It is a known fact that food is capable of triggering various forms of reactions in the body. These reactions can be obvious in the skin (itchiness, rashes, hives or swelling), digestive system (stomach pain, reflux, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea and constipation), respiratory system (tight chest, shortness of breath) or a generalized feeling of being sick. Some individuals can endure the symptoms of food intolerance for years which tend to improve if the foods responsible for these symptoms are avoided.
What are the triggers?
Finding out which foods are responsible for the symptoms can be easy for some and difficult for others. It depends on the symptoms that occur, how fast the symptoms manifest after eating a particular food and the possible food causing the issue. Remember that identifying the food trigger or triggers along with a management plan can make the life of the individual with food intolerance a lot easier.
Testing for food intolerance
The issue is knowing how and when to get help in order to ensure that the individual will not fall prey to unreliable tests and practices. There are various tests available but based on studies conducted, these tests are usually questionable. Even the validated blood tests such as the IgE blood testing are not suitable.
It is recommended to consult a doctor for proper testing. The tests are only part of acquiring a diagnosis along with a thorough review of the history of the individual.
Ideal testing for food intolerance
The ideal way to determine the foods that are causing adverse reactions is to keep a food diary along with a food exclusion diet. The diet should be strictly followed strictly for purposes of diagnosis. The exclusion is followed by a period of controlled reintroduction of foods one by one while keeping an accurate record in the food diary.
This is a reliable way to test for any adverse reaction to a particular food. Remember that this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor. This method of diagnosis is suitable for those who are ready to follow the diet strictly and maintain his/her food diary.
By accurate recording of the time, duration of the symptoms, stress or illness and everything eaten and drank, the individual can identify the trigger foods. It should also include supplements, prescribed medications and sweets. The diary should be continued until the potential trigger foods that cause the symptoms are identified.
Remember not to avoid foods or food groups for a prolonged period without consulting a doctor in order to ensure that the diet is still adequate. Since both allergy and intolerance typically occurs with regularly eaten foods, the ideal plan is to always eat a variety of foods. In addition, the reintroduction stage is vital as the exclusion stage in order to obtain a clear and reliable diagnosis.