How food sensitivities could play a role in your overall health

After having been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, lactose intolerance and a seafood allergy, I thought I had all my food triggers covered. Boy, was I wrong! I was still suffering from symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), which in my humble opinion really just means “we don’t know what’s wrong with your stomach” and I had other signs of chronic inflammation. I was getting sick often and decided to see a functional medicine doctor for help. She spoke with me at length about my issues and suggested that I take a food sensitivities test.

Why should someone care if they have food sensitivities? How are food sensitivities different from food allergies?

Unlike allergies which usually cause a clear, often immediate physical reaction, food sensitivities are a bit harder to detect, as a reaction may not occur for up to 72 hours after ingesting a particular food. Moreover, the reaction may be so subtle that one isn’t aware it’s occurring. However, food sensitivities can lead to the following symptoms:

• Anxiety/Depression
• Inability to Lose Weight
• Fatigue/Insomnia
• Constipation/Diarrhea
• Bloating/Stomach Pain
• Impotence/Libido Issues
• Joint Pain
• Sugar Cravings

How does food sensitivity testing work?

Testing for food sensitivities involves taking a blood stick test which is then sent to a lab. The technicians there conduct a multi-pathway delayed food sensitivity test using patented technology that measures both IgG and Immune Complexes, the most common food-related pathways in the body. This enables the test to be able to identify food sensitivities, inflammation and leaky gut. The FIT (Food Inflammation Test) test I took was provided by a company called KMBO Diagnostics. They tested me for 176 food sensitivities, colorings and additives spanning most major food groups:

• Dairy
• Grains
• Fruits
• Meats
• Nuts
• Fish
• Seeds
• Beans
• Fowl
• Shellfish
• Vegetables
• Spices
• Microbial
• Additives
• Extracts

The results of my test revealed I have 26 sensitivities. The test measures the severity of each sensitivity as well. My test showed I had one severe reaction, six high reactions, two moderate reactions and 17 mild reactions. I was instructed by my doctor to cut out all severe, high and moderate sensitive foods for 30 days. That was a fairly long time considering some of the sensitivities were to foods I ate quite frequently, such as white potatoes, bananas, coconut and vanilla extract!

In addition to testing for food sensitivities, the KMBO test also included a “Gut Barrier Panel Test” to check my intestinal gatekeeper markers: Candida, Zonulin and Occludin and LPS (Lipopolysaccharides). According to the company’s literature, if these markers are elevated the patient may suffer from leaky gut. Surprise, surprise, I had symptoms of leaky gut as well, as my Candida and LPS levels were elevated. So in addition to eliminating certain foods, sugar also had to go for three months, as Candida thrives on it (Learn how to cut down on sugar click here). As I was determined to feel better, I made the commitment to follow the doctor’s advice and I’m so happy to report that I felt and saw a big difference: I wasn’t getting sick all of the time, my bloating issues were basically solved and I no longer needed to take my seasonal allergy meds, which I had been taking since I was 18 years old!

After the elimination period is over, it is advised that the patient re-introduce foods one at a time, leaving three days in between to note any reactions. In my view, the list of reactions is nearly impossible to gauge. It mentions noticing if you’re feeling more tired than usual or if you have brain fog or dry skin. As a full time working mom who’s in her fifth decade of life the answer to these types of questions on any given day could be “yes”, and it might be something other than a food sensitivity that is causing it. On my own volition, I decided to steer completely clear of all my severe, high and moderate sensitivities and only eat the foods that caused a mild reaction once in while (for example, if I’m at a restaurant and have no other options). I haven’t reintroduced any of the culprits in over a year. This plan works very well for me, and I still do feel much better.

So, why isn’t everyone running out and getting a food sensitivity test?

Well, first off, there’s the cost. The test is not covered by insurance and it’s a bit expensive: $360. You also can’t order it on your own. The test must be ordered by your healthcare provider. There is also some controversy about whether or not food sensitivities change over time, so you might have to get retested. Lastly, some claim that testing someone for elevated IgG levels is bogus because this is a normal response to eating food. All I know is that after eliminating the foods which I was told caused a reaction, I felt and saw a big difference in myself. That’s enough proof for me! I do hope that these tests will become more affordable and readily available to everyone, as any tool we can use to improve our health in the most natural ways possible seems like a win/win.

For more detailed information on KMBO Diagnostic’s testing, click here.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. This article is not meant to cure any illness or disease. If you are experiencing health issues, please see a professional healthcare provider.