March 28, 2016

Food Allergy Testing

By Selene Wilkinson

Do you suffer from bloating, gas, IBS, unexplained weight gain, skin conditions, headaches or mood disorders? If so, it may be time to look into food allergy testing.

By: Dr. Selene Wilkinson, ND

IgE versus IgG food allergies

While most people are familiar with IgE food reactions, the type that have rapid reactions and occur within minutes of consumption of a specific food and can cause life-threatening allergies (e.g. peanut allergies), we can also have IgG reactions to food that may take hours or days to develop.  In an IgG reaction, the IgG antibodies attach themselves to the allergen and create an antibody-allergen complex. These complexes are normally removed by special cells called macrophages.  However, if they are present in large numbers and the allergen is still being consumed, the macrophages can’t keep up. The allergen-antibody complexes accumulate and are deposited in body tissues.  Once in the tissue, these complexes release inflammation causing chemicals that may contribute to both acute and chronic disease.

The AllerGSpot Test

The AllerGSpot tests for possible sensitivities to a minimum of 96 different foods.   If you are experiencing symptoms such as, IBS, digestive discomfort, headaches, extreme fatigue, skin conditions, recurrent illness or depressed immune function, you should consider this test. With this test, I can help you determine foods that your body agrees with and foods that you are sensitive to and should avoid.

How is the test performed?

Only a small amount of blood from a prick on your finger is required to complete the test.  Once completed, the blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.  Results are returned to the clinic within approximately three weeks.

When the food sensitivities are determined, I work with my patients to create a customized, balanced diet which may resolve uncomfortable symptoms. Foods which are "reactive" are to be avoided for a period of time, while the gut is given a chance to heal and then eventually the foods can be slowly reintroduced. In some cases, it may be necessary for the patient to permanently avoid the reactive food(s).

Leaky Gut Syndrome

An allergy test report that shows high reactivity to most of the foods the patient regularly eats is suggestive of leaky gut symdrome, which is caused by an overload of antibody-allergen complexes that can cause inflammation in the lining of the gut.  The inflamed gut allows food particles to leak through the gut lining into the peritoneal cavity, provoking production of antibodies to attack the perceived foreign invader (the food particle).  Leaky gut syndrome can also be caused by stress, anti-inflammatory drugs, candida overgrowth, EFA deficiencies, and excessive alcohol consumption.  This can also be treated by removing the food allergens for a period of time, healing the gut and then slowly re-introducing the foods.