Lot of people keep coming to me for more advice on their diet and how it affects them after eating certain meals. I usually recommend a FIT test for food sensitivity or intolerance reactions.
Some food complications arose because of allergies, such as with Alex, who always returned with some side effects after following a certain type of diet. It took me a while to diagnose what could have been the caused.
After a series of research on diet, some amazing discovery was made which I took time to explain to him and gave him some advice on what to do. He followed it and now he is doing perfect.
For those who have been asking, I’d like to talk about Fit test, food sensitivities and intolerance reactions today.
Food sensitivities and associated diseases affect 100 million individuals globally. Skin rashes, headaches, and chronic digestive difficulties are just some signs of food allergies.
Read on to have a comprehensive knowledge of the various food sensitivities and intolerance reactions and how to handle them.
To begin, what is the FIT Test?
Otherwise known as the food sensitivity testing, The FIT Test is a Delayed Food Sensitivity Test that uses food to detect inflammation. FIT means the Food Inflammation Test.
To determine each sample’s reactivity against an array of food antigens, the test integrates innovative technologies that simultaneously detect both IgG Antibody and Immune Complexes.
When compared to other tests that only detect IgG, combining IgG and Immune Complexes improves sensitivity. The FIT Test uses a simple blood sample to diagnose food sensitivities, and you’ll receive an easy-to-understand 3-page report.
We help you completely comprehend your results in a way that is tailored to your specific health needs. A 7-Day customized Meal Plan designed by a professional meal planner is included with every FIT Test.
What Is Food Sensitivity?
We normally think of severe, fast reactions like hives, Epi Pens, and anaphylactic shock when our bodies don’t agree with the food we’ve eaten. Food sensitivities vary from person to person. Unlike traditional food allergies, these adverse reactions can be delayed and are rarely fatal.
Many people, however, are unaware that dietary sensitivities might affect our health and emotions. Undiagnosed food sensitivities are also common. These inexplicable and exceedingly unique food sensitivities can induce unpleasant and undesired symptoms. Though they are less frightening than food allergies.
Fortunately, with increased understanding and food sensitivity testing capabilities, recognizing which foods may be linked to an unpleasant symptom is getting easier.
Food sensitivity is a complex and poorly understood reaction to food that is linked to elevated levels of certain IgG class antibodies that are reactive to that food. Unlike a true food allergy, food sensitivity symptoms might appear several days after consumption.
Because of delayed reaction times and ambiguous symptoms that mimic common ailments, people with food sensitivities can go a lifetime without realizing they have them. Bloating, headaches, and diarrhea are all symptoms that could show food sensitivity.
Intolerance reactions
Dietary intolerance is a broad phrase that refers to a variety of unfavorable food reactions that result in symptoms after consuming certain foods. Stomach pain, bloating, gas/flatulence, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rashes, hives (urticaria), recurring mouth ulcers, or headaches are examples of these symptoms.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on overall health and wellness if food intolerance is not effectively handled.
Food allergies and intolerance are sometimes mistaken or mislabeled. They affect the immune system, but food intolerance affects the digestive system.
Food intolerance (save for sulphite and benzoate reactions) does not induce anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) that can be life threatening, unlike IgE antibody-mediated food allergy.
Non-IgE mediated food allergies are commonly taken to be food intolerance, but because they involve the immune system, they are distinct from food intolerance that do not.
Some of the natural substances that cause food intolerance
Proteins, carbs, lipids, many nutrients, and a variety of natural substances make up foods. These naturally occurring compounds are commonly used to flavor and scent food; however, they might cause symptoms in some people.
1. Lactose intolerance
It’s an example of an enzyme deficit, which happens when people are born with insufficient lactate enzymes to digest lactose in cow’s milk and other dairy products. Some people later develop insufficient lactate enzymes in life. After eating dairy products, this might cause bloating, gas/flatulence, stomach distress, and diarrhea. This condition is unpleasant but not life-threatening, and it does not result in rashes or anaphylaxis. Lactose removal and reintroduction are used to diagnose.
2. Monosodium glutamate
A Japanese chemist first isolated it from seaweed in 1908. Camembert cheese, Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, soy sauce, and mushrooms all contain glutamates naturally. MSG activates nerve endings, which could explain why it’s employed as a flavor enhancer in food.
3. Salicylates
Salicylates are aspirin-like compounds that exist naturally in a variety of plants, spices, fruits, and vegetables. Salicylate responses may be more common than those caused by artificial colors and preservatives. Salicylates can aggravate hives in certain people since aspirin can cause them by acting directly on skin mast cells.
