Food Sensitivity Testing
Are food sensitivities the cause of your disabling and recurring symptoms? Our IgG Food SensitivityTest can help test for food sensitivies through a quick prick of your finger. Results come in as soon as 1 to 2 weeks. $375/test. Must book Initial Naturopathic Visit for full assessment prior to receiving any lab tests.
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What is Food Sensitivity?
Food sensitivity refers to your body's delayed immune reactions to foods that trigger IgG antibodies. In a food sensitivity reaction, the IgG antibodies attach themselves to the food antigen and create an antibody-antigen complex. These complexes are normally removed by special cells called macrophages. However, if theses complexes are present in large quantity and the offending food is still being consumed, then macrophages can’t remove them quickly enough. The food antigen-antibody complexes accumulate and are deposited in various body tissues. These complexes release inflammation causing chemicals, which may play a role in numerous diseases and conditions such as migraines, fatigue, weight gain, irritable bowels and more.
Why Test for IgG Food Sensitivity?
There is good evidence to support the health benefits of eliminating IgG reactive foods from your diet. IgG food sensitivities can be a contributing cause of migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, indigestion, eczema, ADD, fatigue and inability to lose weight. Because IgG food reactions are delayed reactions (taking hours or days to develop) this makes it difficult to determine which food is responsible for the reaction without doing testing.
What types of food are tested?
The standard 120 food antigen test ($375) tests for food in different food categories such as dairy, meat, vegetables, fruits and miscellaneous. The 160 food antigen test ($475) tests for only vegetarian food such as dairy, vegetables and fruits. The 200 food antigen test ($550) tests for a variety of food sources including meat and vegetarian food. You can view a complete itemized list of what is tested here.
How do I book for a Food Sensitivity Test?
You can call our clinics or book online. If you are a new patient to our clinic, or have not seen one of our Naturopathic Doctors, then please book a 60-minute Initial Naturopathic visit ($220). Our Naturopathic Doctors will go over your health history, perform a thorough assessment, take your vitals and recommend the right lab test for you. Please note that the cost of the lab test will be at an additional charge to the visit fee.
What happens after I get my results?
Our Naturopathic Doctors are available to help review your lab tests with you. You can book online for a 15-minute Lab Test Results Review appointment for $40. Some dietary changes and supplements will be recommended during the quick visit. If you feel like you need a more comprehensive consultation, you can also book for a 30 or 45-minute Naturopathic Follow-up Visit.
How are Food Sensitivity Tests billed?
Food Sensitivity tests will be listed as Laboratory Test: IgG Food Sensitivity Test on your receipt. You can call your insurance provider and ask if you have coverage for "Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests" or "Blood Tests". Because we don't direct bill for lab tests, we will provide a detailed receipt for you to submit to your insurance.
What do the results look like?
Here is a sample Food Sensitivity Test result for 120 foods. A full-color PDF will be e-mailed to you within one to two weeks from the date of blood collection. You will need to completely avoid all foods in red, while foods in yellow can be moderately consumed in small quantity.
Patient Fact Sheet
Want more information? You can read more in-depth information on Food Allergy Testing here.