Food Sensitivity Test: Do You Need One? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore!
Food sensitivities can cause uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. While these reactions are often less severe than food allergies, identifying your triggers is crucial for managing these issues. If you’re experiencing digestive discomfort, headaches, or skin rashes, a food sensitivity test from a licensed naturopathic doctor could provide clarity. Here, we’ll discuss the signs to watch for and how a naturopathic food sensitivity test can help you improve your health in Canada.
Jump To:
Overview
What Are Food Sensitivities?
Food sensitivities refer to adverse reactions to specific foods that often involve the immune system, although the reactions are typically less severe than food allergies. These sensitivities can cause a range of symptoms, primarily related to digestion.
How is it Different from a Food Allergy or Intolerance?
Food Allergy:
- Involves the immune system and triggers immediate reactions to specific proteins in foods.
- Symptoms can range from mild to severe, even with minimal exposure, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical attention.
Food Intolerance:
- Difficulty digesting certain foods, such as lactose, causing digestive discomfort.
- Does not involve the immune system and is typically less severe than allergies or sensitivities.
Food Sensitivity:
- Often used interchangeably with food intolerance.
- Refers to non-allergic, immune-mediated reactions to certain foods, commonly leading to digestive discomfort like bloating or gas.
How Common Are Food Sensitivities in Canada?
- Food sensitivities affect more than 10% of Canadians, although exact prevalence data is not well-documented.
- Food allergies affect approximately 7.5% of Canadians.
- Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, are also quite common.
What to Expect if You Have a Food Allergy
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Skin reactions like hives, itching, or rashes.
- Swelling of the lips, face, or throat.
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical intervention.
Food Sensitivities Symptoms
Food sensitivities can cause digestive issues, skin rashes, headaches, fatigue, and joint pain. Symptoms vary and can range from mild discomfort to more persistent problems. Identifying triggers helps in managing these reactions.
What are common symptoms of food sensitivities?
Food sensitivities can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Nausea
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Brain fog
Can Food Sensitivities Cause Long-Term Health Problems?
While food sensitivities are generally not life-threatening, they can cause long-term digestive issues if not managed. Chronic exposure to trigger foods can lead to ongoing discomfort and a reduced quality of life due to persistent symptoms.
How Soon Do Symptoms Appear After Eating a Trigger Food?
- Symptoms often appear within a few hours of consuming a trigger food, but the timing can vary based on the individual and the type of food.
- Some people may experience delayed reactions, which makes it harder to identify the food causing the discomfort.
Early Warning Signs
The first signs that may indicate a food sensitivity typically include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
What Does Food Sensitivity Pain Feel Like?
Pain may be accompanied by bloating or gas and typically presents as cramping or aching in the abdomen.
Where Do You Feel Food Intolerance Pain?
The pain location can vary, but lower abdominal discomfort is common for those with food sensitivities.
What is a Delayed Reaction to Food Sensitivity?
Delayed reactions occur when symptoms appear several hours or even days after consuming the offending food. This delayed onset can make it more challenging to pinpoint the specific trigger food.
Food Sensitivities – Causes
Food sensitivities can be caused by factors like poor gut health, genetics, chronic inflammation, and stress. Identifying these causes can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
What Causes Food Sensitivities in Canadians?
Food sensitivities can stem from various factors, including:
- Enzyme deficiencies: The lack of specific enzymes needed to digest certain foods, such as lactase deficiency leading to lactose intolerance.
- Sensitivity to natural compounds: Some individuals may have a sensitivity to natural substances found in foods, such as histamines or salicylates, which are present in a variety of foods like aged cheeses and processed meats.
Are Food Sensitivities Genetic or Developed Over Time?
Food sensitivities can be both genetic and acquired over time:
- Genetic predisposition plays a role, as individuals with a family history of sensitivities may be more susceptible.
- Environmental factors, such as dietary habits and exposure to certain foods, can contribute to the development of food sensitivities as well.