4. Vasoactive amines
Tyramine, serotonin, and histamine are all known migraine causes for certain people. Pineapples, bananas, baked meat, vegetables, red wine, wood-matured white wine, avocados, chocolate, citrus fruits, and mature cheese all contain them naturally.
Amines have the ability to directly increase the capacity of small blood vessels. Some people may develop flushes, headaches, and nasal congestion because of this.
5. Toxins
Toxins can cause severe symptoms. Food poisoning can result from the contamination of food with microorganisms (such as bacteria) or their products (because of deterioration). Some varieties of fish, for example, can have their gut bacteria convert histidine to histamine, causing allergy-like symptoms.
The 8 most common food intolerances?
Food allergies are more frequent than you might believe. Food intolerances, while not as dangerous (or potentially fatal) as food allergies, can be exceedingly uncomfortable and problematic for people who suffer from them.
It affects roughly 20% of the world’s population, ranging from lactose or gluten intolerance to issues with FODMAPs. These intolerances can have several health consequences, ranging from stomach pain to the inability to properly digest meals.
Understanding the most common food intolerances and associated symptoms will aid you in making healthier dietary choices. The most frequent dietary intolerances to be aware of are listed below.
1. Dairy (Lactose)
Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar present in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance affects over 68 percent of the global population. Regrettably, only a small percentage of these people are aware of their eating habits.
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency in lactase enzymes, which inhibits lactose from being digested and causes stomach discomfort.
The intensity of your troubles will determine the severity of your symptoms. This sickness can be detected with a PH test from your feces, a breath test, or a blood test. Lactose sensitivity in your genetic makeup could be determined through a DNA test.
If you suspect you have a problem digesting lactose items like milk and ice cream, start avoiding them or consult your doctor. Lactose intolerance sufferers may find fermented goods like kefir easier to digest.
2. Amines
Sensitivities to food additives are becoming more widespread. During the preservation and fermentation of foods, bacteria produce amines. Histamine is the most well-known amine, which may be found in a variety of foods and aids in neurological, digestive, and immunological system control.
The body benefits from histamine and other amines. These substances help defend the body from infection by triggering inflammatory reactions like itching and sneezing, which wash away invaders. A malfunction of the enzymes that break down histamine is the most common cause of histamine intolerance in persons who do not have intolerance.
Diamine oxidase and N-methyltransferase are enzymes that break down histamine. These enzymes may cause intolerance symptoms such as flushing, headaches, anxiety, stomach cramps, hives, and low blood pressure if you’re deficient in them or they don’t work well in your system.
Avoid foods naturally high in histamine, such as cured meats, fermented meals, dried and citrus fruits, or avocados, if you have histamine intolerance. Amines can also be found in smoked salmon, aged cheeses, and soured foods like buttermilk.
3. Gluten
Gluten is a term used to describe proteins found in grains such as barley, rye, wheat, and triticale. It is linked to several illnesses, including non-celiac gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. The immune system reaction defines celiac disease.
Wheat allergies and celiac disease are sometimes misunderstood because of similar symptoms. Allergies produce antibodies to specific wheat proteins, but celiac disease is caused by aberrant immune system reactions.
When you don’t have a wheat allergy or celiac disease but still have symptoms like bloating and constipation, you may have gluten sensitivity, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Up to 13% of the population suffers from this minor form of gluten sensitivity.
Gluten sensitivity can also cause joint pain and a rash, as well as melancholy, anxiety, and anemia. Like other food intolerances, your doctor will recommend that you follow a gluten-free diet that excludes crackers, beer, bread, cereals, pasta, and other similar foods. Read all the things you need to know about gluten intolerance here.
4. Yeast
One out of every three people has a yeast allergy. If you don’t have a yeast allergy but don’t feel well after eating a range of yeast-based meals, it could be a sign of intolerance. Yeast intolerance causes stomach pain and bloating.
You can gain weight and have skin problems like eczema or rashes. People with yeast infections often experience sleepiness and fatigue. Yeast intolerance is distinct from alcohol intolerance, which is significantly less common.
You may need to avoid some types of alcohol since they contain yeast (like beer). Certain meals, such as baked goods and condiments, may also need to be avoided.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine is a bitter but energetic stimulant that can be found in a variety of foods, including chocolate, coffee, energy drinks, and tea. As a stimulant, caffeine lowers weariness and enhances alertness when consumed. The treatment works by blocking adenosine receptors, which would otherwise cause sleepiness.
Most adults can consume up to 400mg of caffeine per day, experiencing no negative consequences. This is roughly equivalent to four cups of coffee in terms of caffeine. Caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person.
