A food allergy involves the immune system (IgE antibodies) and can cause immediate, dangerous systemic reactions. A food intolerance is digestive, typically due to difficulty processing a food, and causes discomfort without triggering an immune reaction.
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Diagnostic Test
Food Intolerance Test
Distinct from allergy; identifies non-immune triggers behind digestive, skin and energy symptoms.
Duration:Blood draw
Overview
Food intolerance is a non-immunological reaction to certain foods that occurs when the body lacks specific enzymes to digest them, or reacts to natural chemicals in food. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances are not life-threatening but can cause significant chronic discomfort, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and skin flare-ups. We coordinate gut workups with leading gastroenterologist Dr. Akash Shukla.
How It Works
- Elimination Diet: Keeping a careful food diary followed by structured food elimination.
- Hydrogen Breath Tests: Non-invasive breath testing for lactose, fructose, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Coeliac Disease Screen: Blood tests to rule out autoimmune gluten sensitivity.
- Enzymatic Evaluation: Rule out specific enzyme deficiencies.
What to Expect
- A diagnostic path focused on gut health rather than immediate skin reactions.
- Breath testing or blood draws depending on suspected intolerances.
- A personalized dietary reintroduction roadmap.
Who Is It For?
- Patients with chronic bloating, IBS-like symptoms, or gas after meals.
- Individuals who suspect dairy or gluten is causing discomfort without positive allergy tests.
- Those looking to balance their gut microbiome and identify trigger foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard allergy tests (IgE) will be negative. We use breath tests for lactose/SIBO and coeliac blood tests. We do not use commercial IgG panels as they are not scientifically validated for food intolerance.
Take the next step
Interested in booking a food intolerance test? Consult our specialists.
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