FOOD AND CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY TESTING

There are a number of ways to test for food and chemical hypersensitivities. These hypersensitivities are often major contributing factors to a myriad of chronic symptoms as well as autoimmune and degenerative diseases. Immune system sensitivity to foods and chemicals sets off a cascade of metabolic dysfunction, which impacts all tissues and systems of the body.

One laboratory test for identifying food and chemical sensitivities is the ALCAT Test. This test involves analysis of a blood sample for lymphocyte transformation in response to various compounds. A variety of panels are available, allowing for testing of hundreds of items including foods, additives, environmental chemicals, molds, toxic metals, medications, and danders/hairs/feathers.

The test I most frequently use for identifying food sensitivities is an IgG antibody profile. This test measures IgG antibody levels to 90 different foods. IgG antibodies are involved in delayed immune responses, which may not occur for up to 72 hours after eating the offending food. This test is more economical than the ALCAT Test - about $189. When ordered with an Individualized Optimal Nutrition Profile, the Food IgG Test is only about $105.