What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
Food Allergy (also termed “true allergy”)
If you are allergic to a food symptoms will be triggered quickly, typically within 2 hours. Often times you will be able to identify the trigger food. You may develop a rash, vomiting or an uncomfortable sensation on your tongue. More serious allergies may involve breathing difficulties and are linked to a branch of the 
immune system called IgE (Immunoglobulin E). These immunoglobulins are protective against parasites, however if the immune system becomes dysregulated these immunoglobulins will react to harmless substances (like foods, dust mites, pollen and animal dander) causing an allergic reaction that could be fatal. In other words the immune system sees these foods and substances to be foreign invaders and mounts an immune response causing an allergic reaction. Allergies are far less common than food intolerances accounting for approximately 2% of the population. Food based allergic reactions are primarily associated with eggs, milk, seafood and nuts.
Food Intolerance (often termed food sensitivity)
A food intolerance is a delayed reaction and can often take up to 72 hours to appear after eating the offending food. The body tolerates a certain amount of the offending food, but beyond a certain threshold, symptoms are triggered that may include, abdominal pain, bloating, stomach cramps, constip
ation, IBS or much more (comprehensive list of food intolerance symptoms below). Food intolerances are not immediately life threatening but can really alter a persons quality of life. It is estimated that food intolerances effect nearly 50% of the population. On average food intolerance suffers have between 4 and 8 trigger foods. Food intolerance involves a different branch of the immune system called IgG (immunoglobulin G). This intolerance typically occurs when proteins that are not properly broken down pass from the gut to the immune system. This triggers the immune system to attack these proteins with the IgG antibodies. Clinical studies have shown the usefulness of IgG antibody testing in conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s and migraines.
Symptoms of Food Intolerance
Bloating, stomach cramping, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, itching, ezema, acne, skin rashes, fatigue, tiredness, chronic fatigue syndrome, dizziness, migraine, rhinitis, sinusitis, weight loss, weight gain, fluid retention, wheezing.
How will this test help me?
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms this professional food intolerance test will finally give you clarity around the foods that your body is currently reacting to. Anne will then plan an appropriate elimination diet to avoid the triggering foods coupled with a gut healing programme.
This is a simple finger prick blood test detects elevated levels of IgG food antibodies against over 50 foods. This professional food intolerance test takes the guess work out for you and your Nutritionist will provide you with dietary substitutes to replace foods that you are currently intolerant to. When taking a food intolerance test it is essential to work with a Nutritionist to interpret the results and help you replace the foods you are reacting to make up for any potential dietary shortfalls. This takes time and patience but with the help of your Nutritionist your journey back to optimal health will be shortened!
This professional food intolerance test is provided by Nutricentric Healthcare Ltd in Ireland and was founded by experts with first hand experience of food intolerances and auto-immune conditions with years of experience in the industry.
How much does the Food Intolerance Test package cost?
This test pack is only €160 which includes:
- A 20-30 minute initial consultation (finger prick test).
- A follow up consultation to explain food intolerance results panel.
- Appropriate elimination diet and health coaching and support around making dietary changes e.g. meal ideas, recipes, keeping a food diary etc.
To get started on your journey to a healthier, happier you call Anne today on 086 2412441.
