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BLOOD TESTING FOR FOOD SENSITIVITY AND INTOLERANCE

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 11/10/2008 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to know if anyone has tried food sensitivity testing via a blood test clinic?
I recently saw a current affairs program which advised of a pathology company that can do food sensitivity analysis via a simple blood test.
Food sensitivity is different from food allergies but they can test for 93 different food types and rate the sensitivity from low (1) to high (4).
As I am starting an elimination diet to help my CD this could also be of great assistance and at least will show you some problem areas to start with.
This of course is an Australian Pathology Clinic but I am sure they would have other similar types in the US and overseas?
The website if you are interested is: www.arlaus.com.au
Check the link on the left hand side of the page regarding food intolerances.
They also do other tests including digestion.
Maybe useful to other CD patients.
idea
Posted 11/10/2008 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
I am in New Zealand and would be interested to see if we have similar. I will look into it.

Posted 11/10/2008 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
I know many people who have done these tests in the US. there is mixed opinion of their value, but I say why not try? I was tested from gluten, dairy, and soy intolerances, found a high intolerance to gluten and have been healthier in the last 10 months since I gave it up than I have been ever.
Posted 11/10/2008 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Just a word of warning that you may find it difficult to pursue this route. My doctor flat out refused to send me to an allergy specialist, even though my dietitian had urged him to write a referral for me.

I didn't understand this at the time, but a few weeks later heard a news report that allergy testing / specialists are hugely overloaded in Australia - too much demand, too few staff members, too little funding. It wouldn't surprise me if the same were true of the clinic you mentioned in your post.

Anyway, good luck. I'll be interested to hear if you have more success than I did.

Ivy (in Aus too)
Posted 11/11/2008 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Looks like a great idea to me. I have read that many people with Crohns or any other IBD should avoid gluten.
Posted 11/11/2008 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
A long time ago my mom took me to an allergist due to my inability to gain weight and gastro problems. He did the scratch test, but wouldn't give me the results. He said he could take me off a lot of foods (and did suggest I avoid peanuts), but that he wouldn't because I was anorexic (he made this lame diagnosis due to my low weight eyes). He said not to bother denying it, and that my mother should have me institutionalized. One week later I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease from a doctor who knew the difference between his head and his butt. So long story short, I may have some food intolerances that I'm unaware of. My primary care doctor did a blood test last year for the top 6 or so allergens, and said I had mild allergies to corn, soy, and peanuts. My GI doctor poo pooed this and said food had nothing to do with Crohn's eyes.
Posted 11/11/2008 5:04 AM (GMT 0)

Hmmm.  Maybe he should deal with our poo poo for a few days and then decide if it's worth eliminating certain foods.

As long as you're getting the appropriate nutrients, there's no harm in eliminating certain foods.  At the suggestion of a friend and fellow Crohnie I tried gluten free, and my gas and nausea problems have improved.  Is it because I'm really gluten-sensitive, is it because I've had to cut out so much processed food, or is it just the placebo effect?  Dunno.  But I'm feeling a little better, so I'll take it.

I say, if it's something you're interested in, go for it.  If you're otherwise getting a balanced diet with plenty of protein, calcium, and variety, you won't be any worse off than you already are.

Posted 11/11/2008 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
there is a lot of support for the idea that gluten often gives gut problems, so it can't hurt.
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