Food intolerance test: What is it and why do I need it?

Author : Suborna Fermi | Published On : 17 Jan 2024

Food intolerance causes a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms related to your digestive system, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. However, food intolerance and food allergy are both different conditions. Although food intolerance or food sensitivity is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause severe discomforting symptoms. This article explains everything you should know about a food intolerance and a food intolerance test.

What is food intolerance?

Food intolerance is also known as food sensitivity, which occurs when your digestive system fails to digest or breaks down certain food components. You may also develop a food intolerance if your body does not have enough enzymes that are essential to breaking down certain food components, including proteins, sugars, and chemicals.

However, it is very difficult to find out which specific food is causing the symptoms. One cannot diagnose food sensitivity by only examining symptoms. That is why it is essential to take a food intolerance test to find out which foods you are sensitive to.

What is a food intolerance test?

A food intolerance test is a diagnostic test that helps determine whether you are hypersensitive to certain foods. This test also helps determine whether you have any specific type of food intolerance. The common types of food intolerances are:

Lactose intolerance: Lactose is a glucose found in milk or dairy products, and lactose intolerance is the most common type of food intolerance. If you are lactose intolerant, then it indicates that your body does not have enough lactase enzymes to break down lactose.
Gluten intolerance: Gluten is also a common type of food intolerance. Gluten is a type of protein that is found in wheat, barley, and rye. If you have gluten intolerance, then it indicates that your body is having difficulties digesting lactose. However, gluten intolerance and celiac disease are different from each other. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which gluten damages the small intestine. That is why gluten intolerance is also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Histamine intolerance: Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical that is present in various foods, including bananas, avocados, pineapple, chocolate, and cheese. If you have this intolerance, it indicates your body does not produce enough diamine oxidase enzymes to break down histamines.

What samples are required for this test?

Food intolerance tests are available in a few diagnostic forms, such as blood tests and breath tests. However, blood tests are considered the most accurate. If you are going for the blood test, you can consider thyrocare because you get more than 200 parameters in the thyrocare test to determine which foods you are sensitive to. A medical expert will collect a small sample of blood through a vein in your arm. Also, you are not required to fast for this blood test.

How is food intolerance treated?

There is no permanent cure for food intolerance. If your test result conveys that you are sensitive to certain foods, then your doctor will guide you to avoid exposure to components for a certain time period. Your healthcare provider may advise you to change your eating habits in order to avoid the specific component you are sensitive to. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, then you need to avoid dairy products, or you can consume lactose-free products.

Food intolerance is considered a life-long condition. However, many people can effectively manage their condition by changing their eating style or diet. Consulting a dietician can be very helpful in reorganizing your diet to prevent food sensitivity symptoms.