Food Intolerance Testing FAQs
Food Intolerance Testing FAQs
A person who has difficulty digesting certain foods and/or experiences other symptoms from consuming certain foods is said to suffer from non-allergic food hypersensitivity, more commonly known as food intolerance.
Many people suffer from food sensitivity without realizing it. Individuals may experience unexplained fatigue, upset stomach, headache, or other general symptoms that they do not realize are related to certain foods they eat. Other people may be aware that eating certain foods will cause a negative reaction. To determine if a person suffers from specific food intolerance, however, they must undergo food intolerance testing. Food intolerance testing is performed by using a blood test to observe the body’s immune response to the food proteins of about 200 different foods.
Through food intolerance testing, it is possible to identify which foods the body has trouble digesting or result in negative symptoms when eaten. At Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, MI, we provide food intolerance testing as a way to help our patients lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. In this article, Dr. Hakim discusses answers patients frequently asked questions about should food intolerance testing in our Bloomfield Hills or Canton office.
What Is Food Intolerance?
The negative reactions caused by food intolerance occur when partially digested foods make their way into the bloodstream. Viewing these food proteins as “intruders” in the bloodstream, the body’s immune system tries to fight them off by causing negative physical symptoms such as inflammation. The result can be upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, bloating, gas, acid reflux, headache, weight gain or other symptoms.
A wide range of factors can contribute to food intolerance. For example, persons who are lactose intolerant lacks the enzymes required for their body to properly digest the proteins found in foods such as dairy products. Chemical ingredients commonly added to food to add color or protect against bacteria may also cause food intolerance. Ultimately, the only sure-fire way to determine what kind of food is causing the problem is through food intolerance testing.
Reactions caused by food intolerance usually occur several hours (or even days) after consuming the food responsible, depending on the body’s immune response to different foods. For this reason, it can be almost impossible for people with food intolerance to be certain about which food is culpable. But at Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, MI, we offer food intolerance testing to anyone experiencing non-allergic food hypersensitivity.
Is a Food Intolerance the Same as a Food Allergy?
Food intolerance and food allergies are not the same thing. In cases of true food allergies, a reaction occurs in the immune system that impacts various organs throughout the body. This can lead to a number of symptoms, such as rashes or difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, allergic reactions to food can be life threatening.
In contrast, food intolerance symptoms are generally less acute – but often lead to more chronic and long-term problems such as headaches, digestive problems, weight gain, lack of energy, etc.
If you have a food intolerance, you may be able to eat small amounts of the food without noticeable trouble – or without realizing it is the cause of other health problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Food Intolerance?
Food intolerance can result in numerous unpleasant symptoms. Nausea, stomach pain, acid reflux (heart burn) and vomiting are all common symptoms. Headaches, lack of energy, diarrhea, gas, runny nose, irritability, nervousness, and fatigue are all also among common symptoms of food intolerance. If you are in the Bloomfield Hills, MI area and experience any of the above symptoms after eating certain foods, schedule an appointment at Prosperity Health for food intolerance testing.
What are Common Food Intolerances?
At our Bloomfield Hills, MI area practice, we use food intolerance testing to get to the root cause of our patients’ food hypersensitivity. Among the most common food intolerances we see are:
- Dairy / Lactose
- Yeast
- Eggs
- Caffeine
- Salicylates
- Amines
- FODMAPs – found in:
- Apples
- Soft cheeses
- Honey
- Artichokes
- Bread
- Beans & Lentils
- Beer
- Sulfites – found in:
- Wine
- Apple cider
- Canned vegetables
- Pickled foods
- Condiments
- Fructose
- Artificial Sweeteners
How Can Food Intolerance Testing Help Me?
Food Intolerance Testing measures your body’s immune response to 200 or more foods to help provide guidance on what types of food may safe to choose – and which foods should be eliminated from your diet.
You may find that over the course of a few days or weeks of following the elimination diet prescribed by Dr. Hakim, you will no longer feel gaseous or bloated, or have digestive issues, fatigue and headaches.
Food Intolerance Testing – Bloomfield Hills, MI,
If you think that certain foods are causing your health problems – or if you are suffering from digestion problems and other symptoms and don’t know why – make an appointment with Dr. Hakim. She will explain how food intolerance testing may be able to help you.
Food intolerance testing can improve your quality of life, help eliminate stomach problems, and enable you to start enjoying eating once again!