Hi everyone,
Just wondering if IgG food tests were reliable? I’ve found various articles against the accuracy like this one...
labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...
The reason I ask is I wondered if it was a starting point for discussion with my GP or will he just dismiss it? Or should I just use it as a guide to test out types of foods that could be causing illness?
Many thanks 😊
Hi - I recently found a cheap intolerance test (around £25) which is supposed to test against hair. I thought for £25 that I couldn’t go too wrong and my plan was to get the results and try adhering to them for a couple of weeks to see what happened. I really love food, so want to cut as little from my diet as possible, but know I struggle with gluten and sulphites, and additionally, I suspect dairy, a whole host of e-numbers, maize, eggs and tomatoes, but don’t want to cut much other than gluten until I can find a reason...
in my case, the test has yet to come back after 10 days, despite the fact I paid an extra £9 for an expedited result and the customer service has been woeful, so whilst I will update on whether I think the experiment was worthwhile in due course, I would say that the company I used should be avoided with a barge pole. They haven’t even offered to refund the expedited result. Their website says no delays due to COVID and when I asked where my result was, customer services in Hyderabad said they were delayed “due to the current situation”, so at the very least one part of the company is peddling misinformation... it makes me feel that whatever results they provide is as suspect as their ability to make sure their customer services and the comms team are singing from the same hymn sheet. Anyway, when and if they finally return the test, I will give it a go, I suppose, although I am minded to tell them to shove it and ask for a full refund... I keep living in hope that the results will turn up any minute...
The other alternative, for those with more patience than me, is the AIP protocol (autoimmune paleo). I find I do well on this, but it involves cutting all grains, eggs, dairy, nightshades... and initially, they suggest nuts and seeds too, but I don’t cut those as well - life is too short and I don’t think I struggle with nuts or seeds. You are then supposed to reintroduce things gradually one at a time and see how you react. Not having the patience of Job, I tend to get fed up,with this quite quickly. On the other hand, I do turn to it sometimes for a few days here and there as it is nice to have a break from tummy pain. Being full on GF for the last 2.5 weeks or so has been quite life-changing by itself, though.
I wouldn’t expect much support from a doctor with this, mind. My husband has so many allergies that he has had no sense of smell for about 20 years. It comes back briefly if he takes steroids for another condition, so we know it isn’t dead, but the medical community is utterly uninterested, which he finds very sad. He strongly believes it is allergy / intolerance related.
In a word No! My immunologist said that there is a huge difference between true allergy and sensitivities. IgG may show up an allergy depending on the blood test used (only blood tests work), sensitivities, no matter how severe will not show anything. Apparently they can run some blood tests that show up some things but the majority are a waste of money. To prove the point I took part in some tests that you could pay for with a finger prick test at an allergy show. They swore blind they were accurate. I did not give them any info before hand to allow them to make any prejudgements. There results were ridiculous, telling me I was allergic to all sorts of things including gluten which I have not eaten for years and we all know you have to be on it in order for it to show up. Food testing isn’t regulated so it’s open to abuse and companies giving themselves all sorts of accreditation’s that mean nothing.
If you are concerned, save your money on these companies and go to see a reputable Dr who can run proper tests.
Hi Star13,Really don’t want to rock the boat but was wondering why Throid Uk recommends a sensitivity test if it wasn’t a good idea?
thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
Maybe I’ve misread/ understood what it entails/ means vs an immunologist (got to admit I was hoping that’s what they were).
Many thanks 🙂
I cannot comment on what Thyroid UK chooses to recommend or offers discounts on other than Thyroid and the DIO2 gene tests which are very welcome.
I think you should do your own research but can attach two pieces to get you started below. I offer only my opinion based on my own experience, research Ive conducted and communications with companies. As far as I am aware there is no proper scientifically accredited test available and no company was able to offer me any when contacted.
I have various sensitivities as do my family. I did the Medichecks complete blood test and it showed nothing at all 😞
Food intolerance test
Food intolerance 
Private blood tests for allergies/intolerance
Long term food intolerance and diet
Blood tests
