What is IgG Food Sensitivity Test?
Reference:www.irritable-bowel-syndrome.ws/elisa-food-test.htm
There is no debate in medicine on the value of IgE testing in order to diagnose food allergies such as peanuts, shellfish, etc. Self-diagnosis of allergies is rarely a challenge for patients; they pretty much know they are allergic to cats or to peanuts, as the allergic symptoms are often immediate.
On the contrary, there is medical controversy over IgG testing which helps diagnose not “allergy”, but food “sensitivity”. What is the difference?
Sensitivity reactions are not immediate and may occur hours to days after consuming a certain food. Sensitivity may not be consistent like allergies are, as it is also based on the quantity of the specific food consumed. For instance, having one scoop of ice cream may be fine, but having 3 slices of cheese pizza and a triple scoop ice cream would produce symptoms.
Although controversial, based on several anecdotal family and patient experiences, I am a strong endorser of the ELISA IgG food sensitivity blood test. The only negative side is that it costs $330 and I personally don’t know of any GPs who recommend it. There are however some Naturopaths that do the ELISA IgG food sensitivity blood test.
About 5 years ago, I had the test myself …just for the sake of curiosity. I pricked my fingertip and then collected the blood onto small strips. The Naturopath then sent the sample to a laboratory.
At the lab, if particularly high levels of IgG antibodies are found when testing a certain food, it means that the patient should probably try to avoid the specific food.
I was emailed a detailed report of my reaction levels to different foods. Just as I expected, my expensive blood work ended up showing that I was not sensitive to any of the 200+ foods, as I fortunately don?t suffer from any bloating, GI issues, chronic muscle & joint aches, strange rashes, chronic fatigue, headaches or migraines.
The most common foods that people are typically sensitive to are wheat, dairy, eggs and soy.
Personal Comment: If I see a patient who suffers from fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, chronic fatigue who has tried “everything” already, I recommend that they see a Naturopathic doctor and get IgG food sensitivity testing. In some cases this has made no difference, while in some it has resulted in almost “miracle cures”.
Posted on: March 29, 2011
Categories: Modalities / Meds / Supplements
