Are Food Sensitivity Tests Worth It? We Explore

Food intolerances have become a trending topic in the world of health and wellness as regular people and celebrities such as Emmy Rossum, Ariana Grande, and Miley Cyrus step forward about their struggles with nutrition. With as many as 3% of Irish adults suffering from food allergies people have started seeking solutions to their problems, be it unusual symptoms, digestive issues, etc.  

However, with a whole host of at-home testing services available that claim to identify all your woes with food. It can be challenging to dig through all the testimonials and determine whether they’re worth the hassle. So, if you’ve asked the multi-million-dollar question, keep reading as we explore whether these tests are legitimate in our article below: 

How Do Food Sensitivity Tests Work? 

Food sensitivity tests work just like any other blood tests you’d have at your GP; all you have to do is prick your finger, take a blood sample, and then send your sample off for analysis. Plus, the best thing about our digital era is that you don’t have to leave the comfort of your house to do it! 

Using at-home tests like the ones from AlphaBiolabs, you can get the kit delivered to your door, send off your sample, and receive your results within five to seven business days. Whether you’d like to test for celiac disease or lactose intolerance, you can test for a range of intolerances/disorders in the privacy of your own home. If you’d like to learn more about the science behind these at-home tests, consider visiting their website to take advantage of their helpful resources. Or contact a team member at AlphaBiolabs Ireland directly for specific inquiries. 

What Is The Uncertainty Surrounding These Tests? 

While we’d all like a plausible answer as to why our stomach turns at the mere mention of Starbucks, let alone treating ourselves to one! The main gripe that health professionals have with some food sensitivity tests is that they claim to test you against all food groups and determine whether you should be consuming them or not. 

Yet, as of this writing, there is no fool-proof way to test for food intolerances. Instead, many health professionals claim that due to the rise of social media and diet culture, food intolerance testing has become a new ‘trend’ among influencers, slowly convincing others to jump on the bandwagon. 

Instead, health professionals urge people to schedule a visit with their GP if they experience any worrying symptoms or signs after eating specific food groups, as they’ll be able to offer the best advice depending on your circumstances and potentially outline a course of action for treating/managing it. 

Are There Any Risks? 

As there is very little evidence of the effectiveness of food sensitivity testing, people need to be better equipped regarding risks. Generally, there are no prevalent risks; the only thing that could happen is that you’re given inaccurate nutritional advice, which may lead to avoiding a particular food group or restrictions. 

For instance, if someone is told they’re intolerant to all nuts, they will eat a diet devoid of nuts. Providing that they don’t replace nuts with alternative sources of healthy fat, then this could lead to further complications because they’re not getting the correct nutrients their body needs. This is why it’s best to seek medical assistance before purchasing a food sensitivity test, so you can get expert advice before you can help identify and eliminate potential concerns/causes.