By Dr. Sheena Wu, ND

 

Food sensitivity testing has become popular for finding the causes of digestive issues, skin flare-ups, and other health concerns. But how effective is it really?

Let’s explore!

 

Checking the Evidence

Based on current research, food sensitivity tests may not always align with patients’ experience and can sometimes yield false positives and negatives. That’s why it’s best to pair it with rounds of elimination diet and comprehensive assessment.

 

Is It a Must?

It depends! For some, finding and nixing trigger foods can be a game-changer. For others, focusing on a balanced diet and tackling health issues directly might be the better move. Either way, consulting with a healthcare professional before making decisions is always wise.

 

A Friendly Reminder – Food Sensitivities Can Change!

Our bodies are constantly evolving. What once caused discomfort might no longer do so, and new triggers may pop up unexpectedly. Factors like age, stress, or digestive health all influence our tolerance and reactions. Therefore, even if food sensitivity is identified, it’s important to remember it might not be permanent.

 

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck – Tips for Success:

  • Team Up with a Pro – test results might reveal patterns that could be overlooked without a professional eye. Work with a healthcare professional to ensure accurate interpretation and make informed decisions.

 

  • Follow-Up with an Elimination Diet – Let your results guide you in the elimination diet, distinguishing genuine triggers from false positives. (We’ll delve deeper into this in the “Elimination Diet” post!)

 

  • Don’t Forget the Rest: Besides food, many other factors affect your health – addressing them all is key to optimal health and gives you the best chance of increasing tolerance.

 

In essence, food sensitivity testing helps to narrow down potential triggers but isn’t definitive and shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole method for identifying food triggers. With professional guidance, trial and error and a healthy dose of patience, you can navigate toward better health.