Allergy Testing
Allergy testing is a vital tool for diagnosing and managing allergic reactions, which can significantly impact your quality of life. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances, leading to a range of symptoms. Allergy testing helps identify specific allergens that trigger these reactions, allowing for targeted treatment and management.
Why Perform Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing is performed for several key reasons:
- Identifying Allergens: It helps pinpoint the exact substances causing allergic reactions, whether they are environmental, food-related, or due to other triggers.
- Understanding Symptoms: Accurate testing can clarify the relationship between your symptoms and potential allergens, guiding effective management and avoidance strategies.
- Developing Treatment Plans: By knowing which allergens are affecting you, we can develop a personalized treatment plan, including avoidance strategies, lifestyle changes, and possible therapies to manage and mitigate symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Allergies
Symptoms of allergies can vary widely depending on the type of allergen and the individual's response. Common symptoms include:
- Respiratory Issues: Sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, and wheezing.
- Digestive Problems: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Skin Reactions: Rashes, hives, itching, and eczema.
- Neurological Symptoms: Headaches and brain fog.
- General Symptoms: Fatigue, irritability, and mood changes.
What the Allergy Tests Measure
Allergy Testing evaluates different types of immune responses and identifies specific allergens. These tests include:
IgE Testing: Measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which are produced in response to allergens. Elevated IgE levels indicate an immediate allergic reaction to specific foods. This test is commonly used to diagnose classic allergic reactions like hay fever or asthma.
Foods tested - Dairy Cow's Milk Egg Egg White, Chicken Fruits Apple, Banana, Orange, Peach Vegetables Carrot, White Potato Fish/Shellfish Blue Mussel, Cod, Salmon, Shrimp, Tuna Grains/Legumes/Nuts Almond, Brazil Nut, Buckwheat, Coconut, Corn, Green Pea, Hazelnut, Oat, Peanut, Rice, Soybean, Wheat, Whole, White Bean Miscellaneous Sesame Seed
IgG Testing: Detects Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which can indicate delayed hypersensitivity or food sensitivities. Elevated IgG levels suggest that your immune system is reacting to certain foods, potentially leading to symptoms like digestive issues or chronic inflammation. This test helps identify potential food intolerances or sensitivities that may not cause immediate reactions.
Foods Tested - Dairy Casein, Cheddar Cheese, Cow's Milk, Goat's Milk, Whey Fish/Shellfish Clam, Cod, Crab, Halibut, Lobster, Salmon, Scallop, Shrimp, Sole, Trout, Tuna Grains/Legumes/Nuts Almond, Barley, Buckwheat, Chestnut, Chickpea, Coconut, Corn, Gliadin, Wheat, Gluten, Wheat, Green Bean, Green Pea, Hazelnut, Kidney Bean, Lentil, Lima Bean, Oat, Peanut, Pecan, Pinto Bean, Rye, Soybean, Spelt, Walnut, Wheat, Whole, White Rice Fruits Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberry, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Grape, Lemon, Olive, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Plum, Raspberry, Strawberry Meat/Poultry Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Turkey Egg Egg White, Chicken, Egg Yolk, Chicken, Egg Whole, Duck Misc/Herbs/Spices Baker's / Brewer's Yeast, Button Mushroom, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Bean (Chocolate), Coffee Bean, Flaxseed, Ginger, Honey, Oregano, Sesame Seed, Sunflower Seed Vegetables: Asparagus, Avocado, Beet, Broccoli / Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Lettuce, Onion, Pumpkin, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Tomato, White Potato Candida Screen: Candida Albicans
IgA Testing: Measures Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies, which play a crucial role in mucosal immunity, such as in the gut and respiratory tract. Elevated or reduced IgA levels can indicate issues with mucosal immunity and may be associated with conditions like chronic sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or celiac disease.
Foods Tested - Dairy Casein, Cheddar Cheese, Cow's Milk, Goat's Milk, Whey Fish/Shellfish Clam, Cod, Crab, Halibut, Lobster, Salmon, Scallop, Shrimp, Sole, Trout, Tuna Grains/Legumes/Nuts Almond, Barley, Buckwheat, Chestnut, Chickpea, Coconut, Corn, Gliadin, Wheat, Gluten, Wheat, Green Bean, Green Pea, Hazelnut, Kidney Bean, Lentil, Lima Bean, Oat, Peanut, Pecan, Pinto Bean, Rye, Soybean, Spelt, Walnut, Wheat, Whole, White Rice Fruits Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberry, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Grape, Lemon, Olive, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Plum, Raspberry, Strawberry Meat/Poultry Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Turkey Egg Egg White, Chicken, Egg Yolk, Chicken, Egg Whole, Duck Misc/Herbs/Spices Baker's / Brewer's Yeast, Button Mushroom, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Bean (Chocolate), Coffee Bean, Flaxseed, Ginger, Honey, Oregano, Sesame Seed, Sunflower Seed Vegetables: Asparagus, Avocado, Beet, Broccoli / Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Lettuce, Onion, Pumpkin, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Tomato, White Potato Candida Screen: Candida Albicans
By performing these tests, we can provide a comprehensive understanding of your allergic reactions and sensitivities, allowing us to create a targeted plan to manage and alleviate your symptoms effectively.
Take the Next Step Towards Better Health
Gaining a clear understanding with an allergy profile is an essential step toward optimizing your overall well-being. Whether you're addressing specific health concerns or aiming to ensure your body functions at its best, an Allergy test provides invaluable insights to guide your health journey.
- Order Your Test: If you'd like to begin with testing before a consultation, you can conveniently order your test first. Once your results are ready, we’ll connect to review them in detail - or if you are wanting a more in depth treatment -
- Book a Consultation: Ready to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and embark on a personalized wellness plan? Book an appointment today! Together, we’ll create a tailored strategy to address your unique health needs and help you achieve your optimal health goals.