Where do you go to see if you’re sensitive to gluten? First stop, ask your doctor. See what your doctor recommends, but be informed about what is recommended to you. If you are sent to an allergist, be sure you are educated about the different types of testing so you are not only aware of what you’ll be tested to have allergy to, but the extent of the allergy as well. Meaning, there are tests that see if you’ll drop dead immediately if you consume or come in contact with a particular food (IgE Food Allergy Test) and there’s the allergy tests that conclude if you have a food allergy if a reaction shows up 24 hours or more after a particular food is consumed (IgG Food Allergy Test).
Testing is the most controversial aspect of food allergy treatment. Just getting a skin test or a blood test isn’t enough, says guidelines chief editor John J. Oppenheimer, MD, of the UMD-NJ New Jersey Medical School in New Brunswick. Education is key. Know the tests being utilized, do not take antihistamines for a block period of time before the testing, do not change your diet significantly before testing and use common sense and know that economics are at play. If you’re being tested for gluten using an IgE test, this is a simple and more economical test and you may already know your allergic if you already suffer an “immedicate” reaction when this food is consumed.
Delayed Food intolerances (Including the infamous Gluten Food Intolerance) affect over 80% of the population while less than 5% of people actually have IgE food allergies. Skin tests, RAST,or IgE blood tests do not detect delayed food allergies. They only measure the release of histamine or the presence of allergen specific IgE molecules.
Many of today’s health challenges, in general, are linked to food sensitivities
When foods contributing to food allergy symptoms are continually ingested, the body eventually revolts which results in “allergic” symptoms. The body recognizes certain foods as strange, hostile invaders and it reacts in an allergic manner. Some food sensitivity symptoms are: migraines, chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, eczema, constant sinus congestion, weak immune system, asthma, fatigue, fibromyalgia, insomnia, hyperactivity, ADHD/ADD, premature aging and obesity.
How do you know if gluten is an allergy for you?
Refer to my article on that very subject, here:
http://glowbass.com/gluten-free-food-in-denver/how-do-you-know-if-gluten-is-a-problem-for-you
A gluten intolerance begins to show up in the stool or the saliva. As the seriousness of the conditions increases it will then show up in the blood.
Here a some of the most commonly used Food Allergy Tests used:
IgG Food Allergy/Intolerance Test:
The IgG4 antibodies test identifies non-atopic or “delayed” food allergy reactions. These are the most common form of food intolerances. IgG blocks the potentially dangerous IgE reactions. IgG are harder to find then IgE because they are “delayed” food reactions which can occur hours or even 24 hours after a food is injested. The IgG test is for 90 foods and can be done through a blood draw or a blood spot.
IgE Food Allergy Test:
IgE measures specific immune response to a food that is causing an “immediate” food allergy reaction. The IgE test is for 30 foods. This test requires a blood draw.
ALCAT Food Allergy Test / Chemical Sensitivity Test:
This test measures the immune systems response to food, chemicals and molds. The body’s response to the food or chemicals is inflammation. Alcat measures leukocyte cellular reactivity in whole blood. The Alcat test can check up to 200 foods, 20 chemicals and molds. This test requires a blood draw.
A delayed food intolerance / food sensitivity test is a great way to learn which foods you need to eliminate from your diet to feel better quickly! However, the type of testing that is conducted to determine if you have a food allergy is ultimately up to you and your doctor.
How to order a food allergy test (particularly for Gluten) from your home in Broomfield or beyond?
The most reputable laboratory used for Gluten testing is an online laboratory called Enterolab at www.enterolab.com that uses a more sensitive and specific test than mainstream allergists. EnteroLab is registered with the U.S. Government’s Department of Health and Human Services department as part of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). This agency oversees clinical laboratory standards and quality. Enterolab uses stool rather than blood. The rationale of using stool rather than blood for testing for food sensitivity is that immunologic reactions to proteins in the diet that cause these reactions are centered within the intestinal tract and not in the blood.
EnteroLab is a registered and fully accredited* clinical laboratory specializing in the analysis of intestinal specimens for food sensitivities that cause a variety of symptoms and diseases. One inparticular area of focus are intestinal conditions caused by immune reactivity to a protein called gluten which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. EnteroLab has developed a unique screening test for gluten sensitivity as well as for dietary yeast and cow’s milk, and chicken egg sensitivity.
It’s recommended you discuss which test to order with your doctor or a reputable consultant. For a reputable Broomfield consultant, you can contact me at [email protected] and either I can help or refer you to someone who can.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Tuesday’s Tips to living gluten free in Broomfield. I will have a comprehensive list of Broomfield restaurants that offer tasty gluten free options and menus!
Have a Grateful and Delicious Day!
Resources:
Foodallergytest.org: Food Allergy Test – ALCAT Food Allergy Test – IgG Food Intolerance Test – Delayed Food Allergy Test – Food Allergies. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. http://www.foodallergytest.org/
www.enterolab.com
