Food Intolerance

 

Should I have a food intolerance test?

If you have any of the symptoms that are listed in the next

question, and you have visited your GP to ensure that there

are no underlying causes for your symptoms, then it would be

advisable to have a food intolerance test.

 

What are the symptoms of food intolerance?

Food intolerance can produce a variety of symptoms and can affect almost any

organ. Often patients report multiple symptoms such as gut pain with headaches

and skin rash, but some of the common symptoms include:- Anxiety, attention deficit disorder, constipation, diarrhoea, headaches, insomnia, migraines, water retention, arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, abdominal bloating, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, itchy skin, weight control problems, hyperactivity disorder and irritable bowel syndrome.

 

Are the tests covered by BUPA or any other insurance company?

BUPA does not currently cover the cost of these tests.

 

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

A classical food allergy such as peanut or shellfish allergy is usually characterised by an immediate and often severe reaction to exposure to the offending food.

 

What do the borderline foods mean?

The borderline foods are slightly above the normal values and ideally should be reduced to a minimum in your diet. Therefore, we recommend that you rotate those foods showing a borderline result, once every 4 days if possible.

 

Is it possible to be affected by foods that are not detected by Food Detective

Some foods may cause a classical allergic reaction involving the production of a type of antibody called IgE. These will not be detected by any IgG food test. There are also many foods that can cause a reaction in the body without involving the immune system but produce symptoms similar to IgG reactions. For example, amines in chocolate, cheese and red wine may cause migraines; some food additives such as tartrazine can cause hives, rashes and asthma; monosodium glutamate in Chinese dishes produces sweating and dizziness; and ‘Nightshade’ alkaloids in potatoes, tomatoes and peppers can affect the joints. These are very difficult to test, but you should avoid them if you suspect they are affecting you.