Our Functional Medicine highlight this month is allergies, food sensitivities, and inflammation. We want to let you know some services we offer, and differences between the type of tests available.
A large portion of patients’ symptoms are related to inflammation. In our efforts to understand the root of inflammation we often consider allergy testing or food sensitivity testing. Inflammation from allergies and sensitivities can cause systemic problems, including weight gain, poor healing, headaches, stress on body, GI problems, pain and overall inflammatory responses.
Allergies are tested by a skin scratch test and the company we use for supplies is Alleralt. This tests for IgE antibodies that produce symptoms of typical allergies such as runny nose and sneezing, eczema, asthma, headache, muscle aching, abdominal symptoms and fatigue. If testing is positive for allergies to food or environment the provider may order allergy drops to decrease sensitivity to the allergens. Allergy testing can be done on patients as young as an infant.
Food sensitivity testing is different than allergy because it tests for IgM antibodies that are associated with sensitivities. Symptoms can be delayed or come and go depending on exposure to the triggers. This can also cause similar symptoms including bloating, gas, diarrhea, headaches, pain constipation, reflux, difficulty losing weight and behavior changes.
This testing is done by a blood sample, and results are reviewed with recommendations for avoidance or food rotation depending on the results. The testing company we currently use is called ALCAT. ALCAT can be tested on children as young as 3 years old.
The testing choice is based on symptoms and patient and provider discussion. For questions about allergies and testing please call our clinic for an appointment with one of our providers.