Hi everyone,
My naturopath suggested that I might want to get a basic food sensitivity test done. Her office draws the blood and then sends it to Immunolabs in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. (website: http://www.immunolabs.com) This test is about half of what it would cost if I were to go with Dr. Fine's gluten/dairy and soy, egg and yeast tests (and I bet insurance would cover it, too). Is there any reason that any of you know of not to go the less expensive route? Has anyone else tried these kinds of tests?
Thanks,
Beth
Food sensitivity testing
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Hi Beth,
I think the general consensus here, based on the experiences of those who have had similar tests, is that it might be somewhat helpful information, but usually doesn't really answer any serious questions, or resolve any issues.
Tests such as that will often show major allergic responses, (the type of responses that lead to histamine release, and/or anaphylactic shock), but they usually aren't sensitive enough to reveal the type of food intolerances that we experience with MC, since the levels of those antibodies rarely get high enough to be detected in the standard blood tests.
For example, except for the few of us who are also full-blown celiacs, most of us would test negative for gluten sensitivity by the standard anti-gliadin antibody blood tests, even though we are very gluten sensitive. The stool tests, of course, will detect those antibodies that the blood tests miss, (assuming they are present).
If insurance will pay for the tests, though, you can't go too far wrong. If I had to pay for the tests out of my own pocket, though, I would save my money until I could afford the stool tests.
Wayne
I think the general consensus here, based on the experiences of those who have had similar tests, is that it might be somewhat helpful information, but usually doesn't really answer any serious questions, or resolve any issues.
Tests such as that will often show major allergic responses, (the type of responses that lead to histamine release, and/or anaphylactic shock), but they usually aren't sensitive enough to reveal the type of food intolerances that we experience with MC, since the levels of those antibodies rarely get high enough to be detected in the standard blood tests.
For example, except for the few of us who are also full-blown celiacs, most of us would test negative for gluten sensitivity by the standard anti-gliadin antibody blood tests, even though we are very gluten sensitive. The stool tests, of course, will detect those antibodies that the blood tests miss, (assuming they are present).
If insurance will pay for the tests, though, you can't go too far wrong. If I had to pay for the tests out of my own pocket, though, I would save my money until I could afford the stool tests.
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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artteacher
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Ditto. I've had skin testing 2 times at a different traditional allergist's offices. One found dust mites and dog dander allergy, the second- probably 5 years later said tree pollens and wheat (he suggested I see someone about celiac disease).
I was ELISA tested, and that test said eggs (about 15 years ago)
I was naturopath tested (my sister swears by this practice's methods) and they recommend I stay away from different food combinations.
Another naturopath said I was one of the most healthy people he'd ever met.
Wow, if that doesn't make me a hypochondriac, I don't know what does. I'm embaressed. It's a real testiment to how much I trust you all that I even send this, seriously.
Bottom line, I don't think those tests are reliable. Or if they are, perhaps they just give a snapshot of your state on a given day.
I'm so excited for you. I hope you see improvement fast.
Love, Marsha
I was ELISA tested, and that test said eggs (about 15 years ago)
I was naturopath tested (my sister swears by this practice's methods) and they recommend I stay away from different food combinations.
Another naturopath said I was one of the most healthy people he'd ever met.
Wow, if that doesn't make me a hypochondriac, I don't know what does. I'm embaressed. It's a real testiment to how much I trust you all that I even send this, seriously.
Bottom line, I don't think those tests are reliable. Or if they are, perhaps they just give a snapshot of your state on a given day.
I'm so excited for you. I hope you see improvement fast.
Love, Marsha
Hi Wayne and Marsha,
Thanks for your responses about the food testing. I was asking because as I begin to recover on the medication regimine, I'm not sure exactly what to eat. I'm planning to eat paleo for the most part, but I think I'll include potatoes for some starch. Do you think that's a good enough place to start? I just want to make sure that I'm staying away from anything that could possibly irritate my digestive system. Opinions?
Thanks,
Beth
Thanks for your responses about the food testing. I was asking because as I begin to recover on the medication regimine, I'm not sure exactly what to eat. I'm planning to eat paleo for the most part, but I think I'll include potatoes for some starch. Do you think that's a good enough place to start? I just want to make sure that I'm staying away from anything that could possibly irritate my digestive system. Opinions?
Thanks,
Beth
Hi Beth,
I think the paleo diet is an excellent way to start. Intolerance to potatoes is almost unheard of, so I don't believe there's any significant chance that they will ever cause you any problems in the way of intolerance reactions. If you're seeking more carbs than the paleo diet offers, I think that potatoes are a much better choice than grains, (this is just my opinion, though, and others might have a different viewpoint).
Wayne
I think the paleo diet is an excellent way to start. Intolerance to potatoes is almost unheard of, so I don't believe there's any significant chance that they will ever cause you any problems in the way of intolerance reactions. If you're seeking more carbs than the paleo diet offers, I think that potatoes are a much better choice than grains, (this is just my opinion, though, and others might have a different viewpoint).
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
artteacher
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Hi again, Beth,
It's really rare I think, but rice sends me right to the toilet in agony (next to milk, it's probably the worst thing I could eat). But I eat potatoes fried, boiled, every which way with no problem. After you've established a baseline list of things that don't make you sick, though, rice might be one of the first things to experiment with, because normally they're very safe.
Love, Marsha
It's really rare I think, but rice sends me right to the toilet in agony (next to milk, it's probably the worst thing I could eat). But I eat potatoes fried, boiled, every which way with no problem. After you've established a baseline list of things that don't make you sick, though, rice might be one of the first things to experiment with, because normally they're very safe.
Love, Marsha