Caffeine hypersensitivity has been linked to heredity, and a diminished ability to properly eliminate or metabolize caffeine.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, this could mean that even a modest amount of the stimulant will cause you to feel symptoms. Hours after a cup of coffee, you may have significant levels of anxiety, anxiousness, or restlessness, as well as a struggle to fall asleep.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, limit your consumption by avoiding caffeine-containing foods and beverages.
6. FODMAPs
Fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-, and polysaccharides and polyols are known as FODMAPs. FODMAPs, which are absorbed by the small intestine and transported to the large intestine, can provide fuel to the stomach bacteria. FODMAPs are broken down and fermented by the bacteria, causing discomfort, bloating, gas, and stomach pain.
Soft cheeses, apples, bread, lentils, milk, and artichokes are among the foods that are high in FODMAPs.
Fructose, a simple sugar found in fruits and vegetables, is perhaps the most prevalent FODMAP to induce sensitivity. Fructose consumption from sweetened beverages is at an all-time high, and it may be connected to heart disease and obesity.
If you have fructose intolerance, you may find it difficult to absorb the sugar into your blood, which means it may travel to your intestine and ferment, producing abdominal suffering and discomfort.
7. Eggs
People can be allergic to eggs, but they can also be intolerant of them. Egg intolerance can cause dermatitis and other skin disorders, as well as symptoms like stool irregularity and bloating. Your body may react to different sections of the egg, including the yolk, white, or both, if you have egg intolerance.
Even when eating meals with an egg as an ingredient, people with egg intolerances frequently have stomach issues and skin disorders.
If you suspect you have egg intolerance, stay away from all meals that contain eggs. You can also substitute other foods for some vitamins and nutrients you’ll be losing out on if you don’t eat eggs. Nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes, for example, are excellent sources of vitamins A, B, D, and E.
8. Salicylates
Plants manufacture salicylates as a natural defense against environmental stressors, including insects and illness. They’re a potential cause of intolerance symptoms, while being natural and even useful to certain people (because of anti-inflammatory characteristics).
Salicylates can be found in a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, coffees, nuts, spices, teas, and honey. They are commonly employed as a preservative in many pharmaceuticals, besides being a natural component of several foods.
Salicylates in inconsiderable amounts should not be damaging to your health. If you have a sensitivity, though, you may have strange symptoms after consuming particular goods.
Because it’s nearly impossible to entirely eliminate salicylates from your diet, if you have this sensitivity, you may need to avoid foods high in salicylates, such as coffee, spices, oranges, and raisins. Cosmetics and drugs might also be harmful.
Symptoms of food sensitivity: How do I know I have food sensitivities?
Do you suffer symptoms like brain fog, exhaustion, headaches, joint pain, or stomach problems that come and go without warning? Or do you simply don’t feel well and believe it is because of your diet?
If this is the case, you may suffer from undetected food sensitivity. The food to which you are allergic could be something you would never expect. Indeed, it’s possible that a seemingly “harmless” meal you’ve been eating (perhaps regularly for the rest of your life!) is to blame for your symptoms!
Yes, even if you follow a clean, Paleo, or AIP diet, food sensitivities can cause symptoms.
More people are being diagnosed with Celiac disease these days than ever before. As public awareness of the ailment has grown, more diagnoses and treatments have become available for patients who were previously suffering in silence.
We did not know that people could have gluten intolerances until recently, and this discovery has affected the lives of countless people.
It’s tempting to wonder if you fit into one of these groups when everyone around you appears to be on a special diet. We’ve all had the experience of eating an enormous meal followed by a stomachache. However, feeling that way every day is not a good way to live.
Here’s how to tell if you have a food sensitivity or intolerance when you suffer from indigestion, nausea, or extreme gastrointestinal discomfort after most meals.
To begin, determine whether you have a full-blown food allergy.
Although sensitivity might cause discomfort or indigestion, an allergy can be fatal. An allergic reaction might cause hives, a swollen throat, and stinging or tingling of the lips, as well as nausea, stomach cramps, excessive gas, and weariness.
Symptoms are usually immediate and can be severe, according to Sonya Angelone, R.D. an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesman. If you suspect you have an allergy, avoid the offending food and get tested as soon as possible.
How Can You Tell If You Have Food Sensitivities?
Laboratory testing is the most accurate way to determine your individual food sensitivities. The best test to use is 96IGG food sensitivity test, which tests for 96 distinct foods. The results are usually available in three weeks. A physician reviews and interprets the data after they are got, and a personalized nutrition plan is created.
