Food sensitivity, also called food intolerance, is often confused with a food allergy. A food allergy is an immune system reaction that can affect organs throughout the body. It can cause dangerous, life-threatening health conditions. Food sensitivity is usually not life-threatening, but can still can cause severe symptoms. If you have a food sensitivity, your body can't properly digest a certain food, or a food bothers your digestive system. Symptoms of food sensitivity are usually digestive problems such as abdominal pain, nausea, gas, and diarrhea.
What happens during food sensitivity testing?
The testing will begin with the Doctor performing a physical exam and asking about your symptoms. After that, blood will be drawn and food sensitivity blood testing will be ordered. We utilize Alletess Medical Laboratory for food sensitivity blood testing.
What do the results mean?
If the results show that you have a food sensitivity, the treatment is to avoid the food. There is no cure for food sensitivity, but eliminating the food from your diet should prevent the symptoms. Avoiding sensitivity-causing foods can involve carefully reading labels on packaged goods. It also means you need to explain the sensitivity to anyone who prepares or serves food for you.