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Food Sensitivity Testing

Food sensitivity testing is used to identify foods that may be causing delayed immune responses or inflammation in the body. 

Unlike food allergies, which involve a rapid, IgE-mediated immune response (such as hives or anaphylaxis), making them more easily identified, food sensitivities often involve IgG (and sometimes IgA) antibodies and can cause more subtle or delayed symptoms that may occur days later, making it difficult to know the offending food. 

Common Symptoms Include:
Acid Reflux
Acne
ADHD
Anxiety/Depression/Irritability
Asthma
Autoimmune Flares
Bloating/Gas
Brain fog
Chronic nasal congestion
Cravings (especially sugar or carbs)
Dark circles under the eyes
Diarrhea or constipation
Eczema or psoriasis
Fatigue or low energy
Headaches or migraines
Hives
Irregular menstrual cycles or PMS
Joint pain/Muscle aches
Nausea
Postnasal drip
Sinusitis
Stomach pain or cramping
Swelling/Water retention
Weight gain or inability to lose weight

Food sensitivity may be lifelong or temporary. Whether they persist or resolve depends on how the immune system has learned to perceive the food. Ideally, the immune system maintains tolerance to food and does not mount a significant immune response. However, environmental toxins, chemical exposures, "leaky gut", digestive insufficiency and even emotional trauma can cause the body to misidentify food as an antigen, leading to the development of food sensitivities.

Testing requires a blood sample that can be collected in the office or at home with a blood spot card.   The labs I use are:

P88-DIY Dietary Antigen Test - Measure 4 antibodies to 88 foods, including IgE, IgG, IgG4, and complement, to give you a full immune picture.  
Genova IgG 87 Foods - An Easy, inexpensive way to test IgG antibodies to 87 of the most common foods to which people have food sensitivities. 
Mosaic IgG 190 Food Map - An easy way to test IgG antibodies to 190 foods and herbs.