A rotation diet, shopping lists, foods to avoid, and food substitutes should all be part of your eating plan. Substituting cashew butter for peanut butter, or coconut flour for wheat flour, for example. Most patients are put on a rotating diet for six months, after which they can gradually reintroduce foods one at a time to see if the sensitivity has resolved. Every 6-12 months, do re-testing.
What is FIT Test and how is it done
Food-induced inflammation affects over 100 million individuals globally and is thought to be the root cause of a wide range of chronic and acute illnesses. Food inflammation can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from autoimmune illnesses to irritable bowel syndrome.
Food inflammation differs from food allergies and intolerances in that it can be triggered by certain foods harming the integrity of your gut lining, leading to intestinal permeability, or Leaky Gut Syndrome. This can put you at risk for a variety of chronic and debilitating illnesses, many of which are difficult to diagnose and treat. What’s the answer?
The FIT Test is a multi-pathway delayed food inflammatory test that has been patented. This test employs technology to evaluate both IgG and Immune Complexes, two of the body’s most common food-related processes.
This test is unique because it evaluates both the adaptive and innate immune systems, allowing it to detect the body’s inflammatory reaction to food. Depending on how many items you want to test, huemn offers three alternative versions of the FIT Test. The Fit 22, Fit 132, and Fit 176 are all available. See the video below for more information on these exams.
Food sensitivity vs. allergy
Although some symptoms of food intolerance and food allergy are similar, there are significant variations between the two. You may feel terrible after eating a meal you are sensitive to. If you have a serious food allergy, though, your body’s reaction to this meal could be fatal.
Immune system vs. digestive system
In the digestive tract, a food intolerance response occurs when the food is not properly broken down. This could be related to enzyme shortages, dietary additive sensitivities, or natural chemical interactions in foods. Small amounts of food can often be consumed without resulting in any difficulties.
The immune system is involved in a food allergy reaction. Your immune system is in charge of your body’s defense mechanisms.
If you have a cow’s milk allergy, for example, your cow’s milk is recognized by the immune system as an invader or allergy. When your immune system overreacts, antibodies called immunoglobulin E are created (IgE).
Antibodies bind to cells that produce chemicals, triggering an allergic reaction. Each form of IgE has its own “radar” for each allergen.
A food allergy, unlike food intolerance, can cause a significant or even life-threatening reaction even if just a small amount of the food is consumed, touched, or inhaled.
Food allergy symptoms usually manifest themselves on the skin (hives, itchiness, swelling of the skin). Vomiting and diarrhea are two common gastrointestinal complaints. Respiratory symptoms can occur with skin and gastrointestinal symptoms, although they seldom occur on their own.
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FAQs about FIT test-food sensitivity (intolerance reactions)
Can you test for food sensitivity?
Yes, you can test for food sensitivity. The fastest and most accurate way to do your individual food sensitivities test is through laboratory testing.
What is the most accurate way to test for food sensitivities?
There is no perfect test for your doctor to confirm whether you have food sensitivities or food allergy. He can do the following to confirm:
- Observe your symptoms of food sensitivities
- Follow your family history of allergies and food sensitivities
- Physical examination
- Skin test
- Blood test
- Elimination diet
- Oral food challenge
What are the signs of food intolerance?
Food intolerance symptoms range in severity and affect a variety of body systems, including digestion, skin, energy levels, respiration, joints, and even psychological health.
The most prevalent food intolerance symptoms, in our experience, vary from eczema, IBS symptoms, and bloating to joint pain, asthma, fatigue, and anxiety.
What kind of test is a food sensitivity test?
Food sensitivity blood test is a measure of your IgG reactivity levels to different food, using samples of blood. Both food allergies and food sensitivity test are the same.
How do muscles test for food sensitivities?
Muscle testing is a non-invasive method of evaluating the body’s strength or weakness for each chemical tested, based on the notion of applied kinesiology. The elimination process can begin with our direction and help after the substances that cause a system to weaken are identified, and your body can naturally restore its equilibrium.
What are the 3 most common food intolerances?
- Dairy (Lactose)
- Amines
- Gluten
Are sensitivity tests accurate?
Food sensitivity test is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis. However, makers of various blood tests use this term to sell their products and claim to detect food sensitivities. So many people doubt the ability of blood tests to detect food sensitivities.
How long does it take to get a food intolerance out of your system?
Symptoms of food intolerance usually begin within some few hours after eating the food that is intolerant to the body. Symptoms can last up to days, but it can take up to 2 to 6 weeks to completely detox your body from intolerance, such as wheat.
What happens if you keep eating food you’re intolerant?
Food intolerance can change. Some persons may outgrow food intolerance while some develop them overtime. Food intolerance is inconvenient but is not actually life-threatening.
