Do certain foods make you feel sick, tired, or achy? I offer a simple blood test that shows exactly which foods are causing you trouble, and how strong that reaction is. It’s not a skin prick test — it’s a blood test that checks your antibodies. Once we know your triggers, I can help you build a plan to feel better. Contact us today to get started.
What is a food allergy?
A food allergy happens when your immune system reacts to a food. This can cause symptoms like a rash, sore joints, or feeling tired.
Not all bad reactions to food are allergies, though. There are three types:
- Food poisoning happens when food has germs or toxins in it.
- Food aversion happens when you feel sick just thinking about a food because of a bad memory with it.
- True allergies and intolerances happen when your body reacts to something in the food itself, like lactose intolerance or a wheat allergy.
Fast reactions vs. slow reactions
Some allergies show up fast. Others take time.
Fast allergies (IgE) show up within 15 minutes of eating the food. Your body makes antibodies called IgE, which cause your cells to release histamine. This is what causes cramps, diarrhea, rashes, swelling, and in bad cases, a dangerous reaction called anaphylaxis.
Slow allergies (IgG) can take hours or even days to show up. These are sometimes called “delayed” food reactions, because it’s hard to connect them to what you ate.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a serious, fast allergic reaction that can make it hard to breathe. It needs emergency medical care right away. Our test does not check for anaphylaxis. If you know a food has caused this reaction before, never eat it again to “test” it — that could be deadly.
What is an allergen?
An allergen is something that causes an allergic reaction. Foods like milk, chocolate, strawberries, and wheat are allergens for some people, but not everyone. The same goes for things like pet dander and dust.
When your body reacts to an allergen, you may notice:
- Redness from blood vessels opening up
- Heat from more blood flowing to the area
- Swelling from fluid building up in the tissue
- Pain from that buildup pressing on nerves
Why do people get allergies?
There’s no single cause. Stress, illness, genetics, poor gut health, and a weak immune system can all play a role.
How do we test for allergies?
We use a blood test that checks for three types of antibodies: IgA, IgE, and IgG. This test is very accurate. Every sample is tested twice to make sure the results are correct, and the lab is checked regularly for quality.
Do I need to change my diet before testing?
No. Eat normally and try to eat a variety of foods before your test. If you cut out too many foods beforehand, your results may not be accurate.
One important exception: never eat a food again if it has caused a serious reaction for you in the past.
Do I need to stop any medications before testing?
Steroid medications, like prednisone or steroid creams, can affect your results. It’s best to stop these for 4 weeks before testing, if your doctor agrees it’s safe to do so.
What is cross-reactivity?
Sometimes your body reacts to a new food or substance because it looks similar to something you’re already allergic to. For example, people allergic to latex often react to banana, avocado, and mango too. Latex is found in balloons, gloves, bandages, and many other everyday items.
What are withdrawal symptoms?
If you love a food that’s actually bothering you, cutting it out can feel hard at first. You might feel congested, tired, cranky, or extra hungry for a few days. This is normal and temporary — it’s not a new health problem.
What happens after testing?
Once we know your trigger foods, we’ll remove them from your diet and build you a rotation diet — a simple eating plan that adds variety back in over time.
What is a rotation diet?
A rotation diet spreads out different food groups over several days, instead of eating the same foods every day. A common plan repeats every 4 days. This helps prevent new food sensitivities from forming and keeps your diet varied and healthy.
Is there an age limit for testing?
No. This test is safe for people of all ages.
If you want real answers about what’s bothering your body, contact us today. I’d love to help.
— Dr. Faith Christensen