At Boulder Natural Health we offer food allergy and food sensitivity testing for up to 184  foods including the most common food allergens–wheat, gluten, eggs, soy, milk, cheese, nuts, through Alletess Medical Laboratory. This test helps to determine specific food reactions and support symptoms.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system response involving IgE antibodies.  Symptoms are immediate, within hours of exposure, and can be severe.

What is a food sensitivity?

A food sensitivity is a delayed immune response, usually involving IgG antibodies. Symptoms are slower to appear, up to days after exposure, making it more difficult to pinpoint the offending food.  Symptoms are usually not lift-threatening but can become chronic and systemic.

What causes a food sensitivity?

The underlying reasons for allergies vary from person to person. Possibilities may include stress, trauma, underlying disease, genetic predisposition, compromised microbial gut flora, and poor immune function.

How is an allergy or sensitivity identified?

Alletess Medical Laboratory uses state of the art ELISA methodology from a blood sample. ELISA stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. ELISA is a semi-quantitative screening tool for the detection of IgA, IgE and IgG antibodies in serum.

Are there any food restrictions prior to testing?

No. It is advised to maintain usual dietary habits and consume a variety of foods before testing, if possible. Prolonged avoidance of certain foods may show low serological values.

It is strongly advised to avoid any food that may have resulted in a previous adverse reaction or anaphylaxis.