Food Sensitivities and Allergies

Food sensitivities are actually very common and can result in a number of health problems including obesity. Dr. Josie Tenore uses an antigen leukocyte antibody or ALCAT test to help patients identify hidden foods that could be causing them problems.

What is ALCAT?

The ALCAT test measures cellular reaction to over 450 substances, far more than the typical food sensitivity test promoted online. It assesses and reports sensitivities to the most common foods, chemicals, additives, molds, medicines, and functional foods. Medical studies using the ALCAT Test to guide diet have shown significant improvement of many common symptoms, including: diarrhea, constipation, bloating, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gastric reflux, eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, rashes, acne, migraines, fatigue, mood swings, obesity, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease, muscle/joint pain, and more.

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A recent study performed by Yale School of Medicine researchers and published in the British Medical Journal determined the elimination of ALCAT-identified inflammatory foods reduced IBS symptoms, and a follow-up study suggests that foods identified result in a release of inflammatory markers and activation of innate immune cells, which may be the basis of improvement when eliminating those foods. Another recent study showed that eliminating the identified foods had a positive impact on markers associated with whole body inflammation, weight, and other medical symptoms associated with food intolerances.

Most food sensitivity tests are testing IgG response, which are more indicative of antibodies that serve to “block” the negative effects of IgE (allergy) antibodies. ALCAT, or leukocyte (white blood cell) activation testing identifies and measures immune cell responses to foods and other ingested/exposure based compounds. When white blood cells are stimulated by an offending trigger, they react in a way that may create chronic symptoms and/or illness.

When we continually expose the body to these stimulants, the body and its systems become chronically inflamed and often symptomatic. In essence, we are perpetuating our own symptoms by ingesting the foods, molds, chemicals, etc. that are causing the problem – even if they are considered “healthy” by other standards. The ALCAT test is the only test on the market that can provide these details, along with a prescribed 4-day rotation diet to relieve symptoms and improve outcomes.

A healthy diet plan can be easier to develop if food sensitivities are identified beforehand. ALCAT is a test that measures food intolerance and sensitivity to certain additives and chemicals. It involves taking a blood sample and then checking for changes in the resistance of white blood cells. The procedure takes only a few minutes to perform and does not require fasting in order to be effective.

What is the difference between food allergies and food intolerance?

People with food allergies are unable to tolerate even a small amount of certain foods without suffering adverse reactions. They may break out in hives, vomit or become short of breath. Those who have a food intolerance may be able to consume small amounts of certain foods, but will suffer side effects such as headaches, fatigue, digestive disorders, aching joints and even obesity as a result. Many times, these side effects can contribute to other conditions and are not associated with food intolerance.

Sometimes people have a reaction to “hidden foods”, which are foods that unwittingly contain traces of allergens in them. This can be due to the cross-contamination of foods by the sharing of serving utensils or preparation surfaces. It can also happen whenever foods are mislabeled. Some examples are non-dairy creamers and margarine, both of which can contain milk proteins or powder.

Are hidden foods making you fat?

In some cases, hidden foods could contribute to obesity because people who have a food intolerance cannot digest them properly. This leads to a sluggish metabolism along with excess fat stores in the body. Since most people who have a food intolerance are unaware of it, they may continue to consume the same types of foods over and over, thereby leading to unwanted weight gain.

How can ALCAT help?

This test can help people identify food intolerances as well as the different types of foods certain ingredients are found in. After doing so, a diet plan can be developed to help eliminate offensive foods in order to speed the metabolism, provide more energy and aid with weight loss.

How long does it take to receive test results?

In most cases, test results can be obtained within two to three weeks.

Many people are surprised to find out that external factors such as food intolerances could be partly to blame for their weight problem. By identifying hidden food allergens, many individuals are not only able to lose weight, but report having more energy and fewer aches and pains than before as well.

ALCAT food sensitivity can truly make a difference in one’s weight loss program.