Diet contributes significantly to wellness, but, at times, it may also be a source of discomfort or health issues. For most individuals, the struggle is in figuring out if the symptoms they are experiencing are from a food allergy or food intolerance. This is where a Food Allergy Test or a Food Intolerance Test comes into play. These tests help determine which foods are the problem and thus help you manage your health. But what is the process for these tests, and how do you know if you need one? Let’s have a look.
Food Allergy Test vs. Food Intolerance Test
The next step to making the right food choices is knowing the difference between a Food Allergy Test and a Food Intolerance Test.
Food Allergy Test
A food allergy is a reaction caused by the immune system towards a particular protein. Allergens can cause reactions including hives, swelling, or, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis, even ingested in small amounts. In a Food Allergy Test, such responses are measured to determine which foods are likely to result in allergic reactions.
Food Intolerance Test
Unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve immune reaction cause. Rather, they are due to the inability of the body to properly digest certain foods and, therefore, would lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, or headaches. A Food Intolerance Test can identify foods that have sensitivities and contribute to the problems you are experiencing daily.
Thus, both tests have several applications but are useful in different ways to provide health benefits by modifying diet based on the body’s condition.
10 Signs You Might Need a Food Allergy Test or Food Intolerance Test
Ten key signs should alert you to the need for testing:
- Frequent Digestive Issues
As they say, the stomach is connected to the brain, and digestive flirting brings food intolerances to the fore. If, after each meal, similar problems arise, there may be food exclusions such as lactose, gluten, etc. In the aftermath of painful digestive problems that end in vomiting, a Food Allergy Test would be recommended especially when the reactions seem to be an immediate shock after intake of specific food products.
- Unexplained Skin Problems
Food allergy can cause skin reactions such as eczema, hives, rashes, and swelling. These reactions are known as food-induced allergies, which develop in the immune system after ingesting the offending food. In case of these allergenic skin flare-ups you often experience after consuming certain foods, there’s the need to do a Food Allergy Test to trace the source.
- Chronic Fatigue
Being exhausted or having low energy can be symptoms of a food intolerance. One possible explanation may be that the person is intolerant to the foods they eat, and their bodies cannot digest and use them to the fullest. A Food Intolerance Test can help you discover these triggers to avoid them in your diet and feel better.
- Headaches or Migraines
Migraines or headaches occurring typically after meals can also point to food intolerance (to something like caffeine, chocolate, or certain types of cheese.) Sometimes, these can also present a food allergy with more severe symptoms. Fortunately, testing can determine if the headaches you are experiencing are food-related, thus making it easy to avoid any cause.
- Nasal Congestion or Sinus Problems
Food allergies can also be indicated by persistent congestion, sneezing, or sinusitis after eating. This is often associated with allergens such as peanuts, milk, or shellfish. If these nasal symptoms tend to increase after ingesting a specific type of food, then a Food Allergy Test would be useful in showing whether these foods are a factor in these symptoms.
- Joint Pain or Inflammation
Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness without any known causes may indicate that some foods have inflammatory elements in the body. For instance, some foods such as dairy, gluten, and processed meats have been cited to aggravate the joints in some people. A food intolerance test will verify the effects of patients reporting pain from irritation from such foods.
- Breathing Difficulties
Experiencing wheeziness, shortness of breath, or asthma-like signs after taking in some meals may indicate a very grave condition known as a food allergy. Food allergies such as peanut, tree nut, and shellfish allergies can trigger anaphylaxis complications, which cause the affected individual to have breathing difficulties. As a matter of urgency, if a food allergy is hindering your breath, you should take a Food Allergy Test as soon as possible.
- Unexplained Weight Changes
Development or reduction in body weight within a short period without a substantial shift in diet and exercise may be related to food intolerances. Intolerances, including gluten or dairy, slow your metabolism and impose limits on digestion, making it difficult for them to manage their weight. It is also made clear whether these changes are resulting from food sensitivities.
- Behavioral Changes
Food allergies or intolerances lead to mood changes when hyperactivity and attention doping irritability combine, which is more common in children. To illustrate, children with undiagnosed food sensitivities may manifest behavioral problems or discomfort, including frequent crying episodes, tantrums, or an inability to concentrate. If certain foods hurt behavior, the cause may be a Food Allergy Test or Food Intolerance Test to establish the problem.
- Recurring Stomach Pain
Intense or consistent, this pain is somewhat relieved after a meal, mainly containing any kind of social gluten foods, which is considered a sign of food intolerance. Creams, food containing gluten, and fatty foods are examples of such foods which affect the digestive system. More serious repugnance reactions in certain instances can suggest an allergy to food. Still, most importantly, if you are having top stomach pain on a frequent basis, the stomach area itself should be investigated further, and a Food Allergy Test or a Food Intolerance Test should be done to find out what exactly may be the problem.
Read also: The Convenience of Shopping for Superfoods Online: A Healthy Australian Trend
The Final Words
Regardless of whether you are experiencing acute symptoms or simply wish to know how well your body understands its allergic reactions – a Food Allergy Test or a Food Intolerance Test is sure to come in handy. The benefits of these tests extend beyond identifying the offending food to promoting a healthy and balanced way of living. Such focused allergen and or intolerance identification enables consumptive choices that are beneficial to health.
