Food Intolerance Explained

What is the difference between allergy and intolerance

The term ‘food intolerance’ and ‘food allergy’ are often confused and are two very different things.

Genuine food allergy is relatively rare. Only about 2% of the adult population are affected. A food allergy is a swift response by the body’s immune system to a specific food. In this type of reaction, the body’s immune system mistakes a food for an ‘invader’ which often results in a rapid allergic reaction often within minutes, but generally within a maximum of two hours. This type of allergic reaction is commonly associated reactions to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs and seafood.

Food intolerance is quite different to food allergy and whilst the symptoms can impact the person’s quality of life they are not life threatening. Food intolerances are much more common than food allergies.

When foods and drinks are digested the proteins within them are broken down into smaller fragments for easy absorption into the body. Larger fragments can pass through without breaking down, and sometimes the body reacts by attacking them using antibodies called Immunoglobulin G’s (IgG).

A recent study* has shown those who eliminated trigger foods based on food-specific IgG test results had reductions in weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumference and improvements in all indicators of quality of life that were measured. The quality of life indicators included physical and emotional wellbeing, mental health, social life, pain levels and vitality.

*Lewis J et al, 2012: Eliminating Immunologically-Reactive Foods from the Diet and its Effect on Body Composition and Quality of Life in Overweight Persons. Journal Obesity & Weight loss Therapy 2:1.

Allergy vs Intolerance

Taking The Food Intolerance Test

Food intolerance tests is a small blood collection wand system. Because the finger prick system is so easy to use, the sample can be taken in the clinic in 10-15minutes.

The sample is then sent back to the Laboratory that same day, tested and analysed for IgG antibody reactions to a Over 200+ food and drink ingredients.

Results are release within 10-14 days in email format. This will be followed by a hard copy along with a guide book.

Symptoms of food intolerance

Food intolerance† is a condition with a wide range of symptoms including: including gut symptoms, bloating, migraines, low mood, weight gain, fatigue and skin problems.

• Abdominal Pain
• Aches and Pains
• Acne
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Eczema
• Fatigue
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Itching
• Fluid Retention
• Headaches
• Hyperactivity
• Migraine
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Rhinitis
• Sinusitis
• Stomach Cramps
• Tension
• Tiredness
• Urticaria
• Weight loss/Weight Gain
• Wheezing

Symptoms of food intolerance can take up to 72 hours to appear after eating the trigger food or group of foods.  On average people who suffer from food intolerances usually have between 4 and 8 trigger foods.

Many people suffer for years, having formed a coping mechanism to deal with the symptoms but being unable to enjoy a normal work and home life.  Many people don’t realise that there are easy steps to take that could resolve their condition.

Using the Intolerance test provides a fast track or starting point for an elimination diet to help my clients’ optimise their health and wellbeing.

†Food intolerance symptoms must always be checked out by a Medical Professional. If you have clients that have been to see a Medical Professional but have not been given a diagnosis for their symptoms then they may be suffering from food intolerance.

Pricing (Available on Request)

Analyses your IgG antibody reactions to over 200 food ingredients.

Foods Tested