What is a Food Sensitivity?
A food sensitivity*, (or maybe you know it as a food intolerance?) is an adverse
reaction to certain foods we eat. This reaction is directly measured by analysing an
antibody called Immunoglobulin G, or IgG, which is in association with an immune
response. The reason for this may be due to microbiome imbalances, which can
also lead to compromised gut linings, which can result in leaky gut. This means
larger undigested particles enter the bloodstream and are attacked by our
immune system. The breakdown process of this response results in inflammation
that manifests in many different ways.
What are the symptoms of food sensitivities?
- Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, IBS**
- Headaches or migraines
- Eczema, rashes, acne, hives
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Joint pain
- Respiratory symptoms
Why do food sensitivities develop?
Food sensitivities can be associated with your favourite foods, which are
consumed in high quantities. This protein overload then results in an immune
overload that triggers our immune system, causing acute inflammation in the
form of symptoms.
There are however many other factors to consider:
- How food is processed
- How intensive animals are reared
- Fertilisers used in the farming process
- Overconsumption of antibiotics
- Genetics
- Stress imposed on your life
- Imbalanced gut microbiome
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Lack of variety in the diet
- Lack of fibre in the diet
The Vicious Cycle
Understanding your food sensitivities can be challenging, as you may have already
tried numerous elimination diets, medications or difficult low FODMAP diets. Does
the below look familiar to you?
A typical public healthcare sector journey
Rather than continuing this vicious cycle for months if not years, why not address
the problem at the root cause? FOOD. Food is the easiest thing for us to control.
We buy, store, cook and eat food. All in our control, so why not remove the
guesswork and make your nutrition work with you, rather than against you?
What is the research around food sensitivity?
It is estimated that nearly 45% of the UK population suffer from these adverse
reactions to food!*** Unlike a food allergy, which is an instant immune response
that can be life-threatening, a food sensitivity typically causes less severe
symptoms and may not always be immediately apparent due to the 24-72 hour
delay in their onset. This is why a food sensitivity is difficult to pinpoint without
testing.
Research has shown that those who follow a guided elimination diet based on IgG
food sensitivity testing can see the below improvements within 3 weeks in some
cases****:
- 82% improvement in bloating
- 80% improvement to digestive health
- 72% improvement in lung function
- 78% improvement from Neurological conditions
- 76% improvement in skin conditions
- 64% improvement for joint issues
- 81% improvement in mind health
Can removing my food sensitivities improve my sports performance or
fitness?*****
If we look at the concept of food sensitivities, the undigested foods are simply
being attached and broken down by our immune system, which takes a lot of
bodily energy. If we avoided the need for this drain of energy we could direct this
towards our sports performance. A particular study on food sensitivity elimination
diets on an elite football team saw the below improvements after 12 weeks of
removing their trigger foods:
- Improved cardiovascular efficiency
- 50% increase in distance covered on field
- 25% in calories expelled
- 18% increase in the number of accelerations
- 7% increase in max speed
- Reduced Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
What does food sensitivity testing involve?
Our Food Sensitivity test is a simple home to laboratory finger prick testing service, where we will ship your testing kit direct to your home and ship the sample directly back to YourGutMap’s UK based laboratory.
Check out the instructional video below:
Is food sensitivity testing accurate?
Through a simple finger pricks test, YourGutMap can help identify raised IgG
(Immunoglobulin G) levels against trigger foods in the diet. IgG makes up 80% of
our total immune reactions and testing blood (where white blood cells are) is the
only form of accurate testing. YourGutMap’s UK laboratory will analyse your blood
against 210 food and drink ingredients. Using gold standard ELISA technology,
your exact level of IgG antibody reactions to these ingredients can be identified.
Our Laboratory Commitment- Your Sample Is In Safe Hands
- Proud partnership with YourGutMap, a trusted UK laboratory service in food sensitivity IgG 1-4 analysis
- ISO 9001 accredited laboratory, ensuring standardisation of testing protocols and rigorous quality controls
- 2-3 working day turnaround time from the date of receipt in the laboratory
What do the results look like for a food sensitivity test?
- A colour code scheme of results to identify foods to avoid, limit and consume
- Red Foods are to be avoided and replaced for 12 weeks
- Amber Foods are to be consumed as treats on a weekend or part of a 4 day rotation cycle
- Blue Foods are safe to consume (unless you are allergic to that food)
- Quantitative results identifying your level of reactive against 210 food and drinks
- A total immune load score to show the current immune stress on the body as a results of your current diet
- Guidebook with suggested alternative foods
FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST- SAMPLE COLLECTION HOME TO LABORATORY TESTING KIT
*Food Sensitivity Disclaimer – a food sensitivity is defined as a food specific IgG response. The reaction is measured through IgG responses to foods to help overcome problems associated with adverse delayed immune reactions to food. Our company does not claim to cure any associated diseases or conditions, and always recommend consulting with a GP before undertaking our programme.
**IBS – Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, but can last for days, weeks or months at a time. It’s usually a lifelong problem, can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life.
*** Allergy UK – https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/statistics-and-figures/
**** Hardman and Hart – Dietary advice based on food-specific IgG results Geoffrey Hardman Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York, UK, and Gillian Hart
* The effects of food-specific IgG guided elimination diets on elite sports performance measures in English football, J.Netherwood, 2018