The Low-Down on Food Intolerance Testing

The most common struggle I see clients go through is trying to determine what food is causing their digestive problems. Cue - food intolerance testing. This has gained popularity in recent years as a means to identify foods that may be causing digestive issues and other health concerns. My biggest takeaway for clients - food is not the problem, it's the messenger. While food intolerance testing may seem appealing, there are several reasons why it may not provide accurate and reliable results. In this article, we will explore five key reasons where food intolerance testing can fall short, and suggest alternative avenues for investigating food sensitivities and optimising gut health.

1. A LEAKY GUT BY ANY OTHER NAME

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition characterised by increased permeability of the intestinal lining, and has been implicated in the development of food intolerances. When the intestinal barrier becomes compromised, undigested food particles and toxins can leak into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and potentially leading to the development of food sensitivities. Therefore, if you have leaky gut and test for food intolerances, it’s likely that you’ll see a large list of all the foods you’ve been eating lately. This is not helpful. Instead, testing for and addressing leaky gut can play a key role in resolving food intolerances. You can read more about leaky gut here.

2. IGNORING UNDERLYING GUT HEALTH ISSUES

Food intolerances are often symptoms of underlying gut health issues. We’ve discussed leaky gut above, but there could also be dysbiosis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or inflammation at play. Focusing solely on food intolerance testing overlooks these root causes and fails to address the underlying gut dysfunction. A more holistic approach to gut health, including assessing digestive function, gut microbiome balance, and intestinal permeability, is key for effectively identifying and resolving food sensitivities.

3. LACK OF SCIENTIFIC VALIDITY & TEST LIMITATIONS

Food intolerance testing methods such as IgG blood tests or food intolerance hair tests have been heavily marketed as a way to identify food sensitivities. However, the scientific community remains skeptical of their validity. Numerous studies have shown that these tests often produce inconsistent and unreliable results, making it challenging to draw meaningful conclusions about a person's specific food intolerances. The lack of standardised testing procedures, inadequate research support, and varying interpretations further contribute to the skepticism. 

In addition to this, food intolerance testing has a tendency to yield false positives and false negatives. False positives occur when a test incorrectly identifies a food as problematic, leading to unnecessary dietary restrictions. On the other hand, false negatives can occur when a test fails to detect a genuine food intolerance, causing individuals to overlook potential triggers for their symptoms. Relying solely on test results may lead to an overly restrictive diet or the failure to address underlying issues, ultimately hindering the overall effectiveness of treatment.

4. POTENTIAL FOR NUTRITION AND VARIETY DEFICIENCIES

Eliminating foods based solely on intolerance test results can lead to nutritional deficiencies and variety restrictions that impact diversity of the microbiome. Many of the foods identified as intolerances are often nutrient-dense and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Plus, the best way to a healthy microbiome is to incorporate 30-40 different plant foods each week, which is often unlikely after implementing food intolerance testing protocols. Restricting these foods without proper guidance may deprive the body of vital nutrients, compromising overall health and well-being. My experience shows that people are quick to eliminate foods, but often forget or are fearful of reintroducing them again. A more balanced and targeted approach is recommended to avoid nutritional imbalances and microbiome deficiencies.

5. CREATING THE WRONG MESSAGE AROUND FOOD

Last but not least, it is important to consider the psychological impact of restrictive diets and their potential to contribute to food anxiety. Relying solely on food intolerance test results can lead to an overly narrow and restrictive diet, eliminating various food groups unnecessarily. This can create feelings of deprivation, anxiety, and even disordered eating patterns. Constantly worrying about what to eat and what to avoid can take a toll on your mental well-being and overall quality of life. Instead of solely focusing on restrictions, try adopting a more balanced and flexible approach that promotes a positive relationship with food. I recommend working with a healthcare practitioner to develop a personalised dietary plan that takes into account your individual needs, preferences, and gradual reintroduction of foods, while also addressing gut health and underlying imbalances. By fostering a healthier mindset towards food, you can navigate your dietary choices with confidence and enjoyment!

Just to play devil's advocate, like anything, food intolerance testing has its place. Tune in over the coming weeks where I’ll break down the difference between food intolerances (IgG testing) and food allergies (IgE testing), and the unique scenarios where these tests are warranted.

For the vast majority, while food intolerance testing may appear tempting, the failure to address underlying gut health issues is a big limitation. Instead of relying solely on food intolerance testing, it is advisable to consider a comprehensive approach that includes a thorough assessment of gut health, personalised dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, stress management, and lifestyle changes. 

If you are experiencing gut symptoms and would like individualised support, please get in touch by booking in a Discovery Call HERE.

REFERENCES

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8152468/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682924/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314037/