Can Gut Health Impact Food Sensitivities?
Yes, gut health plays a significant role in food sensitivities. Imbalances in gut microbiota—the bacteria in your digestive system—can influence how your body reacts to certain foods. Poor gut health may increase susceptibility to sensitivities, as it affects the body’s ability to process and tolerate foods properly.
Who’s More Likely to Develop Food Sensitivities?
Certain individuals may be at a higher risk for developing food sensitivities:
- Family history of allergies: Those with a family history of allergies are more likely to experience food sensitivities.
- Other allergic conditions: People with conditions like asthma or eczema may also have a higher likelihood of developing food sensitivities.
Factors Aggravate Food Sensitivities
Can Stress Make Food Sensitivities Worse?
Yes, stress can significantly worsen food sensitivity symptoms. Stress negatively impacts digestion and gut health, making it harder for the body to process foods properly, potentially triggering or worsening symptoms.
Do Processed Foods Contribute to Food Sensitivities?
Yes, processed foods can contribute to food sensitivities for some individuals. Additives and preservatives commonly found in processed foods may trigger sensitivities in sensitive individuals. In contrast, whole, unprocessed foods are less likely to cause sensitivities and are generally better tolerated.
How Does the Immune System React to Food Sensitivities?
Food sensitivities typically do not involve the immune system the way allergies do. Instead, the body’s digestive system reacts to certain foods, which may trigger gastrointestinal discomfort or symptoms in other areas of the body, such as headaches or skin rashes.
The Complications of Food Sensitivities
Can Untreated Food Sensitivities Cause Serious Health Problems?
Generally, food sensitivities cause discomfort but are not life-threatening. However, chronic symptoms such as digestive issues, fatigue, skin problems, and brain fog can significantly affect the quality of life over time.
Are There Long-Term Risks of Food Sensitivities?
Yes, persistent food sensitivities can lead to chronic inflammation and ongoing digestive issues. Over time, untreated sensitivities may result in more severe health concerns, impacting your overall well-being.
Can Food Sensitivities Lead to Nutrient Deficiencies?
Yes, avoiding trigger foods without proper nutritional guidance can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Individuals with food sensitivities may limit their diet, which could cause deficiencies in important nutrients if not carefully managed.
Food Sensitivities Tests
Food sensitivity tests are designed to help identify specific foods that may be triggering symptoms like bloating, digestive discomfort, or skin reactions. These tests analyze various immune responses or digestive reactions, helping to pinpoint potential food triggers. They are often paired with an elimination diet to ensure accurate results and a thorough understanding of food sensitivities.
What Does Food Sensitivity Testing Involve?
- Food sensitivity testing helps identify specific foods that trigger symptoms.
- Tests may analyze immune responses (e.g., IgE, IgG4, IgG, IgA, C3d antibodies) or digestive reactions.
- Often combined with an elimination diet to ensure accurate results.
What Are the Different Types of Food Sensitivity Tests?
- IgE, IgG4, IgG, C3d antibody tests.
- Lifelabs Food Sensitivity Testing (RMA FST).
- Precision Point Diagnostics – P88 – DIY Dietary Antigen Test.
How Accurate Are Food Sensitivity Tests?
Antibody testing (e.g., IgG, C3d) is much more reliable than hair analysis. It’s important to consider the accuracy of the test before relying on results.
Do At-Home Food Intolerance Tests Work?
Many at-home tests use IgG antibody testing, which tends to be more reliable than tests for other antibodies or hair mineral analysis. Some tests can even check for both food intolerances and food allergies. However, it’s important to be cautious with at-home tests, as their reliability can vary. It’s best to interpret the results carefully and confirm them with an elimination diet.
How Does Food Tolerance Testing Differ from Food Allergy Testing?
- Food tolerance (sensitivity) tests check for delayed digestive reactions.
- Food allergy tests (e.g., IgE blood test or skin prick test) identify immediate immune responses.
Where Can I Do the Food Sensitivity Tests?
