When you become a patient at Arizona Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dr. Horzempa may recommend a variety of tests to get a picture of your total health and wellness. Food allergy testing is one test that you might consider if you deal with issues like frequent digestive discomfort, challenges losing or gaining weight, or severe, unexplained allergic reactions. Surprisingly, Food Allergies may also be linked to symptoms like eczema or wheezing and trouble breathing.
As part of our holistic approach to patient care, food allergy testing provides insight on your nutritional needs and immune health. In addition to addressing individual Food Allergies, we can also help you build a comprehensive dietary plan that caters to your unique body composition.
Why is food allergy testing important in integrative medicine?
You can expect to discuss your diet in extensive detail when you visit an integrative medicine clinic. That’s because what you eat is so strongly linked to your overall health. So, if you are suffering from undiagnosed Food Allergies or food intolerances, your body may be enduring stress caused by your daily diet. Many of the most common food allergens are ingredients found in a wide array of popular dishes and processed foods. These include eggs, wheat, milk, shellfish, soy, peanuts, and fish—in fact 90% of all food allergy cases involve one of these foods.
How does food allergy testing work?
The most common and reliable methods of food allergy testing are a skin-prick test and a blood test. The skin-prick test is an elimination test for common food allergens. It looks for hives or other signs of irritation following exposure to different allergens. A blood test will identify IgEs, which are antibodies to foods that are produced by your immune system.
Are food intolerances the same as food allergies?
A food allergy is not the same as a food intolerance. With Food Allergies, your immune system is falsely identifying a food as a dangerous substance, causing an immune reaction. Food intolerances are digestive disorders wherein the body has difficulty processing certain foods. Identifying or eliminating Food Allergies with appropriate testing may help diagnose food intolerances and immune-system related conditions like Celiac disease.
How are food allergies treated?
Once Food Allergies are diagnosed, the best method for avoiding symptoms is avoiding foods that trigger them. However, you may respond positively to enzyme and probiotic therapies to improve discomforts caused by different Food Allergies. Dr. Horzempa will work closely with you to identify what works best for your needs and lifestyle.