29 Mar Are food sensitivity tests accurate?

It feels like gut health issues are on the rise. Food allergies, intolerances, and that unwell feeling we associate with sensitivities have become a mainstay of people’s lives. Food sensitivities are on the rise. It’s not uncommon for people to contact our practice to ask about testing,  searching for relief.

What are food sensitivities?

A food sensitivity is a complex and not fully understood response to certain foods, potentially linked to elevated levels of specific IgG class antibodies reacting to those foods. Unlike a genuine food allergy, food sensitivity symptoms may not appear until several days after consuming the offending food. This delayed reaction and the vague nature of symptoms can make it challenging to identify food sensitivities, leading them to go undetected for years. Common indicators of food sensitivity include bloating, migraines, and diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of an unhealthy gut?

Symptoms of an unhealthy gut are diverse, and many patients don’t necessarily link their feeling unwell to their gut health. Here are common symptoms:

• Bloating
• Migraines
• Diarrhea
• Cramping
• Foggy brain
• High stress or anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances and fatigue
• A lowered immune system

It’s not always clear why you are feeling unwell, but as dietitian nutritionists, we tend to start with the gut. But don’t go pointing your finger at food sensitivities just yet.

What causes disruptions to gut health?

We aren’t just what we eat. Our digestive health is a result of everything around us: our environment, family history, health history, mental health, nutrition, exercise habits, medications, and more. As functional dietitian nutritionists, we need to get to the why behind your gut health problems.

Some causes of gastrointestinal problems include:

• stress
• too little sleep
• lack of physical activity
• eating too many ultra-processed foods
• smoking, excessive alcohol, and drug use
• taking antibiotics
• eating a diet low in fiber
• traveling or other changes in routine
• dating large amounts of dairy products
• resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
• overusing anti-diarrheal medications that, over time, weaken the bowel muscle movements called motility
• taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
• taking certain medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and strong pain medications)
• pregnancy
• co-occurring medical conditions: ADHD, autism, bulimia, BED, and anorexia, among others

You can imagine, it can be hard to pinpoint the causes of your digestive health problems, and there’s not just one test that can identify what’s happening. Gut health problems require a functional, holistic nutritionist approach to diagnose and treat them.

Are food sensitivity tests accurate?

“Food sensitivity” isn’t an official diagnosis, and pin-prick blood tests are one tool we have, but we generally don’t start there. A food sensitivity test tests for the presence of IgG antibodies, and there isn’t enough data to support the exclusive use of these tests in diagnosing adverse reactions to food.

Our first recommendation is that our patients see their health practitioner to rule out any serious problems related to gut health. Then, when you walk in our door looking for answers, we recommend our patients take the Gut Zoomer test, to assess the health of the microbiome. It can assess bacteria, yeast, viruses, and parasites in the gut microbiome, alongside relevant digestive and inflammatory markers. The panel measures hundreds of species of microbes at once. At this time, it is the most comprehensive digestive health test on the market.

We find that most of our patients don’t need to continue testing after the Gut Zoomer.

We do offer the Food Sensitivity Pinnertest for those who want to continue to look deeper. It is an at-home pinprick test and it can provide more information about your body. 

Based on all the testing, your health history, your medications, your environment, your sleep hygiene, and more, we can come up with a diet plan tailored to meet your specific needs. We also can provide you with strategies to improve your relationship with food and body, empowering you to make the best choices for your wellness.

Nobody should have to go through the days in a fog, feeling rotten. We are here to listen to you and provide you with compassionate care. An individualized nutrition plan might just be the remedy you need!!

Try these delicious snacks to support your digestive health:

• Chia Seed Pudding:
• • Mix 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1/2 cup of your choice of milk (such as almond milk, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt).
  • Add a dash of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness (optional).
  • Stir well and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency.
  • Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of nuts for added fiber and flavor.

• Roasted Chickpeas:
• • Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings (such as garlic powder, cumin, paprika, or chili powder).
  • Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes until crispy, stirring halfway through.
  • Let the roasted chickpeas cool before enjoying them as a crunchy, fiber-rich snack.