You can get both food sensitivity and food allergy testing done by a Naturopathic Doctor at 8 Wellness.
Treatment
Food sensitivities can be managed with elimination diets, gut healing, and naturopathic treatments like probiotics and digestive enzymes. Some improve over time, while others require lifelong adjustments.
Can Food Allergies Go Away?
- Some children can outgrow food allergies, such as milk or egg allergies.
- Adult-onset allergies, however, tend to be lifelong.
How Are Food Sensitivities Typically Treated?
- Oral immunotherapy
- Sublingual immunotherapy
- Emergency medications when necessary
- Eliminate foods that cause reactions for a period of time (4-6 weeks)
- Focus on balancing and healing the gut microbiome
- Naturopathic treatments such as dietary changes, probiotics/prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and gut support
Can Food Sensitivities Be Cured, or Are They Lifelong?
- Some sensitivities improve with gut healing and dietary adjustments.
- Chronic sensitivities may persist but can be effectively managed.
Should People Eliminate Trigger Foods Completely or Reduce Them?
- Elimination diets are helpful in identifying problematic foods.
- Some individuals may be able to tolerate small amounts of trigger foods without significant symptoms.
Diet for Food Sensitivities
Managing food sensitivities involves elimination diets, anti-inflammatory foods, and gut-supporting options like fermented foods and different types of broths. Tracking symptoms and reintroducing foods gradually can help identify triggers.
What is the best diet for food sensitivities?
- Elimination diet: Removing and reintroducing foods systematically.
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods.
- Low-histamine diet: Avoiding histamine-rich foods if needed.
- Personalized diet: Based on food sensitivity test results.
How can you identify and eliminate trigger foods?
- Food journal: Tracking symptoms and food intake.
- Elimination diet: Removing and gradually reintroducing suspect foods.
- Testing: IgG blood tests and guidance from a healthcare provider.
Which foods help reduce food sensitivity symptoms?
- Fermented foods: Support gut health (e.g., yogurt, kimchi, kefir).
- Bone broth: Strengthens the gut lining.
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Turmeric, ginger, and leafy greens.
Medicine for Food Sensitivities
While there is no direct cure for food sensitivities, certain supplements and medications can help manage symptoms. Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and antihistamines may provide relief, but dietary adjustments remain the primary approach.
Are There Medications for Food Sensitivities?
There is no direct cure for food sensitivities, but certain medications can help manage symptoms.
Can Probiotics or Digestive Enzymes Help?
- Probiotics support gut health, balance microbiota, and may reduce inflammation.
- Digestive enzymes help break down problematic foods (e.g., lactase for lactose intolerance).
Do Antihistamines Work for Food Sensitivities?
Antihistamines may ease symptoms of histamine intolerance, but they do not treat food sensitivities at the root cause.
Food Sensitivities Prevention
Preventing food sensitivities involves maintaining a balanced, healthy gut and introducing diverse foods early on in life. While there’s no surefire way to avoid sensitivities, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk.
Can Food Sensitivities Be Prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent food sensitivities, but improving gut health may help. Introducing a varied diet early in life can reduce the risk of sensitivities and allergies.
Does Early Childhood Diet Affect Food Sensitivities?
Yes, exposing infants to a diverse range of foods early on may lower the risk of developing allergies.
How Can You Strengthen Your Gut to Reduce Food Sensitivities?
- Eat probiotic-rich foods (e.g., yogurt, kimchi, kefir).
- Consume prebiotic foods (fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains).
- Limit processed foods and sugar to support gut balance.
- Maintain a diverse, whole-food diet for microbiome health.
Contact a Medical Professional
If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms of food sensitivities, it’s important to seek professional medical advice. Consulting the right specialist can help with diagnosis, testing, and managing your condition effectively.
When Should Someone See a Doctor for Food Sensitivities?
- If symptoms persist or impact your daily life.
- If reactions worsen over time, it’s crucial to get checked.
