Are Food Sensitivity Tests Accurate

Food Sensitivity Test Accuracy 

Factually food sensitvity tests from blood or even hair follcile testing are not 100% accurate. According to experts, food sensitivities and intolerances are on the rise, and although it's uncommon for either to be severe, they can impact your day-to-day life. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that demand and interest in food sensitivity tests are also up with individuals hoping to find the underlying cause of their symptoms. This demand of course brings with it a whole host of questions, including whether or not food sensitivity tests can really give you the answers you need.

Here is everything you should know about food sensitivity tests, including whether or not they are accurate and if they can be trusted. 

Are At-Home Tests Accurate

In recent years, there has been a rise in popularity and interest in at-home food sensitivity and allergy tests. The ease and comfort of being able to find out about any symptoms you may be experiencing from home are of course enticing, but how accurate are these tests? 

According to experts, food intolerance and food sensitivity tests aren’t entirely accurate as they are not based on scientific evidence. In fact, it’s said that the most relaible and trustworthy way to figure out if you are sensitive or intolerant to a specific food is to trial an elimination diet and remove the foods from your diet that you suspect your body isn’t reacting well to. This can be done with the help and guidance of your healthcare provider. 

Of course, an elimination diet isn’t for everyone as it can involve a lot of trial and error which makes food sensitivity and intolerance tests all the more tempting! But remember, while there is likely no harm in trying out an at-home test, this form of testing is completely new territory and the results are not always 100% reliable. That’s why, if you are experiencing regular discomfort and symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and nausea after eating a specific food group, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional you trust for answers. 

Accurate Food Sensitivity Tests?

Food sensitivity tests are used to help identify sensitivity to a specific food. They were once only available in a healthcare setting and would usually involve a skin prick test or a blood test to see how your body reacts to the food. These results would offer clues and give indicators as to what foods may be causing your symptoms, but never claimed to give a clear answer to whether or not a person has a definite intolerance or allergy. Testing for an allergy can be a lot more complex and will usually require a professional to look at your family history, symptoms as well as a number of other important factors before making a food allergy diagnosis. 

Are food intolerances tests reliable?

The accuracy and reliability of these tests haven't been categorically proven in a clinical setting, the science tackles this theory with logic but too many variables affect the outcome of results. It's recommended that you use these types of tests to help uncover clues that might help you understand the potential for intolerances in your system but not to rely on them as fact.

Some of the most popular at-home food sensitivity tests now use either a small sample of blood or hair to identify foods that may be causing problems. These tests claim to determine your sensitivity to hundreds of foods and ingredients by measuring either the ‘bioresonance’ of your hair or measuring the levels of certain antibodies in your blood. You will then mail your sample and get results within a few days or weeks, these results will typically provide you with a large list of foods that you are sensitive to. It’s important to know that it is not recommended to avoid a long list of foods based on your results from an at-home food sensitivity test alone.

Some of the most popular at-home food sensitivity or intolerance tests on the market promise to provide you with an insight into your body's immune response to a number of foods. These results are intended to guide you on what foods may or may not be causing your problems. While these may help give you peace of mind, remember that it is always required to visit a healthcare professional if you are experiencing digestive problems or uncomfortable symptoms after eating specific foods.

With that said, it’s important to know that it seems that the only way is up for at-home testing, and while food sensitivity and intolerance tests are still in their early stages, the companies providing them are aiming to give helpful and useful information. If you are curious and would like to try out a home food sensitivity test, there is no harm in trying. But remember, don’t use your results to diagnose digestive problems or to eliminate food groups from your diet. Experts note that this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and disordered eating which is why it’s always important to consult with a professional. 

At-home Food Testing Companies

There are a whole host of reputable sites that offer at-home food sensitivity and intolerance tests. And although these tests are not based on scientific evidence, their main aim is to help guide you to getting the answers you need as an initial entry test, rather than a diagnostic tool. 

Whether you would prefer to skip the at-home food sensitivity test and go straight to your doctor or trial a home test and follow up with a doctor’s appointment, whichever process you choose, remember that speaking with a healthcare provider to figure out the root cause of your symptoms is always the end, and recommended goal!