hydrogen Breath Test
A hydrogen breath test monitors for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intolerance to sugars. The test requires a patient to fast overnight before consuming a sugar solution the next morning. The test then measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath, indicating your ability to break down various sugars and carbohydrates.
Elimination Diet
A food elimination diet takes place over approximately 3–6 weeks. Foods suspected of causing health issues are eliminated from your diet. You then reintroduce each food individually, monitoring for symptoms of sensitivity.
Best Options for Food Sensitivity and Allergies
Due to the delayed reaction caused by food sensitivity, it may not be obvious where the problem lies. Therefore, in order to assess the best testing option for you or your child, make an appointment with an allergist. After a discussion about your symptoms, you may need to undergo food allergy testing and an additional sensitivity test to discover the precise issue. Your allergist will be able to determine the appropriate test for your symptoms.
Specialist Treatment for Food Allergies and Food Sensitivity
If you have concerns about food allergies, sensitivity or intolerance, it’s important to get treatment. Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center will find the cause of your food-based ailment and then develop an effective treatment plan. Call 678-668-4688 for an appointment in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek, or request an appointment online.
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