Introduction
A number of ailments and illnesses stem from allergic reactions to foods, chemicals, and environmental factors we knowingly or unknowingly ingest. Various testing methods are available to help determine the presence of one or more allergens in the body and will assist your naturopath or other health practitioner in customizing a healing protocol for your needs.
Allergens also cause unnecessary strain on your digestive, nervous, and immune systems, hindering proper function and preventing them from adequately dealing with other ailments and illnesses.
Common food allergies include corn, dairy, nightshade vegetables (eggplant, tomatoes, et cetera), soy, and wheat. Common environmental allergies include tree and flower pollen and ragweed. Common chemical allergies include cosmetics, perfume, monosodium glutamate (MSG), solvents, and various household cleaners.
Testing Methods
A variety of methods are available to test for allergies. Accuracy varies greatly, however.
Six major forms are outlined, below.
Electro-Dermal Screening (EDS)
Electro-Dermal Screening is a non-invasive form of testing that sends an extremely small electrical current through the body, measuring the resistance to that current. Using a computer system, each item tested for is transmitted at a pre-determined frequency that mimics exposure to that item. With a 90% accuracy rate, it is regarded as the most effective method for determining allergens. In addition for testing for foods, moulds, pollen, and chemicals, EDS can also screen for nutrient deficiencies and foreign organisms in the body. It is important to note that this form of testing is very operator dependent, due to the precision required.
Scratch Testing / Skin-Prick Test / Skin-Scratch Test
This widely used form of testing involves scratching or pricking the skin with a needle containing a food, inhalant, or chemical of interest. The skin is then examined for a welt shortly after, as the allergen reacts to IgE-sensitized skin cells. If a reaction is present, it is concluded that an allergy may exist.
This form of testing is subject to a high level of inaccurate results. Tests may show a positive result when no true allergy exists (a false positive) while other tests show a negative result when an allergy does exist (a false negative). In addition, scratch testing typically only tests for allergen-specific IgE, where a reaction occurs in only ten to fifteen percent of all food allergies.
Immunoglobulins Testing
Various blood tests are available to measure the presence of one or more immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM) or antibodies in the blood, and include Enzyme-Linked Immunoadsorbent Assay (ELISA), MAST, PRIST, Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST), and others.
RAST detects the presence of allergen-specific serum IgE. A known allergen is mixed with the serum and then observed for any antibody reaction. If a reaction occurs, it is concluded that an allergy may exist. RAST does not detect non-allergenic food reactions and is often associated with a high rate of false negative readings. This technique is generally problematic when attempting to determine allergies related to migraines and irritable bowel syndrome.
To overcome this limitation, a number of testing variations exist, including ELISA, MAST, and PRIST, which may provide more accurate results. The ELISA test, in particular, is able to measure IgG4 antibodies, which produces allergic symptoms. Allergens that do not bind to IgE antibodies may bind to IgG4 instead.
Cytotoxic Testing
Under cytotoxic testing, serum is viewed under a microscope to determine reactions between various substances. This test is generally not used due to its high level of unreliability.
Clinical Ecology / Provocative Neutralization / End-Point Titration
This controversial branch of testing involves the injection of minute, diluted quantities of foods, inhalants, or chemicals into the skin. Additional dilutions may be used depending on the results received during the initial round of testing. The test can determine various allergens and operates on the theory that while one dilution can trigger a reaction another can neutralize one.
Elimination and Reintroduction
One of the most reliable, proven methods for determining an allergen is through an elimination / reintroduction protocol. A suspected allergen is removed from the diet for a set period of time and then slowly reintroduced. When the allergen is removed, symptoms related to the allergen will likely stop. When the allergen is reintroduced, the body has become more sensitive and symptoms will likely return. In this manner, allergens can be effectively and systematically eliminated from the diet.
As this form of testing takes a significant length of time, patience is required. Allergen reintroduction may also result in some significant side effects. It is recommended that this approach be undertaken only under the supervision of your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Your body typically reacts to allergic substances by producing other symptoms and signs, such as inflammation and irritation. In addition, various allergies may exacerbate symptoms associated with acne, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers. Allergens can also cause or irritate headaches and migraines. By determining those substances you are allergic to, you will help eliminate or reduce the severity of the ailments listed above.
Allergy testing will also help isolate food, seasonal, and chemical allergies.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
As previously mentioned, some forms of allergy testing can be inaccurate and may not adequately reflect the presence or absence of allergens in your body. It is advisable to have a number of tests conducted to verify the presence of one or more allergens before pursuing subsequent actions.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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