A serious allergic reaction to foods like shellfish or peanuts can trigger antibodies that are released, resulting in immediate symptoms affecting multiple organs, which can be severe or even life-threatening, but this is not the same thing as a food sensitivity.
However, there are other phenomena that can occur and that is when someone has reactions to certain foods that are not a full-blown allergic reaction. We refer to these as food sensitivities or food intolerances.
Food sensitivity is usually a delayed reaction that 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, Hashimoto’s Disease, and other autoimmune disorders
Because gut health plays such a big role in how the endocrine system functions, we offer the ALCAT food sensitivity testing to our hormone and thyroid patients exclusively.
How the ALCAT Test is performed
We will give you a kit that you will take to a lab where you will get your blood drawn. It 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 that we offer to our patients is the ALCAT Platinum Plus, which includes:
- 250 different foods
- 50 functional foods and medicinal herbs
- 30 food additives, colorings, and preservatives
- 20 molds
- 20 antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents
The 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 Food Sensitivity 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 to, 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, this food sensitivity testing 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.
The ALCAT test is available for both new and existing patients. If you are a new patient interested in seeing one of our providers only for this testing, we will have you complete a health questionnaire. After your provider reviews your health questionnaire, she will contact you for a 30-minute phone consultation to go over your questionnaire, along with your symptoms, and concerns, and then you can purchase the test from our office. All that’s required is that you go to a lab and have your blood drawn. Once results are back in, your provider will schedule a 30-60 minute appointment with you to go over your results, along with recommendations for getting your health back on track!
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for a Free Phone Consultation. She can explain our protocols and fees in more detail, so that you can enjoy a more vibrant and healthy life!
Contact our New Patient Coordinator at 972-960-4800
Or complete the form below and she will contact you. There is no obligation to this consultation. If you feel we are a good fit for you, our New Patient Coordinator can also get you booked for your first appointment.