Functional Diagnostic Assessments
RMA FST™ IgG Food Sensitivity Testing, Food Allergies, and Food Intolerance Testing in Etobicoke
Symptoms associated with food sensitivities develop slowly over time and can create inflammation and contribute to symptoms of a variety of diseases. The RMA FST™ IgG Food Sensitivity test can help identify certain food sensitivities and take the guesswork out of specific food for your diet. Common food sensitivities can be a real issue in life, and our tests may help locate suspected foods.
Common food intolerance testing and food allergy test symptoms can range from:
- Systemic: Fever, fatigue, chills, sweating and feeling weak.
- Skin: Acne, itching, redness, swelling, and rashes (including eczema).
- Brain: Mood and memory disturbances and behavioral problems.
- Lungs: Bronchitis and asthma symptoms.
- Musculoskeletal: Joint pain, muscle stiffness and swelling.
- Digestive tract: Nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort
- Pain: migraines, headaches
In most situations, the reaction to the intolerant food when consumed may occur hours or days.
How do food allergies happen with certain foods?
Intestinal permeability, commonly nicknamed ‘leaky gut syndrome’ is a result of inflammation in the gut lining allowing improper passage of food from our digestive system into our bloodstream. Inflammation can be caused by preservatives, stress of all types, certain drugs (like NSAIDs), and alcohol. An inflamed gut lining may result in food particles passing between the enterocytes of our gut wall, and ending up in our bloodstream. The improper presentation of food particles in the bloodstream causes the body to produce immunoglobulins to that food, as our system thinks the food particles are invaders, causing allergy-like symptoms. A food intolerance test is a reliable method of determining the foods that trigger these symptoms. Book your appointment today!
IgG Food Sensitivity Testing Procedure With Our Naturopathic Doctor
Unlike food allergies, food sensitivities are a result of a delayed reaction that is mediated by the IgG antibody. While food sensitivities may not be life threatening, they may be linked to a number of conditions.
- Digestive disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease
- Migraines
- Mood/Attention Deficit Disorders
- Weight Gain
- Inflammatory Skin Conditions (Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, etc)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
The RMA FST™ measures levels of IgG antibodies to up to 222 different foods via blood draw. Antibodies are highly specialized proteins that bind to specific antigens. All foods have antigen molecules on them, and sometimes these food antigens can trigger the production of antibodies. The exact reason why food antigens trigger the release of IgG antibodies is not known.
Three testing panels are available depending on your diet. Which panel is best suited to you is discussed at the initial consultation.
Get Food Sensitivity Tested at our Clinic in Etobicoke
Get a naturopathic doctor to apply the RMA FST™. Testing cannot be ordered without a medical assessment. If you wish to conduct any form of food allergy tests, an initial consultation with Dr. Gupta, ND is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is food sensitivity testing?
reactions in the body. Unlike food allergies, which involve an immune system response, food sensitivities typically involve a delayed immune response or non-immune reactions and may contribute to a range of symptoms such as digestive issues, skin problems, headaches, fatigue, and joint pain.
2. How does food sensitivity testing work?
Food sensitivity testing measures the body’s reaction to specific foods by analyzing blood, saliva, or stool samples for markers of immune response or inflammation. These tests may assess antibodies such as IgG, IgA, or IgE, as well as other markers such as cytokines or histamine levels. Results from the tests can help identify potential trigger foods that may be contributing to symptoms.
3. What are the common symptoms of food sensitivities?
Symptoms of food sensitivities can vary widely among individuals and may include digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation, skin problems such as eczema or acne, headaches, migraines, fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, sinus congestion, and mood changes. These symptoms may occur hours to days after consuming trigger foods.
4. Who can benefit from food sensitivity testing?
Food sensitivity testing may be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic or unexplained symptoms that may be related to diet, such as digestive issues, skin problems, headaches, or fatigue. It can also be helpful for individuals seeking to identify potential trigger foods to support overall health and well-being.
5. What are the different types of food sensitivity tests available?
There are several types of food sensitivity tests available, including IgG antibody testing, IgA antibody testing, IgE antibody testing, cytokine testing, histamine testing, and leukocyte activation testing (LRA). These tests may be performed using blood, saliva, or stool samples, and each has its strengths and limitations.
6. Are food sensitivity tests accurate?
The accuracy of food sensitivity tests can vary depending on the type of test used, the quality of the testing method, and individual factors such as diet and health status. Some experts question the reliability of certain food sensitivity tests, particularly those that measure IgG antibodies, as elevated IgG levels may be present without causing symptoms. Interpretation of test results should be done in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
7. What is the difference between food sensitivity testing and food allergy testing?
Food sensitivity testing assesses the body’s response to foods that may be triggering non-immune reactions or delayed immune responses, whereas food allergy testing assesses the body’s response to foods that trigger an immediate immune system reaction, known as an allergic reaction. Food allergies typically involve IgE antibodies and can cause severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis, whereas food sensitivities may involve IgG, IgA, or other antibodies and tend to cause milder, delayed-onset symptoms.
8. Can food sensitivity testing help with weight loss?
Food sensitivity testing may be part of a comprehensive approach to weight loss for individuals experiencing difficulties despite efforts to eat healthily and exercise. Identifying and eliminating trigger foods that contribute to inflammation or digestive issues may help support weight loss efforts and improve overall health and well-being.