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Food Sensitivity Test: Uncover the Culprit Behind Your Symptoms (Serene Clinic)

Holistic Doctor Toronto: Do You Have Food Sensitivity? Let’s Find Out!

Have you ever wondered if something in your diet just isn’t sitting right? Many people have a nagging feeling that a certain food or foods might be causing unwanted symptoms like digestive issues, headaches, or even skin breakouts. But pinpointing the exact culprit can often feel like playing a never-ending game of “Guess Who?”

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Is bread the issue? Maybe cheese? Or worse… could it be both? Before you panic and give up on your favorite cheesy garlic knots, there’s a way to stop the guessing and get real answers: a Food Sensitivity Test (FST).

To help you understand what an FST is and whether it’s right for you, read on to understand the differences between food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies. This way, you can determine if an FST is right for you.

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What Is Food Sensitivity?

Let’s start by breaking down the basics: what exactly is a food sensitivity, and how is it different from a food allergy? Here’s a quick comparison.

  • Food Allergy: When you have a food allergy, your body responds immediately after eating the problematic food. Your immune system identifies the allergen as a threat and releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight it off. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin reactions, or digestive distress. Think of a food allergy as an IgE reaction, which can be quite intense and even life threatening.

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  • Food Sensitivity: A food sensitivity, on the other hand, doesn’t always cause an immediate reaction. You might eat something at the beginning of the week and won’t feel the effects until much later in the week or even month. In this case, your immune system releases immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Symptoms can include digestive problems, headaches, acne, joint pain, and even weight changes. This is what we refer to as an IgG reaction.
  • Food Intolerance: Unlike allergies and sensitivities, food intolerances don’t involve the immune system. Instead, they occur when your digestive system struggles to process certain foods. The most common example is lactose intolerance, where the body cannot break down lactose found in dairy products.

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Understanding these distinctions can help you determine what might be at the root of your symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors at Serene Clinic can help to differentiate between these reactions, and treat each of them.

Common Symptoms of Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivity symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, but here are some of the most common signs that our Naturopathic Doctors hear from patients:

  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Bloating or abdominal discomfort
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Skin issues like eczema or acne
  • Joint pain
  • Weight fluctuations

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Many people suspect they have a food sensitivity when experiencing digestive issues. However, gut problems alone don’t necessarily mean you should rush to get a food sensitivity test. Holistic Doctor Toronto will often look for the root cause of your symptoms first, and explore all differentials.

When your immune system releases IgG antibodies, it can trigger chronic inflammation. Testing during this state can yield false results since the inflammation may cause multiple foods to show up as sensitivities. This is why resolving gut inflammation first is often recommended before pursuing the test.

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How Does a Food Sensitivity Test Work?

At Serene Clinic, we use the RMT FSA IgG Food Sensitivity Test from Rocky Mountain Analytical, which can test for up to 222 different foods. For those following specific diets, vegetarian and vegan panels are also available, excluding certain animal products.

It’s crucial to note that the foods you test for need to be part of your current diet. If you haven’t eaten a particular food (like shellfish or dairy) in months, the test won’t detect it. For accurate results, it’s recommended to consume suspected foods at least twice a week for 3-4 weeks leading up to the test.

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Once your blood sample is collected, it takes about 7-10 days to receive the results. These will then be reviewed by your Naturopathic Doctor, who will explain exactly which foods you are sensitive to and what the plan is going forward.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been struggling with unexplained symptoms and think a food sensitivity might be to blame, working with a Naturopathic Doctor at Serene Clinic can give you the personalized care you need. We’re here to help you uncover the root cause of your health concerns and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique needs.

To match with a Naturopathic Doctor, please reach out to us at sereneclinic.ca or serene.healthclinic@gmail.com

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Connect with a Naturopathic Doctor and Doula near you, whether you are in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario.

Serene Clinic Naturopathic Doctors Book your complimentary meet and greet with an Ontario licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Doula: 

https://sereneclinic.janeapp.com

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Answer: Food allergies trigger an immediate immune response (IgE antibodies), causing potentially severe reactions like hives or breathing difficulties. Intolerances (like lactose intolerance) are digestive issues, not immune-related. Food sensitivities involve a delayed immune response (IgG antibodies), leading to symptoms like bloating, headaches, or skin problems.

 

  • Answer: Food sensitivities can manifest in various ways, including digestive problems (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation), headaches, migraines, skin issues (eczema, acne), joint pain, fatigue, and even mood changes.
  • Answer: A food sensitivity test, like the RMT FSA IgG test used at Serene Clinic, measures your body’s IgG antibody response to different foods. A blood sample is taken and analyzed to identify which foods trigger an immune reaction.
  • Answer: IgG food sensitivity tests can be a helpful tool, but it’s important to understand their limitations. They measure IgG antibodies, which indicate exposure and potential sensitivity, but not necessarily a true allergy. Working with a qualified healthcare practitioner, like a Naturopathic Doctor, is crucial for proper interpretation and personalized recommendations.
  • Answer: The number of foods tested varies depending on the specific test. At Serene Clinic, we use a test that covers up to 222 different foods, including common allergens and various food groups. Vegetarian and vegan panels are also available.
  • Answer: Yes, for accurate results, you should be consuming the foods you want to test at least twice a week for 3-4 weeks before the test. This ensures your body has had recent exposure, allowing for a more accurate IgG antibody measurement.
  • Answer: Typically, it takes about 7-10 days to receive your food sensitivity test results after your blood sample is collected.
  • Answer: Your Naturopathic Doctor will review your results with you, explaining which foods you showed sensitivities to and developing a personalized plan to manage your symptoms. This plan may involve dietary changes, gut healing protocols, and other natural therapies.
  • Answer: A food sensitivity test helps identify potential triggers, but it’s not a cure. By identifying and temporarily eliminating trigger foods, you can reduce inflammation and allow your body to heal. Your Naturopathic Doctor will guide you through this process and help you address the root cause of your symptoms.
  • Answer: Serene Clinic in Toronto offers comprehensive food sensitivity testing with experienced Naturopathic Doctors. We provide personalized care and support to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall health. You can book a complimentary meet and greet on our website or contact us directly.

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