Food Allergy Assessment

Food Allergy Assessment

In a negative reaction to a particular food, the immune system releases cells called antibodies.  In food allergies, a type of antiboby called IgE (immunoglobulin E) is released generally within minutes of eating the food, and can cause symptoms ranging from skin eruptions (such as hives or eczema), to breathing and digestive problems. In rare cases, food allergies can be life threatening, such as in the case of peanut allergies, which can cause difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.

In food sensitivities, the body releases the antibody IgG (immunoglobulin G) hours or even days after eating the food. This causes an inflammatory response in the body leading to possible digestive disorders, migraines, mood/attention deficit disorders, and weight gain. IgG reactions often occur with common foods such as dairy, wheat, eggs, yeast, pork and soy. Undiagnosed food sensitivities may lead to chronic illness over time.

Because hours or days can pass between when a reactive food is eaten and the onset of symptoms, testing is virtually the only way to determine which foods are causing the reaction.

After testing, you will receive an easy-to-follow, colour-coded report highlighting which foods are considered normal (non-reactive), borderline, and reactive. We will then work with you to formulate a plan to eliminate the problem foods from your diet. While most people see improvement within a few weeks of eliminating the reactive food(s), results vary from one person to another.

Testing for gluten sensitivity and celiac disease

As well, NEX Wellness often recommends a separate assessment for gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, both for children as well as adults.  Symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly. In children, they can include diarrhea, a stretched out abdomen, and symptoms of malnutrition such as short stature, anemia, dental defects, failure to thrive and delayed development. In adults, gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea are common, as well as weight loss or weight gain, bone pain, and skin conditions. Gluten sensitivity may also produce the same symptoms as celiac disease, and if left unchecked can lead to similar long-term complications.

This type of testing is important because standard tests for celiac disease may not look at antibodies for gliadin, the protein found in wheat gluten. Our comprehensive celiac profile testing looks for gliadin IgA and IgG antibodies, as well as anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA, present in celiac disease.

Food Allergy Testing Binbrook