
Do some foods that you used to enjoy suddenly no longer agree with you? Maybe you sometimes experience bloating, cramps, and pain that can vary in severity and duration after eating a type of food? If so, there is a good chance you have food sensitivity, a digestive issues that becomes prevalent as we age.
Food sensitivity is a clear sign that your digestive system is changing. It can be physically unpleasant at times, but there are numerous things you can do to manage this change without affecting your overall diet and ensure your keep getting the essential nutrients you need.
One of the best ways to go about this is by taking a food sensitivity test. At-home food sensitivity testing kits usually require a person to submit a sample, which could be: blood from a skin prick test, strands of hair, or even a mouth swab.
Typically, people need to collect this sample after exposure to food antigens. Different food sensitivity tests will provide specific instructions. For most kits, the user must send this sample to a lab for testing. Many food sensitivity test kits check for levels of antigens such as IGG that may alter after exposure to certain foods.
You might wonder if there are any risks associated with at-home food sensitivity tests. Well, these kits have not been studied extensively enough in up-to-date and reliable journals to prove their accuracy. This may mean people get inaccurate results from at-homefood sensitivity tests, which can lead to health anxiety and unnecessary diet changes or restrictions.
If looking to save time and money, then it makes sense that you visit a professional directly for diagnosis rather than using a food sensitivity test kit at home. A professional may recommend a person keep a food diary to document foods eaten and their symptoms. They can then assess any potential risks between symptoms and food exposure.
Some healthcare practitioners recommend an elimination diet. This is best performed under the direction of a qualified professional to ensure you still meet your nutritional requirements, even when avoiding some foods.