How to Choose the Right Food Intolerance Test?

Have you noticed some strange symptoms after eating certain foods? Well, not every food-regarding issue is food poisoning or allergies. Sometimes a person cannot digest a specific food and develop intolerances. These intolerances are common and vary among people. 

Also, it is necessary to know about these due to the symptoms and issues they can create. The most effective method is to perform food intolerance tests to know the exact cause of the problem. 

So, the blog let us know about the need and process of food intolerance tests and other important information. 

Food Intolerance Explained 

Food intolerance is when food is difficult for your digestive system to digest (break down). Food intolerance is an inability to tolerate certain foods, which affects the intestines. You can suffer unpleasant symptoms after consuming these meals, such as gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. 

People often confuse intolerance and sensitivity as one. However, food sensitivity involves Immunoglobulin G antibodies serving as a mediator, although the immune system is still involved. It may take days for immune response symptoms to appear after ingesting the food. 

This reaction results in widespread inflammation and irritation, which causes several symptoms.  

On the other hand, food intolerance does not involve the immune system. Basically, it occurs when the body cannot digest food properly. Therefore, it involves the digestive system due to a lack of certain enzymes or poor absorption of particular carbohydrates. 

What are Food Intolerance Tests?

Food intolerance tests determine whether you or your child are allergic to a food. In addition, it can also indicate whether you are allergic or just sensitive to food. Food intolerance is an immune system response that affects our organs. Serious health problems may result from it. It causes symptoms like gas, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea. 

Typical examples of food sensitivity are:

Lactose: Dairy products contain a range of sugars. It is frequently mistaken for a milk allergy. Therefore, a dairy intolerance test is to know about it. 

Gluten: It is a protein found in barley, wheat, and a few other grains.

MSG: An additive that is sometimes present in food.

How Food Intolerances Are Detected?

The first step of the food intolerance test is a physical examination by the allergist, followed by a discussion of your symptoms. Then, for the diagnosis, the examiner will select one or more of these tests.

Oral Challenge Test: For this test, you must consume little amounts of the food that is the source of your allergy. It can also be administered intravenously or as pills. After consumption, your examiner will keep a watch on any indications of an allergic reaction. The allergist would provide prompt treatment if there is a reaction.

Elimination diet: This test identifies the precise foods that are the source of the allergy. You should start by removing all questionable foods from your diet, the doctor will advise. You'll eventually add foods one by one to your diet to examine the food causing intolerance or insensitivity. However, this diet is not advisable for people with severe allergic reactions. 

Skin Prick Test: For this test, you prick the skin of your back or forearm with a tiny bit of the food product. A needle is then used to puncture the skin, allowing a tiny amount of food to enter. You are allergic to that food if a red, itchy lump appears on your skin close to that place.

Blood test: Food intolerances can also be found by blood tests. IgE antibodies are screened for in the blood. When our bodies are exposed to anything we are allergic to, IgE antibodies are created in our bodies. Your healthcare provider will take a sample of your blood during the food intolerance blood test, and they will return with the results shortly after.

To Conclude 

These tests may provide inconsistent results. However, eliminating diet is the best method to know about intolerances. But these tests are not accurate about allergies. For convenience, you can also buy food intolerance tests online that you can use easily at home.

If you are looking for food intolerance tests, you can get at-home test kits from Armstrong Health, providing easy-to-use finger prick test kits.

Location: United Kingdom

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