What Kind of Specialist Should Someone Consult for Food Sensitivity Issues?
- Allergist: For food allergy testing.
- Gastroenterologist: If digestive issues are present.
- Naturopathic Doctor: For gut health support and sensitivity testing.
What Questions Should a Patient Ask Their Doctor About Food Sensitivities?
- Should I try an elimination diet to identify triggers?
- Are food sensitivity tests reliable?
- Could my symptoms be linked to another condition?
Naturopathic Treatments for Food Sensitivities
Naturopathic doctors offer a holistic approach to managing food sensitivities by focusing on gut health, individualized treatment plans, and natural remedies. These treatments aim to heal the gut and reduce sensitivity reactions over time.
Can a Naturopathic Doctor Help with Food Sensitivities?
Yes, naturopathic doctors can help through food sensitivity testing, gut healing protocols, elimination diets, and holistic treatments.
How Do Naturopaths Test for Food Sensitivities?
- IgG food sensitivity blood tests
- Elimination diets
- Comprehensive stool testing for gut health
- SIBO testing (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
- Leaky gut testing
Naturopathic Treatments for gut health & food sensitivities?
The 4-R Gut Healing Protocol is a comprehensive approach to address food sensitivities by focusing on gut health:
- REMOVE: Eliminate harmful organisms, foods, or medications that could be causing issues.
- REPLACE: Add digestive enzymes to support digestion if there are signs of maldigestion.
- RE-INOCULATION: Reintroduce beneficial bacteria using probiotics and prebiotics to restore a healthy gut microbiome.
- REPAIR & REBALANCE: Focus on healing and maintaining the integrity of the gut lining while supporting overall health through immune support and lifestyle adjustments.
Further, food sensitivity testing and comprehensive stool testing can be used for a more thorough and individualized treatment plan.
Herbal Medicine for Managing Gut Health & Food Sensitivities
Herbal remedies can be effective in managing food sensitivities by soothing gut inflammation, improving digestion, and supporting overall gut health. Here’s how some key herbs help:
- Ginger: Relieves bloating, nausea, and inflammation in the gut, supporting digestion.
- Peppermint: Alleviates gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
- Fennel: Eases digestion and reduces cramping and bloating.
- Chamomile: Soothes gut inflammation and alleviates stress-related digestive issues.
- Slippery Elm: Coats and calms the gut lining, reducing irritation.
- Marshmallow Root: Offers a mucilaginous coating that protects the intestinal lining.
- Licorice Root (DGL): Reduces inflammation and aids in repairing the digestive tract.
- Aloe Vera: Supports gut healing and provides mild anti-inflammatory effects.
- L-Glutamine: Repairs the intestinal barrier, reducing leaky gut syndrome.
- Turmeric (Curcumin): Acts as a potent anti-inflammatory that calms gut-related sensitivities.
- Boswellia (Frankincense): Reduces gut and systemic inflammation.
- Milk Thistle: Aids liver detoxification, supporting the process of handling food sensitivities.
- Oregon Grape Root: Has antimicrobial properties and helps balance gut bacteria.
- Berberine: Balances gut bacteria and has antimicrobial effects.
- Dandelion Root: Provides prebiotic support, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Pau D’Arco: Offers antifungal properties and supports gut flora balance.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): Adaptogen that helps manage stress-related gut issues.
- Ashwagandha: Reduces cortisol levels, which influence gut health.
- Rhodiola: Enhances stress resilience and supports gut function.
Can an Elimination Diet Help Identify Food Sensitivities?
Yes, elimination diets are highly effective in identifying trigger foods, especially when paired with food sensitivity testing.
What Role Do Gut-Healing Supplements Play in Managing Food Sensitivities?
Gut-healing supplements play a crucial role in improving digestive health and alleviating food sensitivities by supporting gut function and balance. Here’s how each supplement works:
- L-Glutamine: This amino acid helps repair and strengthen the gut lining, which is essential in reducing leaky gut syndrome. By supporting the integrity of the intestinal barrier, it aids in reducing inflammation and improving overall digestive health.
- Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria that help restore balance to the gut microbiome. Probiotics enhance digestion, support the immune system, and can reduce food sensitivities over time by promoting a healthy gut environment and improving digestion.
- Digestive Enzymes: These enzymes help break down food components (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) more efficiently. By improving digestion, they reduce common symptoms of food sensitivities like bloating, gas, and discomfort, making food more tolerable.
Naturopathic treatments can offer a natural path to reduce food sensitivities by focusing on gut health, herbal remedies, and supplements that support digestion.
A Note from Dr. Sanam – Your Naturopathic Doctor
Understanding your body’s reactions to certain foods is crucial for maintaining optimal health. As a naturopathic doctor, I emphasize the importance of identifying and managing food sensitivities to help enhance your overall well-being. By addressing these sensitivities, we can work together to create a personalized treatment plan that supports your gut health, reduces symptoms, and improves your quality of life. Empowering you with the knowledge and tools to manage your sensitivities can lead to lasting health benefits.
Common Questions About Food Sensitivities
Why do I have so many food sensitivities?
Food sensitivities can arise due to poor gut health, genetics, chronic inflammation, and stress. These factors can disrupt the balance in the gut and immune system, making you more prone to sensitivities.
Can food sensitivities develop suddenly?
Yes, food sensitivities can develop suddenly, especially following an illness or gut-related issues, as these events can disrupt your digestive system and immune function.
Can food sensitivities be prevented?
While there’s no guaranteed prevention, maintaining good gut health and adopting habits that support digestion can reduce the risk of developing food sensitivities.
Are there any treatments for food sensitivities?
There is no cure for food sensitivities, but symptoms can be managed effectively through testing, supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
How do I get tested for food sensitivities?
The best way to test for food sensitivities is by consulting with your Naturopathic Doctor. At 8 Wellness, our Naturopathic Doctors are qualified to order and interpret food sensitivity tests. We offer DIY home kits and can provide requisitions for lab blood draws.
Can food sensitivities develop in adulthood?
Yes, food sensitivities can develop in adulthood due to changes in gut health, immune system function, or other health factors over time.
Can you outgrow food sensitivities?
Some individuals do outgrow food sensitivities, especially if gut health improves over time through treatment and lifestyle changes.
Can food sensitivity reactions be triggered by touching certain foods?
Typically, no. This is more common in food allergies, which can cause a reaction from direct contact with foods.
Are food sensitivity reactions ever severe, like an allergy?
No, food sensitivities generally do not cause anaphylactic reactions, which are typical in food allergies.
How much does a food sensitivity test cost?
A comprehensive food sensitivity test typically costs between $300 and $650, depending on the type of test and the number of foods tested.
What is gluten sensitivity, and how is it different from a gluten allergy?
Gluten sensitivity can cause digestive issues such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea, but it doesn’t involve an immune response like celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
Can airborne food particles cause a reaction in people with food sensitivities?
Not usually, but it’s possible in individuals who have severe food allergies.
Do food sensitivities cause long-term health problems?
If left untreated, food sensitivities can contribute to chronic inflammation, digestive issues, and other long-term health problems.
Is there a connection between food sensitivities and autoimmune diseases?
Yes, food sensitivities can be linked to autoimmune diseases such as IBS and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the body in response to food triggers.
What’s the difference between a food sensitivity and a food intolerance?
While often used interchangeably, food intolerance refers to enzyme deficiencies (e.g., lactose intolerance), whereas food sensitivity involves immune or gut-related responses.
Start Your Health Journey
Food sensitivities can affect your health, causing issues like bloating and headaches. A food sensitivity test with a naturopathic doctor can help identify triggers and improve well-being. By eliminating problem foods and supporting gut health, you can manage symptoms effectively. If symptoms persist, seek professional guidance for proper treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Sanam Arora for a 15-minute free food sensitivity consultation today!
