Definition

Food sensitivity testing measures immune reactions (typically IgG antibodies) to various foods. Unlike IgE food allergy testing (which measures immediate allergic reactions), food sensitivity tests identify delayed immune responses that can occur hours to days after eating trigger foods. Common panels test 90–200+ foods including grains, dairy, meats, vegetables, and additives.

Why It Matters

Food sensitivities cause delayed symptoms like bloating, brain fog, joint pain, skin issues, and fatigue—making them difficult to identify without testing. While elimination diets are gold standard, food sensitivity testing can guide personalized elimination protocols, especially when multiple sensitivities are suspected or symptoms are severe.

Related Conditions

Ibs Bloating Eczema Autoimmunity Headaches

Related Modalities

Functional Lab Testing Clinical Nutrition Lifestyle Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Food sensitivity testing has limitations—IgG antibodies can indicate exposure rather than sensitivity, and results don't always correlate with symptoms. It's best used as a guide, not gospel. Elimination diets with reintroduction remain the gold standard, but testing can provide helpful starting points.

Multiple sensitivities often indicate underlying gut dysfunction (leaky gut, dysbiosis) rather than true food problems. Focus on healing the gut with the 5R protocol while temporarily avoiding highly reactive foods. As gut health improves, many sensitivities resolve and foods can be reintroduced.