One finds out very quickly when they have a serious allergy to something like peanuts, shrimp or lactose. A serious allergic reaction triggers antibodies that are released resulting in immediate symptoms affecting multiple organs, which can be severe or even life threatening.
However, there is another phenomena that can occur and that is when one has reactions to certain foods that are not a full blown allergic reaction. We refer to these as food sensitivities or food intolerances. A food sensitivity is usually a delayed reaction which can lead to gastrointestinal problems and chronic inflammation issues. Most people are unaware of these sensitivities. Even though they may be experiencing symptoms, they may not know what is causing them.
The following symptoms have been linked to food sensitivities:
- Fatigue
- Cognitive impairment
- Headaches
- Achy joints
- Upset stomach
- Gas, IBS and other bowel issues
- Metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and inability to lose weight
- Inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, arthritis and other autoimmune disorders
To find out if you have certain food sensitivities, our office uses the ALCAT Test, which is generally recognized as the leading source for food sensitivity testing.
How the ALCAT Test is performed
We will give you a kit that you will take to a lab where you will get blood drawn, which is then sent overnight to the lab that performs the testing. Your white blood cells are tested for immunoglobulin reactions against foods and other substances. After testing, the results are presented in a clear and easy to read color-coded format.
The Alcat Test measures cellular reactions and is designed to assess sensitivities to a wide array of foods, chemicals and environmental substances. These sensitivities have been shown to be associated with both acute and chronic conditions. Someone with unknown food sensitivities can definitely benefit from knowing how food plays a role in your body. The Alcat Test allows you to take advantage of leading technology to create a personalized nutrition plan resulting in benefits that can be seen and felt.
Results of the Testing
The results from the Alcat Test can help determine which foods and other substances may trigger unwanted inflammation. This information is compiled into a personalized nutrition plan based on your immune response, which can assist with food choices that are better for your health. By cutting out those foods that you have intolerances for, you can desensitize these over time. As a result, many clinical symptoms associated with food sensitivity may be substantially improved or possibly prevented altogether. The Alcat Test may help uncover which foods and other substances trigger chronic inflammation and its related health issues.
Medical studies using the Alcat Test to guide diet have shown significant improvement of many common symptoms. To date, the Alcat Test has helped over half a million people to improve their health.
Included with the Alcat Test results is an individualized nutrition plan, based on your immune system, that enables you to make food choices that are better suited for your health and well-being. With the Alcat Test many clinical symptoms associated with food and chemical sensitivities can be substantially improved or possibly prevented altogether.
The test results include:
- An easy to understand color-coded test report.
- Foods to avoid list.
- A comprehensive “Understanding your Alcat Test Results” guidebook.
- A personalized rotation plan.
- A practical shopping guide and restaurant card.