Food Allergy Testing (IgG Blood Spot Testing)

 

What are antibodies?

When an allergic reaction happens, the immune system reacts by releasing cells called antibodies. Foods and inhaled particles that provoke the release of antibodies are called allergens. Two commonly released ant-bodies are IgE (immunoglobulin E) & IgG (immunoglobulin G).

 

What are delayed onset allergies ?

Delayed onset allergies or IgG allergic reactions occur over several days or hours. With an IgG allergic reaction, IgG antibodies attach themselves to the allergen and create and antibody-allergen complex. These complexes are normally removed by special cells in the liver and spleen called macrophages, but if they are present in large numbers and the allergen continues to be consumed or inhaled the body is not able to remove them fast enough. The antibody-allergen complexes accumulate and are deposited in body tissue causing the release of inflammation causing chemiclas which can contribute to a number of health related issues such as:

 

  • Headaches
  • Hyperactivity
  • Asthma & other respiratory disorders
  • Skin conditions
  • Joint pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Weight gain
  • Digestive issues ( constipation, diarrhea, crohn's, colitis)
  • chronic allergic symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes)
  • Inability to concentrate

 

How is the test done?

IgG blood spot testing requires a simple finger poke, either at home or in the practitioner's office. The blood from the finger poke is used to saturate test strips. These test strips are then sent off to the lab for testing.

 

How do I prepare for the test?

You should enjoy a wide variety of foods for 3 days before the test.

 

What will the results show?

Results will include a report and a detailed graph with your immune response to foods or inhalents tested.

 

Can you also test for other allergies?

Yes, testing can also be done for candida and allergies to grasses, household dust, cats, dogs, dust mites and molds.

 

Will medication affect the testing?

Medications that enhance antibody levels such as prednisone or other steroids or immune suppressants will affect test results.

Anti-histamines WILL NOT affect test results.

 

Which test should I choose?

the following tests are availabe:

Standard 96 Food Panel

Vegetarian Food Panel

48 Herbs and Spice Panel

16 Mini Inhalent

 

Johns Hopkins Agrees

Researchers at John Hopkins did a thorough review of the literature in 2010 and concluded, “among modalities used by many conventional and alternative practitioners, immunoglobulin G (IgG)-based [food allergy] testing showed promise, with clinically meaningful results. It has been proven useful as a guide for elimination diets, with clinical impact for a variety of diseases.” Mullin GE, Swift KM, Lipski L, Turnbull LK, Rampertab SD. Testing for food reactions: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Nutr Clin Pract. 2010 Apr;25(2):192-8.

 

Is testing covered by my insurance company?

most health care providers will cover the testing

 


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