Do you find yourself grappling with digestive symptoms after consuming certain foods? It’s a common reaction to attribute such discomfort to a potential food intolerance, prompting the immediate consideration of a food intolerance test or, in more severe cases, a food allergy test.
However, before trying, it’s important to understand the complexities of digestive problems and explore alternative factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. If something happens like bloating, diarrhea, IBS, chronic fatigue, skin reactions, headaches, migraines, depression, anxiety and weight loss, contact trusted health centers like Feelvaleo.
With the help of this food intolerance test, you can get a simple YES or NO answer and it is a quick way to determine whether or not your symptoms could be related to foods.
In this article, you will discover some of the different tests available, whether they are reliable or not, and how food intolerances should be diagnosed.
Let’s start with what food intolerance is and what types are the most common.
What is Food Intolerance?
A food intolerance affects your digestive system and occurs when your body cannot properly digest certain foods. If you have a food intolerance, you can probably eat small amounts of food without major problems. Sometimes it gets worse, even a piece of food can cause a life-threatening reaction.
Therefore, being informed about the various types of food intolerance is essential. This knowledge not only prepares you for testing but also empowers you to identify specific triggers. It enables you to make informed choices about what to avoid for a more tailored and effective approach to managing your health.
The most common types of food intolerance are listed below so you can make an informed decision after a food intolerance test.
Lactose Intolerance
When individuals with lactose intolerance commonly experience digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas. To manage this condition, it is advisable to avoid dairy products like milk and ice cream.
Gluten Intolerance
Gluten, prevalent in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, can lead to food intolerance. Those affected may suffer from symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and headaches.
Caffeine Sensitivity
Some people may develop hypersensitivity to caffeine, resulting in symptoms like anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and insomnia. In some cases, even the minimal consumption on a regular basis can trigger these reactions.
Salicylate Intolerance
Salicylate chemicals, present naturally in various foods and used as preservatives, can cause intolerance reactions. Symptoms may include hives, stuffy nose, and diarrhea upon exposure.
Amine Intolerance
Histamine, a compound found in foods like dried fruits, citrus fruits, and cured meats, can lead to itching, hives, and stomach cramps. This type of food intolerance is common in individuals unable to effectively break down and excrete histamine.
FODMAPs Intolerance
FODMAPs, short-chain carbohydrates found in foods like apples, honey, milk, and bread, may cause digestive distress, particularly in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Sulfite Sensitivity
Sulfites, commonly used as preservatives and naturally present in specific foods like dried fruits, wine, and baked goods, can trigger symptoms such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, and low blood pressure in individuals hypersensitive to them.
Fructose Malabsorption
Despite being a simple sugar, some individuals may struggle to absorb fructose found in honey, soda, apples, and similar foods. Symptoms of malabsorption include bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and the causes mentioned above appear, it is always better to go for a blood test and especially a food tolerance test.
Now, let’s look into the types of at-home food intolerance tests.
Types of Food Intolerance Testing
Identifying food intolerances can be challenging, but various methods beyond the commonly known blood tests exist. There are three other types of food intolerance testing, which are; Elimination Diet & Challenge Test, Cell-Based Tests, and Antibody-Based Tests.
All of them are easily available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and even Saudi Arabia (KSA) if you are not aware of how they work – keep reading this blog!
- The elimination diet and challenge test involve systematically reintroducing eliminated foods to pinpoint intolerances. Some practitioners also use food intolerance tests to aid this process. However, never conduct this test alone – ask for help from your healthcare providers, like Feelvaleo.com.
- Cell-based tests like the Mediator Release Test (MRT) and Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test (ALCAT) assess changes in white blood cells when exposed to food antigens. While promising, these tests require further validation – don’t forget to consult with your GP. .
- Antibody-based tests, evaluating IgG antibody levels against foods, are considered effective. They can identify intolerances linked to conditions like IBS and migraines. Improved accuracy is achieved through side-by-side duplicate testing in reputable labs.
The aforementioned tests offer results with a remarkable accuracy of 99.9%, proving crucial for prompt and targeted treatment. They play a pivotal role in preventing individuals from progressing into severe conditions associated with food sensitivity or intolerance.
How Accurate Are Food Intolerance Tests?
Curious about the accuracy of food intolerance tests? So, the accuracy can vary based on the test type, location, and the expertise of healthcare professionals involved. Although, the factors such as individual changes over time and potential influences on test results should be considered.
For the most precise identification of food intolerances, an elimination diet followed by systematic reintroduction of eliminated foods, under the guidance of a doctor, remains the most reliable approach.
That’s why it’s essential to engage in detailed discussions with your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
Conclusion
Food Intolerance Test is a big yes, if you are facing any reaction after taking food. However, they are available at the most recommended healthcare service provider ‘Feelvaleo’ – as they are providing reasonable rates for blood tests, food intolerance tests, or even IV therapies or supplements.