Understanding Food Sensitivity and Food Intolerance
Food intolerances and sensitivities occur when your body reacts negatively to certain foods, causing distressing symptoms and long-term health issues. Unlike food allergies, which cause immediate immune responses through IgE antibodies, food intolerances often involve IgG antibodies, resulting in delayed reactions that can appear hours or even days later. This delay can make identifying problematic foods challenging without proper testing.
Common Symptoms of Food Intolerance
Food intolerance can trigger a range of symptoms that impact your daily life. These may include: Digestive Issues
Bloating
Constipation or diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Excessive wind
Nausea
Respiratory Problems
Sinus congestion
Rhinitis
Asthma
Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Joint pain
Muscle aches
Weakness
Neurological and Mental Symptoms
Migraines or headaches
Fatigue
Brain fog
Mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
Hyperactivity
Skin Conditions
Eczema
Rashes
Itchy skin
Why is Food Intolerance Testing Important?
Identifying and eliminating trigger foods can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms. Research, such as the study conducted at the University Hospital of South Manchester (Atkinson et al, 2004), has shown that testing for raised IgG antibodies is effective in reducing symptoms, particularly in conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
What is the Difference Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance?
Food Allergy: Caused by IgE antibodies, food allergies trigger immediate and often severe reactions like hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
Food Intolerance: Linked to IgG antibodies, food intolerance causes delayed symptoms such as bloating, headaches, fatigue, or joint pain, which can appear up to 72 hours after consuming the offending food.
While food allergies are rare (affecting less than 2% of the population), up to 45% of people may experience some form of food intolerance.
How Does Food Intolerance Testing Work?
Our food intolerance tests detect IgG antibodies to identify which foods your body may be sensitive to. We offer two levels of testing:
59-Food Intolerance Test
Performed in-clinic with a simple pinprick blood sample.
Results available within 40 minutes.
Cost: £95
200+ Gold Food Intolerance Test
Comprehensive test analyzing over 200 foods.
Blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Results provided within 7-10 days.
Cost: £299
Once your results are available, our nurses will discuss which foods are causing reactions and the severity of your sensitivity.
The Science Behind Food Intolerance
Your immune system produces antibodies to fight substances it perceives as harmful. In food intolerance, IgG antibodies form complexes with food proteins, which can accumulate in the body (joints, digestive tract, etc.) and trigger inflammation. Over time, this may lead to persistent symptoms and chronic conditions. Causes of Food Intolerance may include:
Poor digestion
Dysbiosis (gut imbalance)
Enzyme deficiencies
Candida overgrowth
Stress, medications, and diet
What Happens After Your Food Intolerance Test & Why Choose a Food Intolerance Test?
Eliminate Identified Foods: Any foods showing elevated antibody levels should be completely removed from your diet for at least 3 months.
Monitor Symptoms: Track any improvements in your symptoms during this elimination phase.
Reintroduce Foods Gradually: Once symptoms subside, foods can be reintroduced one by one to assess tolerance.
Why choose an intolerance test?
Quick Results: Receive your results in as little as 40 minutes for the 59-food test.
Comprehensive Testing: Choose our Gold Food Test for an in-depth analysis of 200+ foods.
Expert Guidance: Our trained nurses will help you interpret results and develop an elimination plan tailored to your needs.
Take Control of Your HealthIf you’re struggling with unexplained symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or migraines, food intolerance testing can help uncover the root cause. By identifying and eliminating problem foods, you can take a significant step toward improved health and well-being. Book your Food Intolerance Test today and start your journey to feeling better!
