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Home test your way to better health
In last month’s Scientific Bulletin I mentioned that, together with the University of York, we have just completed a literature review of clinical studies from all over the world that have looked at the role for measuring food-specific IgG; the method we use for our foodSCAN testing services. I am delighted to say that this review will be published in the journal “Nutrition and Food Science” on the 19th September 2008. [Click Here for abstract]
“This paper first appeared in Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 37, Issue 1, 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited”…[more]
The charity Allergy UK claims that up to 45% of the population suffers from food hypersensitivity¹. However, there is much confusion, particularly in the media, about different types of food hypersensitivity and how they manifest themselves. Frequently we find that food allergy and food intolerance are confused with each other. This is not surprising when you look at the raft of different mechanisms involved!
There are several mechanisms by which an individual may have an adverse reaction to food². Food hypersensitivity can involve reactions from the body’s own immune system such as:-
• IgE Allergy; the most commonly known, immediate and potentially fatal response to foods (such as peanuts).
• Coeliac Disease; blood tests for Coeliac disease look for specific antibodies; tissue transglutaminase antibody and endomysial antibody. However, a few people with Coeliac disease do not have raised levels of these.
• Delayed onset food allergy, often referred to as food intolerance. Measurement of food-specific IgG antibodies is used as a strategy to identify foods to which an individual may be sensitive. Validated tests such as YorkTest First Step and YorkTest FoodScan 113 are not diagnostic of any condition, but are used by those with chronic conditions, and with Nutritionist support, as an aid to management of dietary intake.
IgE Allergy, Coeliac disease and delayed onset food allergy require different tests to identify them, and different management.
Food sensitivity can also arise from mechanisms that do not involve the body’s immune system. These include adverse reactions due to enzyme deficiencies, for example lactose intolerance, and chemical sensitivities such as reactions to food additives like tartrazine (E102) and sunset yellow (E110).
We offer AllergyCheck a home blood testing service for IgE Allergy. We also provide a two step approach to finding out about whether dietary change could help any delayed onset food allergy (food intolerance). The First Step test is currently on offer at £10 and this will give a YES / NO result to tell you whether food intolerance could be contributing to your ill health symptoms. If you receive a positive result you will then have the opportunity to upgrade your test to measure your food-specific IgG reactions to 113 foods; all from the comfort of your own home.
Optimum level of “friendly” gut bacteria essential for overall good health
Back in March we launched a gut ecology profile testing service (Gut Health Test), which like our FoodScan service also includes a Nutritionist consultation. We all hear about the importance of ‘friendly’ bacteria nowadays, but how do we know if we have enough to support our own individual gut? If we need probiotics which particular type will suit our needs, and how can we optimise our diet to improve our gut health, and general health?
Did you know that the healthy gut is home to around 100,000,000,000,000 microbes more than ten times more than the number of cells in the entire body?! In order for the intestine to work effectively the optimum balance of ‘friendly’ and harmful bacteria (microflora) in the gut must be maintained. This is increasingly difficult as lifestyles have changed.
An increase in stress and modern day living, increased consumption of pharmaceutical compounds such as antibiotics, and the effects of changes in dietary patterns and eating habits can disrupt this balance; shifting the balance of the gut microflora away from potentially beneficial or health-promoting bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, towards an increase in harmful or pathogenic micro-organisms, like the clostridia and proteolytic bacteroides species.
The important role of the gut microflora for maintaining our general health in the prevention of disease is also clear. The bacteria in our guts are constantly interacting with other systems in the body such as the central nervous system, endocrine system and the immune system. Disturbance of this delicate balance may contribute to other disorders that are not obviously related to the gut. Probiotics, lifestyle and dietary changes offer a means to improve the balance of gut microflora³.
YorkTest Gut Health Test is a unique service that tests many different bacteria strains, yeasts and moulds, the presence of undigested carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and physical factors such as sample acidity and sample appearance indicators, all from one stool sample⁴. Based on the results, the individual receives tailored advice from our Nutritionist, and diet recommendations to aid digestion and improve gut function. The suggested regime is designed to help change the composition of the bacteria flora, and the condition of the gut to optimise gut ecology and improve health.
YorkTest has been offering healthcare services direct to the public for over 25 years, and always recommends that the individual also discusses their ill health symptoms with a health professional of their choice.
Role for food-specific IgG based elimination diets
Evidence has suggested that elimination diets based on food-specific IgG measurement can lead to improvements in chronic ill health symptoms. This paper aims to review the evidence from studies on food-specific IgG measurement and dietary change.
Methodology/Approach A literature review of studies on the putative role for food-specific IgG
based elimination diets was undertaken.
Findings The use of fully standardised clinically evaluated food-specific IgG tests as a basis for elimination diet could lead to a considerable improvement in many patients’ quality of life.
Originality / Value This unique review captures evidence for a viable alternative to the time
consuming and expensive elimination diet / food challenge approach.