The concept of being "sensitive" to a food (as opposed to allergic) is becoming a more common concept thanks to media and the population educating themselves. If you are new to the idea of food sensitivity, read further to learn the basic concept.
Our immune systems have 5 separate parts, the most widely understood is the anaphylactic branch, the IgE. This immune response manifests in a way that if exposed to an active allergen, a person would have an immediate and potentially life-threatening response (think a common peanut or shellfish allergy in which a person's throat would constrict or their skin breaks out in hives). That's the IgE -- it's immediate (or up to 3 hours), and is what we typically think of when we think of an allergy.
Now let's discuss a second branch of the immune system -- the IgG, which is the branch we are testing against foods when we test for sensitivities. These reactions tend to be less severe, but can lead to serious problems over time. These responses are noted 3 hours to 3 days following exposure. Knowing that, it's understandable why these are so hard to identify without specific blood testing. Many people live with one or multiple food sensitivities and never know it -- though they have chronic symptoms they've resigned themselves to living with.
Common symptoms associated with undetected food sensitivities included (but certainly are not limited to): GI upset/leaky gut, migraines, systemic inflammation, achy joints, chronic pain, fatigue, sleep apnea/snoring, stubborn skin irritation and lesions, inability to lose weight, and many more.
Some opt to do an elimination diet in this situation, where they would remove all of the most common food sensitivity items from their diet. After the body can "heal" from the potential damage of those foods, they are reintroduced one at a time, week by week, and the slightest of any symptoms are tracked. An elimination diet is a fine option for some, but for many, the blood test is quicker, easier, and more accurate as to which foods their body is truly reacting to.
The FIT (Food Inflammation Test) which we offer at Prairie Sage evaluates 132 foods, colors, additives. The test is a finger prick and blood spot sample. Along with results of the test, patients have the option to have a custom meal plan formed for them based specifically on their results.
This test is a cash-based test, meaning no insurance plan covers it. If you are interested in taking the next step to healing your body and making a profound shift towards quality health, contact our office to learn more about the test or schedule yours today!
