The terms “food intolerance” and “food allergy” are often confused and are two very different things. This article explains what you need to know about food intolerance, including how it develops and what testing options are available.
The difference between food allergy and food intolerance
True food allergies are relatively rare, affecting only about 2% of the adult population. In comparison, around 45% of us suffer from food intolerances according to allergy in the UK. A food allergy is a rapid response of the body’s immune system to a specific food. In this type of reaction, the immune system mistakes a food for an “invader”. This causes a rapid allergic reaction, often within minutes, but usually within two hours or less.
Food intolerance is very different from food allergy. Although the symptoms can have serious consequences on the person’s quality of life, they do not require immediate medical treatment. When foods and drinks are digested, the proteins they contain are broken down into smaller fragments for easy absorption by the body. When a person’s digestive system is compromised, larger fragments can pass through without breaking down. Sometimes the body responds by attacking them with antibodies called immunoglobulin G (IgG).
How to identify food intolerance
Food intolerance is a disease that presents a wide range of symptoms. This may include SCI, bloating, migrainebad mood, weight gainfatigue and skin problems. It is very difficult to identify which foods trigger reactions, as symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear. So, most people are intolerant to several foods. Therefore, when they eliminate the suspected food, their symptoms do not completely disappear. This can be discouraging.
The gold standard for identifying food intolerances is a medically supervised elimination diet. However, the process takes some time and is difficult to follow. Part of me Reinventing programs I guide you through this process. If you want to know immediately which foods trigger reactions in your body so you can start the healing process, I recommend blood tests for all four IgG subtypes. I joined forces with Lorisienlaboratory specialized in health, which offers a reproducibility of 99.8%.
How do the tests work?
There are now many food intolerance testing options available to the public, including hair analysis, kinesiology, and pulse testing. The only evidence-based and accurate tests are IgG blood tests. Please be aware of any false claims.
If you want to buy a Loris blood test, the process is really simple. Firstly, contact me to arrange the test and I will order your kit for you. Lorisien Food intolerance tests use a very simple finger prick blood collection system. Because the finger prick system is so easy to use, the sample can be collected at your home, or I can do it for you in my clinic. The sample is then returned to the Lorisien Laboratory (in a pre-paid envelope). The Lorisian laboratory analyzes each sample for IgG antibody reactions to 100 food and beverage ingredients.
What happens next?
Once we have your results, I work with you to eliminate any problem foods and replace them with alternatives. It is very important to avoid nutritional insufficiencies during the elimination phase. The goal is to restore health to your digestive system so that the reaction can eventually be reintroduced with food without triggering symptoms. It is important to understand that a food elimination diet is only part of a gut healing program. I will guide you through the process of restoring optimal digestive health. Read my IBS case study to better understand how it works.
The Lorisian 100 can be purchased by current customers or Reinvent members for £199. If you’re not yet a customer, you can purchase Lorisian 100 plus a 30-minute follow-up consultation by phone or Skype for £249. Contact me here.