Do you suspect a certain type of allergy/intolerance?
West Midlands
Food Intolerance Testing
Food intolerance is a condition where your body struggles to digest certain foods. This often involves the digestive system rather than the immune system, making it different from a food allergy.
Cost
- Focused GP appointment (15min) £75
- Standard GP appointment (30min) £120
How do food intolerances manifest?
Symptoms of food intolerance can vary but commonly include rashes, itchiness, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach cramps, and nausea. These symptoms often begin a few hours after consuming the problematic food, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause due to their non-specific nature.
Difference from food allergies
Unlike food allergies, which involve an immediate immune system response causing severe symptoms such as hives, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, food intolerances generally do not pose immediate life-threatening risks and require a larger quantity of food to trigger symptoms.
The common causes for food intolerances
- Enzyme deficiencies: Such as lactose intolerance, which occurs due to the lack of lactase enzyme.
- Food additives: Sensitivities to chemicals like artificial sweeteners, flavour enhancers (e.g., MSG), and preservatives.
- Naturally occurring chemicals: Reactions to histamines or sulfites found in foods like pickles, cured meats, and certain vegetables.
- Psychological factors: Stress can also exacerbate food intolerance symptoms.
What allergens we test for?
(£180) Food IgE Allergen Panel 20
Tests for 20 common food allergens:
Almond, Apple, Carrot, Casein, Celery, Cod fish, Egg White, Egg Yolk, Hazelnut, IgE, Milk, Peanut, Peach, Potato, Rye Flour, Sesame seed, Shrimp, Soyabean, Tomato, Walnut, Wheat
(£290) Food IgE Allergen Panel 34
An extended panel covering 34 food allergens:
Almond, Apple, Banana, Buckwheat, Cabbage, Carrot, Casein, Celery, Cheese (cheddar), Chicken, Cod fish, Corn (maize) IgE, Crab, Egg White, Egg Yolk, Garlic, Hazelnut, IgE, Milk, Mustard, Oat, Onion, Orange, Peanut, Peach, Potato, Rice, Rye Flour, Salmon, Sesame seed, Shrimp, Soyabean, Tomato, Tuna, Walnut, Wheat, White Bean
(£460) Food & Inhalant IgE Panel
A comprehensive panel for both food and environmental allergens:
Foods:
Almond, Apple, Carrot, Casein, Celery, Chocolate, Coconut, Cod fish, Corn (maize) IgE, Crab, Egg White, Egg Yolk, Garlic, Hazelnut, Milk, Oat, Onion, Orange, Peanut, Peach, Potato, Rye Flour, Salmon, Sesame seed, Shrimp, Soyabean, Strawberry, Tomato, Tuna, Walnut
Inhalants:
Grey Alder, Alternaria tenuis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Baker’s yeast, Beech, Silver Birch, Brewer’s yeast, Candida albicans, Cat epithelium and dander, Cladosporium herbarum, Cow dander, Dog epithelium, Dog dander, Guinea pig epithelium, Hamster epithelium, HDM (D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus), Horse dander, Hazel Tree, June grass, Maple tree, Meadow fescue, Mugwort (sagebrush), Oak, Orchard grass, Penicillium notatum, English Plantain, Perennial rye grass, Rabbit epithelium, Timothy Grass, Walnut tree pollen, Willow
If there is a specific test that you have in mind please contact us, since we have access to a panel of hundreds of allergen tests
Common food intolerances
Understanding where potential food intolerances might be found is crucial for managing your diet effectively. Here’s a look at some common intolerances and the typical foods where these substances can commonly be found:
- Caffeine: Found in popular drinks like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and soft drinks such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. It can also be hidden in some medications and weight loss supplements.
- Alcohol: Present in all alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, spirits, and liqueurs.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Commonly used to boost flavour in things like sauces, dressings, crisps, and fast food.
- Lactose: Found in milk, yoghurt, cheese, and other dairy products. Some processed foods like bread and salad dressings may also contain lactose.
- Artificial sweeteners: Used in diet and zero-calorie soft drinks, sugar-free candies, sweeteners, and low-calorie jams.
- Preservatives: Added to everyday foods like bread, cereals, and crisps to help them last longer.
- Artificial food colouring: Found in colourful processed foods like ice creams, cakes, and chewing gum.
- Flavour enhancers: Often added to packaged nuts, spices, canned fruits, and other products to enhance their taste.
- Histamine: Naturally occurs in pickled vegetables, cured meats, aged cheeses, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and fermented products like soy sauce and sauerkraut.
- Contaminants: These include bacteria, viruses, toxins, or parasites that have accidentally entered the food during processing or storage.
Do you have other questions?
Discuss your dietary concerns with us and receive expert guidance on managing food intolerances. Get in touch today to arrange your consultation and take the first step towards better managing your diet and overall wellbeing.
